Coconut oil is a unique product from Central Asia. It has received wide cosmetic use for skin, hair, and nail care. Which coconut oil to choose, watch the video:
Compound
Unrefined coconut oil is obtained by cold pressing the pulp of the nut fruit. The product has a pleasant aroma and beautiful color. After undergoing the refining procedure, the substance loses a small amount of useful ingredients, and the smell becomes barely perceptible. When choosing the type of oil, it is better to give preference to unrefined due to its higher concentration of minerals and vitamins.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid (in the unrefined substance up to 50% of the total mass), capric and caprylic, oleic, lanolin acids, vitamins A, C, E and minerals. Due to these ingredients, the product has the following special properties for skin and hair:
- Regenerating – restores skin cells;
- Antimicrobial – protection and fight against harmful microorganisms;
- Antioxidant – protecting cells from aggressive environmental influences;
- Antifungal;
- Moisturizing and nourishing.
How to choose the right coconut oil? Do you need natural unrefined coconut oil for food, hair, or body?
The oil is a completely natural product. A solid mass of opaque white color becomes liquid at positive temperatures above 25 degrees by heating or rubbing between the palms. It is worth noting that the substance is stored for a long time, which makes it even more popular due to its low consumption.
Coconut in cosmetology
- This magical emulsion is used to moisturize very dry skin and fill it with micronutrients. The substance also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic properties, so it can be used even for sensitive skin.
- The product is actively used as a protective agent against the scorching sun, salt water, wind and other external adverse environmental factors.
- The oil can be used as a makeup remover and lip balm. Face and body scrubs with coconut ingredients are widely used.
- The product is also suitable for caring for cuticles, your hands will look well-groomed and your nails will look healthy.
For hair
This product is also used for hair care. It can be used in its pure form. It is worth noting that it is much easier to wash out of curls compared to, for example, burdock.
With regular use, hair will become healthier, shiny, moisturized, and strong.
Dry ends will be filled with much-needed nourishment and will no longer look lifeless.
Coconut oil protects the hair follicles from protein loss and, accordingly, prevents hair loss and prevents the development of dandruff. Curls become more elastic and bouncy.
For more information about the properties of unrefined coconut oil, see the following video.
Mode of application
The oil can be used in its pure form, applied directly to the hair. To give them vitality, strengthen, restore, and enhance growth, the product is applied directly to the scalp. The solid substance is heated in a water bath to a liquid state and rubbed into the skin with massage movements.
Head massage using coconut emulsion helps increase blood circulation, nourishing the scalp and hair follicles. It should be noted that those with oily hair should use coconut oil with caution to avoid oversaturating the roots with nutrients, which will make the strands even more oily and lacking volume.
Oil helps wash out even persistent paint and henna; this fact must be taken into account when applying the product.
The oil from the roots must be evenly distributed over the entire length of the strands with a comb or comb. To enhance the effect, put on a shower cap and wrap your head with a towel. It is recommended to leave the product for 2 hours; to achieve the best effect, the time should be increased. Afterwards, wash your hair with shampoo, preferably sulfate-free. This procedure should be repeated once every two weeks. The result is thick, shiny, healthy hair.
To nourish and moisturize dry ends, it is recommended to use the oil directly on the affected areas. Treated ends should be left for several hours to allow the product to be absorbed. Then, wash your hair with shampoo. If you regularly nourish the ends of your hair with coconut emulsion, you can achieve amazing results - your hair will be smooth and shiny, and your ends will look healthy.
As a thermal protection, you can use a few drops of coconut oil, pre-warmed in your palms until liquid. It must be applied both to damp hair and to clean, dry hair immediately before styling with a hairdryer, curling iron or flat iron.
The use of this product will not only protect your curls from drying out, but will also tame unruly strands and make your hair more neat.
Another way to use coconut hair product is to add a few drops of the substance to your regular shampoo or hair conditioner.
Masks
As noted above, coconut oil can be used in conjunction with other essential oils in hair masks.
Let's look at the most popular combinations.
You will learn how to prepare a hair mask with unrefined coconut oil in the video:
For thickness
Add one egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of cognac to a mixture of coconut and almond oils (1 tablespoon each). Apply the resulting composition to the entire surface of the strands and leave for 2 hours. Then the mass must be washed off with regular shampoo. With weekly use of this mask, you will notice that your hair will become thicker, stronger and healthier.
