10 Best Coconut Oils in the Philippines 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By a Nutritionist-Dietitian

Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.

To know more about her practice, you can like and follow her Instagram and Facebook page.

Coconut oil comes from pressing the kernels, meat, and milk of the coconut palm and fruit. It is widely used in food and beauty products because coconut oil is rich in heart-healthy fatty acids and contains no cholesterol. 

The fatty acids found in coconut oil don't only encourage fat burning but also provides energy for both the body and brain! In beauty, coconut oil can even be used as a moisturizer to nourish the skin, hair, and nails. How amazing!

Not all coconut oils are the same. You may encounter different varieties when shopping, and this can be a bit confusing if you're not that familiar with them. Don't worry though! We have the perfect guide to help you choose the best coconut oil.

To make sure that you get the best coconut oil that meets your needs and preferences, lets's decode what the labels mean.

We all know there's a clear distinction between "virgin" olive oil and "extra-virgin" olive oil. But with coconut oil, the labels "pure", "virgin" and "extra-virgin" oils actually mean the same thing. These are considered unrefined coconut oil because it has no added chemicals and flavor.

Virgin coconut oil is basically the essence of the coconut. It is extracted from the first pressing of fresh coconut meat - where it packs all the nutrients of the coconut - and boasts a strong scent and flavor. This type is good for cooking or baking in low temperatures, but it usually costs more than refined coconut oil.

Refined coconut oil is made from copra or dried coconut meat. It is pressed to release the oil, processed with the use of heat or steam, and sometimes added with chemical solvents. The refinement process bleaches the oil, removes impurities, and strips away some of the nutrients and flavor. 

Some labels list their bottles as "RBD oil" which stands for “refined, bleached, and deodorized”. Compared to its unrefined counterpart, this type has a higher smoking point which makes it ideal for cooking in high temperatures, such as deep-frying. 

Its shelf life is much longer, and it's easily available in the market with prices far cheaper than VCOs. This oil is also odorless and flavorless, so it's the healthier alternative to regular cooking oil.

MCT Oil is a refined version of coconut oil, which only contains MCT. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat that is digested by the body easily. It's used to increase your energy, satiate your sugar cravings, and help with weight loss. 

It is a supplement often added to dips, dressings, and drinks such as a healthy smoothie or a cup of coffee. What's the difference between regular coconut oil and MCT oil? Coconut oil contains MCT of about 54%, which is best used for your cooking needs and beauty regimen. 

MCT oil, on the other hand, is concentrated with 100% MCT, which is best used for diets and energy production. Add MCT to your bulletproof coffee,  and you get a day's worth of energy!

Fractionated coconut oil is basically the non-edible version of MCT oil. Both contain the same medium-chain-triglycerides, although MCT oil is purer and safer to eat. Fractionated coconut oil is flavorless and odorless, but not edible - so its main purpose is to moisturize your skin.

Massage therapists love using this oil because it has a very light nature and it's easily absorbed by the skin. Unlike most MCT oils, it contains lauric acid which is a powerful germ-killer. Fractionated coconut oil can also improve dry skin and even reduce the symptoms of eczema - a wonderful addition to your skincare routine!

There are basically three types of oil extraction methods: cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, and centrifuged. When taking your pick, go for cold-pressed coconut oil. The cold-pressed type uses a temperature-controlled environment during the entire extraction process. This process helps maintain its nutritional value.

Since coconut oil has nutrients with antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties - you would want to get the type that keeps all of them. Cold-pressed coconut oil can be taken as a daily health supplement when added to your drinks or meals, or you can apply it to your skin, hair, and nails for that extra nourishment.

Here are our Top 10 picks for the best coconut oils available online. Now that we have decoded the labels, we believe choosing the best fit won't be a problem. Take a look at our comparison table as well to easily determine the different types and prices.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Here are some ways you can use your coconut oil to its full potential. Read the first part for storage tips and the second part for more ways you can use coconut oil.

You may ask yourself, "Why are some coconut oils in liquid form, and why do some look like a frozen block?" Depending on the environment and temperature, coconut oil may take a solid or liquid form. 

Don't worry if your oil looks different from the pictures; it doesn't mean it's gone bad. However, do keep in mind that constant temperature changes may affect its shelf-life. Coconut oil naturally has a long shelf-life that can go up to 2 years - but there are chances that it can go rancid if not stored properly. 

Although it isn't necessary, you may opt to keep your coconut oil in the refrigerator or tightly seal it in a container and have it stored in a cool, dry place. Note that exposure to oxygen can break down the oil and make it spoil faster!

Coconut oil is extremely versatile and is filled with a lot of goodness and benefits. Many manufacturers suggest taking it as a dietary supplement as a health booster or applying it topically to keep yourself moisturized. Yet, the uses of coconut oil do not end there! Here are other ways of using it:

Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that claims to improve dental health and hygiene such as teeth whitening and freshening of the breath. It involves using the oil as a mouthwash, swishing it around the mouth. Since coconut oil has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it's a great choice!

What You'll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

• Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, be careful not to swallow any
• Spit the oil (in a trashcan to prevent your sink from clogging)
• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Brush teeth

If you don't want to spend on body scrubs, you can make a DIY version at home. Exfoliating your skin regularly removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and combats the aging process. Combine that with the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil, and your skin will thank you! Here is an easy and all-natural 2-ingredient recipe that will leave your skin smooth and moisturized:

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• A handful of coarse salt or sugar 

Procedure:

• Mix coconut oil and salt or sugar together
• Apply on skin and exfoliate away!

Coconut oil is a safe, all-natural, and effective insect repellent. Some studies show that it is more effective than DEET, an active ingredient found in commercially available synthetic insect repellents. Not only will you keep the insects away, but you'll get to nourish your skin during the process as coconut oil is nature's moisturizer.

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
• 50 drops of essential oils (tea tree oil, rosemary oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, etc.)

Procedure:

• Mix coconut oil and essential oil together in a spray bottle
• Apply regularly on skin whenever exposed to bugs
• Reapply after swimming or when you sweat a lot

Still have some unanswered questions on your mind? Let this article's expert, Samantha Morales, answer them for you!

The answer is about 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. When taking virgin coconut oil, I suggest trying 1 to 2 teaspoons, then gradually increase up to 1 to 2 tablespoons per day over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.

Coconut oil is stable enough to be used for cooking. Aside from being a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that help boost your metabolism, it also contains lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut oil can go bad if it gets contaminated due to improper storage. The best way to store it is away from heat (away from the stove) and inside the pantry. It usually lasts for 2 years when kept in an air-tight container.

Here is a nutritionist-dietician-approved coconut oil recommended by Samantha Morales and why she recommends it!

Need more oils to incorporate in your daily routine? They sure do pack a punch with their uses and benefits. Check out the best oils that go well for cooking, as well as the best oils that nourish the body and hair!

Coconut oil can do wonders for your overall health, wellness, and beauty! The uses for it are endless as it contains numerous benefits. Keep in mind that it is always best to go for cold-pressed VCOs in order to get all the nutrients it has to offer. Proper storage is also important so that your oil won't get rancid and go to waste.

Author: Issa Honda

Reviewed by: Samantha Morales, RND

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