For growth
To accelerate growth, the following mask is perfect: mix 2 tablespoons of coconut emulsion, 1 tablespoon of fat sour cream and half a banana softened with a spoon and apply evenly to the entire surface of the hair. Leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse with water and shampoo.
Recovery
To add shine, improve their appearance, and restore the structure of the shaft, you can use a kind of oil cocktail from a mixture of coconut oil and others: olive, burdock, lavender, castor, apricot. The composition must be distributed on the hair and left for 2 hours. Afterwards, rinse with warm water and shampoo.
The risk of buying a low-quality or simply unsuitable product is quite high. Consider when purchasing:
- Compound. The label should read “100% coconut oil”, without any extraneous additives.
- Aroma. The oil should smell like coconut or be odorless. If the aroma is chemical, it means that fragrances were used in production.
- Color. The color of the product varies in the liquid state from clear to straw. When frozen - from milky to pale yellow. The yellow color will tell you that this is a poorly refined oil.
- Consistency. If the oil does not harden at room temperature, it means there are foreign impurities in its composition.
- Best before date. This product does not exceed 18 months after opening the package.
- Place of purchase. Buy only in specialized stores. If it is an online site, then look for reviews of their products.
- Package. Although glass jars are heavier than plastic, they are more environmentally friendly. Plastic packaging must be labeled “BPA Free” or have a triangle with the number 1 on it.
Advice! Avoid buying oil in opaque packaging, through which you cannot see its color.
Storage rules
Coconut oil is not a fussy product. But there are several nuances, observing which the oil will retain its freshness for a long time.
- Protect from sunlight and store in a dark place.
- Oil doesn't like cold. It needs room temperature. But if you have to store it in the refrigerator, place the bottle on the lower side shelf where the temperature is not lower than +5°C
- The bathroom is not suitable for storage due to temperature fluctuations.
Advice! At room temperature, the butter thickens; to melt it, it is recommended to heat it in warm water or in the microwave. You don't need to do this all the time - it will spoil. It is better to reheat it in small portions.
Differences: real coconut oil and fake
To check whether the product is fake or natural, pay attention to the consistency of the product. As already mentioned, at temperatures below 25°C it hardens and loses transparency. Put it in the refrigerator for a while and if it is real butter, it will thicken. The packaging should also contain the inscription “100% coconut oil”. If the composition contains water and fragrances, it is difficult to call this oil real.
Varieties
Finished oil is a processed product and nothing can be done about it. The quality of the oil depends on how pure it is and whether the beneficial substances were preserved during the processing of coconuts.
The best oil is considered to be first cold pressed - virgin coconut oil. There is also refined and unrefined, hot and cold pressed.
Cold and hot press
Cold pressed coconut oil made from fresh green coconuts with a little oil in them. Nuts are processed under cold-pressed or in a centrifuge. The result is an oil with a subtle coconut smell and taste, with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. When frozen it is white, when liquid it is transparent. Most often with a heterogeneous texture.
By hot pressing you can get more oil, because it is made from dried copra. The oil is extracted by chemical extraction or hot-pressed. Not as aromatic and simpler in taste, with fewer nutrients, it is inferior to cold-pressed oil. The texture is homogeneous, with a golden hue.
Cold pressed oil is used for food- it can be used to dress salads, make sandwiches, add to baked goods and use as a dietary supplement. Hot pressed oil is more often used for the body and how.
Reference! Only 10-15% of the world's coconut oil is extracted using the cold process.
Unrefined and refined
Refining is the process of removing foreign impurities. Most often, the oil is simply filtered. Refined oil is also called bleached and deodorized. The finished product has a weak taste and smell, or does not have it at all.
Unrefined is a cold-pressed oil with a rich aroma and taste. It can be used as a cosmetic and for cooking.
Coconut oil in cosmetology
Coconut oil perfectly moisturizes, nourishes and protects the skin. Therefore, it is used to make cosmetics. It is good in its pure form, but when using it you need to know some of the features of this product.
For face
The oil is used as a component of masks, creams and in mixtures with other oils. Apply to well cleansed skin.
Important! Unrefined oil has a comedogenic effect.
For tanning in the sun
This product is considered a natural sunscreen that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Helps with sunburn. Evens out tan.
Important! Will not completely replace sunscreen.
For hair
Coconut oil is considered one of the best for hair. It gently envelops the hair shaft, reducing protein loss during shampooing. The best effect is achieved if you apply the oil before washing your hair and after, while combing. You can apply the product only to the ends of dry hair.
For eyelashes
Strengthens eyelashes, making them thick and lush. Apply the oil overnight with a soft brush. Remove excess with a cotton swab.
Important! Avoid getting oil in your eyes.
For eyebrows
Oil is similarly used to strengthen and grow eyebrows. The product is applied to the hairs, lightly massaged, rubbing the oil into the skin, and removes excess. Do this for 2-4 weeks and your eyebrows will begin to grow thicker.
For nails
Coconut oil strengthens nails and cuticles well. Use it pure or add it to hand cream.
Rating of manufacturers of coconut oils for body and hair
Coconut oil is produced in Asian countries and even in the USA. You can buy this product while traveling or order it in the online store. Let's look at the most popular brands of coconut oils. Below is a rating of popular oils with a price per 100 ml in terms of price/quality ratio - can it be used in food, ease of packaging, smell, how well it is applied and absorbed.
11th place: Zeitoun, Jordan
Price/Quality: 5/5
450 rub. - 100 ml
The production still uses manual labor and does not use preservatives.
— The products are quite expensive.
+/- The oil itself is odorless, refined. You may like unscented oil, so we'll leave it a neutral rating.
The product is packaged in dark plastic bottles with a capacity of 100 ml. The neck is wrapped in green paper and tied with twine. There is solid oil, 50 grams in a plastic jar. It is more convenient than a bottle, in which the color of the product is not visible and from which it is inconvenient to squeeze out frozen oil.
10th place: Alaffia, USA 6/5
843 rub. - 325 ml
Organic, unrefined oil in a 325 g flat jar.
The label states that the product does not contain GMOs and is not tested on animals.
— The smell is artificial, but there are no marks on the packaging about the fragrances used.
— The consistency is dense, smooth, and absorbs for a long time.
-/+ According to reviews, the product is too greasy for hair, but is excellent for the body - it makes the skin velvety, moisturized, and gives a scent that lasts for several hours.
— The manufacturer indicated that the oil should not be added to food.
9th place: Parachute, India 6/6
170 rub. - 100 gr
Very popular due to its affordable price and, last but not least, packaging from 100 ml to 1 liter. Packaged in a wide-necked jar or blue bottle with a drop-shaped recess and a logo on the lid.
The oil is unrefined, not deodorized, with a sweet aroma.
- Suitable for body only.
Important. The packaging must have a sticker with Russian text about the composition, importer and method of use.
8th place: Tropicana, Thailand 7/7
2360 rub. for 1 l
100% pure unrefined cold pressed oil in a transparent plastic bottle or rectangular package with a dispenser.
It is convenient to squeeze the product out of the jar.
The smell of real coconut, sweet, does not remain on the skin.
+/- The consistency is pleasant; in liquid form it is not quickly absorbed. Therefore, it is better to apply in a semi-solid state.
7th place: Nutiva, USA 7/7
2255 rub. - 1.6 l
This company is distinguished by strict control over finished products and raw materials. All oils meet the high standards set by the US Department of Agriculture. Therefore, the Organic label can be trusted. High-quality Organic Extra Virgin oil - organic, unrefined, cold and first pressed.
The most beneficial, suitable for both the body and food.
Smells like coconut.
+/- The consistency is dense, crumbles in your hands into lumps that are quickly absorbed.
- It may be too greasy for hair.
6th place: Now Foods, USA 7/8
Cold pressed - 1891 rub. for 591 ml, refined - 846 rub. for 207 ml
This brand produces not only organic products and superfoods, but also two types of coconut oil:
Unrefined cold pressed oil is packaged in a 355 ml jar.
The protective film on the packaging will prevent the product from leaking.
— The mass itself has a yellow tint and a light coconut aroma.
Easy to apply, absorption rate is average, but the effect of moisturized skin remains for a long time.
Refined is sold in a heavy glass jar with an iron lid, volume 207 ml.
+/- Odorless, milky white color.
If the first one can be used in food, then the second one, refined, is only for external use.
5th place: Life Coco, Vietnam 8/8
260 rub. for 250 ml
Cold pressed oil in a 250 ml plastic or glass bottle. This cheap and high-quality oil has earned the love of customers.
There are instructions in Russian.
Delicious coconut scent.
Can be used in food and as a cosmetic product.
Absorbs well, moisturizes the skin, gives it aroma.
Suitable for hair.
4th place: Blossom, Thailand 8/9
390 rub. - 100 ml
Packaged in a plastic “puck”, jar, bottle with a dispenser. Available in volumes of 100, 200, 400 ml.
Unrefined, non-deodorized, cold-pressed product.
The smell is subtle, sweetish, non-chemical.
Delicate consistency that melts in your hands.
Easy to apply to both skin and hair.
Can be added to food.
3rd place: All Good, Elemental Herbs, USA 8/10
857 rub. - 222 ml
Another good edible oil. Unrefined, organic oil in a convenient 222 g glass jar.
The smell is subtle and fresh.
Rubs quickly in your hands and is absorbed, leaving the skin moisturized for a long time.
Doesn't weigh down hair.
2nd place: Baraka, Sri Lanka 8/10
890 rub. - 500 ml
This is a well-known and time-tested brand. The manufacturer approached packaging in a very original way. You can buy standard plastic and glass bottles, as well as portioned bags with 10 grams of product or a 5, 10 liter canister. The line includes refined and unrefined oils.
The smell is bright, without foreign impurities. Shade - depending on the type, from white to yellowish.
The consistency is homogeneous.
You can cook with unrefined, cold-pressed oil and add it to food.
1st place: Artisana, USA 10/10
565 rub. - 397 gr
Produces “raw” or unrefined organic cold-pressed coconut oil in a 397 g glass jar.
Suitable for consumption.
The label contains marks of quality and compliance with standards.
After removing the protective membrane from the jars, you can smell a light coconut scent.
The mass itself is white, with a dense consistency.
It rubs quickly, melts and absorbs perfectly.
Doesn't make hair greasy.
Coconut oil is a wonderful product that protects and nourishes hair and skin. Be sure to buy this for your makeup bag. Among budget oils there are worthy rivals to expensive products. We hope this rating will help you choose the right one. Tell us about your experience using one of these oils in the comments.
from hot pressed oil? Which coconut oil is suitable for food and which is suitable for external use? The answers to these and other questions are in this article.
Today, more and more often on store shelves you can find products made on its basis. Many consider this variety to be a common marketing ploy, and the use of coconut oil in food is nothing more than a fad. However, for many peoples it has long become a traditional ingredient, and has been used for several thousand years. Research proving the benefits of coconut oil has also been conducted for a relatively long time. For example, lauric acid, which is part of it, has been used for more than 50 years to combat pathogenic bacteria. And in Europe and the USA, coconut oil has long been considered a favorite ingredient of bakery manufacturers, as it has a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees.
However, these benefits really fade when doctors start rattling off a list of coconut oil's medical "achievements." It helps even in extreme situations. For example, it is considered a real salvation for patients with hypothyroidism (or hypothyroidism). This is a body condition characterized by decreased production of thyroid hormone, which may be associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil Helps improve metabolism and increase body temperature to promote thyroid health. Limiting carbohydrates and increasing coconut oil in your diet can also help you lose weight. By applying the oil directly to the skin, you can fight various skin conditions. The effect of oil on hair is also priceless. Another plus: it helps in the fight against infections and viruses. today it increasingly attracts athletes and fitness trainers, maintaining the necessary level of energy in the body without drugs or stimulants.
Cold pressed coconut oilVS hot pressed oil
However, in order to fully enjoy all the beneficial properties of coconut oil, you need to choose the right product. But how to do this if there are dozens of types of coconut oil on the market and all at different prices? It's very simple - you just need to read the information on the label. And the first thing that will interest us is squeezing coconut oil. If the label says Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, it is an oil obtained using cold-pressed technology. If the label simply says Coconut Oil without further details, then this is a hot-pressed product, or a mixture of refined and unrefined coconut oil. We'll deal with refining a little later, but for now a few words about hot and cold pressing.
The fact is that coconut oil, like all other types of vegetable oils, by its nature is already a processed product because it does not grow on a tree. All coconut oils must first be extracted from the coconut, so from a technical point of view, they are not 100% natural, as they involve some kind of processing process. The whole question is what kind of process. Humanity has essentially come up with only two ways to extract oil from coconut pulp: cold-pressed and hot-pressed. Cold pressing is more gentle and allows you to retain much more nutrients. Fresh coconut pulp is cold pressed and the oil is squeezed out using a regular press. One thousand mature coconuts, weighing 1440 kg, yield approximately 170 kg of pulp, from which only 70 liters of the highest quality coconut oil can be cold pressed. This oil (extra virgin) is the most natural, retaining the most beneficial substances. The only negative is that oil obtained in this way will be more expensive.
The hot or “dry” processing method (hot pressing) involves drying the coconut flesh in special ovens or in the sun. Then oil is extracted from it using the same pressing or chemicals. As you understand, this method is much less delicate, which means it does not spare the beneficial substances contained in the oil.
Unrefined VS refined
Now we move on to the notorious refining process. If a jar of coconut oil says Extra Virgin or Virgin, it is 100% unrefined oil. If the package says Refined or RBD, it is refined oil. Refined oil is most often obtained from hot-pressed oils. What is the refining process? In simple terms, all phospholipids, metals (they are also in the oil, of course), minerals, salts, free fatty acids, natural flavors (the smell of coconut) and white are separated from the oil by heating, adding water, various acids and sodium hydroxide. - yellowish color. The result is an oil that lasts a couple of years longer, has a clearer color, less odor, is easier to transport, does not clump, and is more resistant to temperature changes. From a trading point of view, this is an ideal product. Only there are much fewer useful substances in refined oil - after all, the amino acids, minerals and salts that coconut oil is rich in are precisely removed during refining.
What is unrefined coconut oil used for?
Now about which coconut oil is used for what. It is interesting because it can be used both in cooking and in cosmetology. It is ideal for children's and dietary diets. You can add coconut oil to almost all dishes; it is suitable for desserts, soups, salads, and drinks.
As if enveloping all the insides, it heals damaged mucous membranes, so it is especially useful to use it internally for patients with ulcers, and the active fight against pathogenic bacteria, which we talked about at the beginning, makes it indispensable for patients with gastritis, gastroduodenitis and diseases of the duodenum. Another spectrum of action is associated with the removal of cholesterol, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.
It is also useful for losing weight. To get rid of excess weight and prevent obesity, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of warm water with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil before each meal.
If unrefined coconut oil Do not use it internally, but just rinse your mouth with it, you can already achieve an excellent effect. Fifteen minutes of rinsing with a tablespoon of oil will relieve bad breath, diseases of the teeth and oral cavity. Although we still recommend taking a sip of the miraculous oil. Among other things, it has an anti-stress effect, and this is really important in our time.
For cosmetic purposes, unrefined coconut oil can help treat psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema. Experts also recommend using coconut oil as an additive to creams, tonics and lotions. Then the products you already know will acquire a moisturizing and softening effect. Coconut oil is also indispensable during the beach season. Apply before tanning - the vitamin E included in the composition will protect against excessive ultraviolet radiation, apply after sunbathing - protect against discomfort, a feeling of tightness and redness. Unrefined coconut oil can even be used in a solarium! Both for tanning and against sunburn.
What is refined coconut oil used for?
Refined coconut oil is also valuable. But exclusively for external use. It is used to get rid of cracked heels or rough skin on the elbows, and for hair care. It is recommended to add both refined and unrefined coconut oil to masks, balms and hair conditioners; you can treat split ends with it. With constant use, hair will become more manageable, shiny and silky.
Coconut oil is made from the so-called copra - the pulp of the coconut. At the same time, to produce one liter of coconut oil, you will need the pulp of 30-40 nuts.
Coconut oil is presented on the market in large quantities, of different brands, different countries of production, but at the same time, coconut oil produced in India and Thailand is considered classic.
Cold pressed unrefined coconut oil has an interesting natural feature. If the ambient temperature is +24 C and above, it becomes liquid and transparent like water, if the temperature drops below +24 C, it becomes like Vaseline.
Buy unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil (500 ml) "BANNA" Coconut Oil 100% in the Online Store from Thailand OrganicThai.
For a long time, coconut oil was not consumed as food, but in vain! After all, coconut oil does not contain cholesterol and contains only healthy fats. Taking 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 20 minutes before starting a meal will relieve your body of diet stress and speed up your metabolism.
Uses of cold pressed unrefined coconut oil:
Body care:
Cold pressed coconut oil from Winner Wash is very beneficial for the skin, it helps moisturize and nourish the skin for a long time. Thanks to the content of lauric acid, the oil helps smooth out fine wrinkles on the skin and restores natural color.
Hair care:
Coconut oil can prevent split ends and give hair a healthy shine and shine along its entire length. When applied to hair, it forms a thin film on each hair. It is necessary to apply the oil to your hair for 1-2 hours a couple of times a week, then rinse your hair with shampoo twice; the effect of such a mask will be noticeable after the first use.
Oral care:
Cold-pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil helps cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria and has whitening properties. This occurs due to the contact of oil acids with tooth enamel. To do this, you need to rinse your mouth for 5-15 minutes a day, repeating several times a week.
For cooking food:
Coconut oil has a sweet taste and amazing aroma, which will certainly be a highlight for the preparation of confectionery and add piquancy to salads and meat or fish dishes.
Today I will talk about what kind of coconut oil I buy, why I choose both refined and unrefined, and how I use it.
Of course, for many, coconut oil is primarily a product for skin and hair care, that is, more cosmetic, and I also use it for cosmetic purposes, I even wrote about it four years ago - when I was just starting to blog (this ). But after 5 years of active use, I am still more inclined to believe that coconut oil is primarily a food, since that is how it provides the greatest benefit. It is also wonderful for skin/hair, and in mixtures it gives a good effect, but on its own it is slightly weaker than other oils.
How is it useful in food?
This oil contains a large amount of fatty acids with a medium carbon chain length (regular oils have long chains), they are easily broken down and absorbed, improve digestion and liver function, promote weight loss(they are not stored in reserve, but provide energy). One of the most important components in coconut oil is lauric acid, it has strong antiviral and antibacterial activity, therefore it helps improve immunity, protects the body from various infections and diseases (by the way, breast milk contains the same acid, it helps protect the child’s body from diseases ). Due to its antiviral and antifungal activity, it is useful to eat as a preventive measure for herpes and thrush. Myristic fatty acid, which is present here, is also very useful for us; it enhances the production of elastin and collagen, which are responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Briefly about when it is recommended to take coconut oil internally (ATTENTION! Not for treatment, but for general benefit and prevention, to enrich food!!!): for psoriasis, to strengthen the immune system, for flu and colds, to reduce cholesterol levels, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, to normalize blood pressure, to lose weight, to speed up metabolism, to improve the absorption of nutrients, such as calcium ; and much more.
Coconut oil does not go rancid and is stored outside refrigerator much longer than other oils (even in the heat!) - the special composition and the presence of natural antioxidants help maintain its freshness and without preservatives.
What is it like?
~ cosmetic- most often it is either not very well purified or with certain additives that prevent it from thickening in the cold, such oil is not suitable for food!
~ food- it can be used for both food and cosmetic purposes, plus there are now many organic options, which guarantees benefits and safety. Among food products, I buy refined and unrefined, each has its own advantages:
- refined does not smell of anything, and is practically unsuitable for cosmetic purposes, but it is best suited for frying, absolutely everything - vegetables, meat, and anything else. I rarely fry, but when I do, I ONLY use coconut oil. Why? Because this is ONE OF THE FEW oils that does not change its properties at high temperatures and does not form carcinogens.
- unrefined - oh, this is heavenly heaven, it smells divine of creamy nuts, yet coconut is naturally given the most magnificent aroma, and it is not lost during cold pressing. This oil is also suitable for frying, but because it smells so delicious, you can’t fry meat and onions in it, but pancakes and cheesecakes are great.
~ I add a spoonful to oatmeal for breakfast - it adds creaminess and tenderness, plus it increases the beneficial and nutritional properties;
~ I add a spoon or two to fruit and vegetable smoothies - the blender mixes it so that it is not noticeable among the fruits and vegetables, but the smoothie becomes even tastier;
~ add to baked goods, after melting until liquid;
~ I spread it on everything I can, in a sense it replaces butter - it’s just like it in appearance, only more delicate, aromatic and many times more useful;
~ one of the very useful ways of using it, which for me personally is one of the most effective: when I feel hungry or have a craving for something tasty, I eat one teaspoon of unrefined coconut oil, it gives me a feeling of fullness and completely discourages the craving for “grub”, thereby promoting weight loss (plus add here the fact that coconut improves metabolism and goes into energy, rather than being stored - in this regard, it is a godsend!).
That is, from all of the above, you probably realized that I don’t have a single day when I don’t eat at least a spoonful of coconut oil, which is why you see it so often in Sunday shopping posts - I often run out of it :). Here are some of the oils I buy:
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1. Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil (Unrefined)
I was one of the first to buy this oil and subsequently bought it several times, its quality is excellent - extra class, cold pressed, obtained without any solvents, there are no additives in it. It is unrefined, smells incomparable - bright, very rich, but tender like a coconut, baked goods and pancakes made with it become masterpieces, no less (even if they look scary :). One of the best oils, I recommend it.
Where to buy and price:
on iHerb here - Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil
($12.49/454 g).
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2. Jarrow Formulas Organic Refined Coconut Oil
And this is refined, as I wrote above, I use it only for frying, it has neither taste nor aroma. The quality is ideal - no foreign odors, no unnecessary additives - it is obtained by screw pressing without the use of solvents, only pure oil. You can fry absolutely anything, there are no restrictions, it is not noticeable in the products at all. If we compare it with sunflower oil, it is more economical, since you need less of it (or I’m so used to using vegetable oils literally in drops, even when frying...).
Where to buy and price: on iHerb here - Jarrow Formulas Organic Coconut Oil ($7.84/454 g).
Here it is frozen - in a cold room coconut oil hardens and turns white, in a warm room it becomes liquid and transparent:
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3. Jarrow Formulas Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
(pictured in the middle)
Virgin oil, without the use of additives, solvents or flavors. The quality is very good - aromatic, rich, giving dishes its own unique aroma. But if we compare, I like Nature’s Way oil a little more among the unrefined ones, it is even more aromatic. Although this is wonderful, plus it is a little cheaper.
Where to buy and price:
on iHerb here - Jarrow Formulas Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
($11.20/454 g).
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4. Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil
This oil is also refined, but it still has a very light aroma and taste of butter, which, however, does not spoil the taste of the dishes, even onions or something similar. It is obtained by cold pressing without the use of chemical solvents; steam is used for purification - there is no chemicals here either.
In general, I like it more than other unrefined ones, so I’ll probably continue to buy it for cooking.
Where to buy and price: on iHerb here
- Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil Refined
($7.52/444 ml).
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5. Nutiva Organic Coconut Manna
And this is not really oil! This is a delicious, delicious thing, the so-called “manna” or puree, here the oil is mixed with coconut pulp, which is ground into flour, as a result there are no creaking coconut flakes, and in consistency it really looks like a puree. The taste is slightly sweet (there are no additives except the coconut itself, and the sweetness here is natural, barely noticeable), rich coconut-nutty, with creaminess and indescribable, heavenly tenderness in the taste, in my opinion, this product has absorbed everything beautiful what coconut can provide in terms of taste and aroma. Due to the fact that there is also pulp, and not just oil, this product is not as fatty as pure oil, so eating it without anything is the greatest pleasure (I don’t use it in cooking). And spread it on a cookie!!! You can go crazy with happiness, the flavor combination is magical :). In general, every morning I start with this “manna” - I add it either to oatmeal, or smear it on something, or just eat a spoonful, enjoying the taste and receiving a charge of positive, sunny coconut energy.
I love this product and highly recommend it to all coconut lovers. Although there is one downside - it runs out quite quickly, faster than oil :(.
Where to buy and price: on iHerb here -
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