What Are The Benefits of Unrefined Coconut Oil?
What is Unrefined Coconut Oil?
Also known as virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil. Unrefined Coconut oil is a natural, minimally processed oil that gets extracted from fresh coconut meat. Unlike refined versions, it retains its tropical aroma, flavor, and a wealth of beneficial compounds.
Whether you're stirring it into your coffee, using it as a cooking oil substitute or applying it to your skin, unrefined coconut oil offers a nice variety of potential health and wellness benefits.
How Is Unrefined Coconut Oil Made?
Unrefined coconut oil is made using cold or wet pressing methods. It is solid at room temperature and melts easily when warmed, it typically has a shelf life of up to 2–3 years when stored properly. This will help preserve its natural nutrients, antioxidants, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
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What are Medium-Chain Triglycerides?
Medium-Chain Triglycerides, also known as MCTs, are a type of fat found in certain foods like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy products. Unlike most fats in your diet(long-chain triglycerides), MCTs are shorter in length, making them easier for your body to digest and use for energy.
How Are MCTs Different From Other Fats?
Most dietary fats need to be broken down in the digestive system and then processed by the liver before the body can use them, but MCTs take a shortcut. Because of their smaller size, MCTs go straight from the gut to your liver, where they can be turned into ketones, which are a type of fuel your brain and body can use right away. This is why MCTs have often been called “quick energy fats.”
What Are the Benefits of MCTs?
MCTs have been linked to several potential health benefits:
- Boosted energy and endurance: Athletes and active people often use MCTs to get fast energy during workouts.
- Support for weight management: Some studies suggest MCTs may help you feel fuller longer and boost fat burning.
- Brain support: MCTs are a favorite in low-carb and ketogenic diets because they can provide ketones, which may offer fuel for the brain.
- Easier digestion: People with trouble digesting fats. Those who deal with certain digestive disorders, may tolerate MCTs better than other fats.
Where Can I Find MCTs?
You can get MCTs naturally from foods like:
- Coconut oil (about 55% MCTs)
- Palm kernel oil
- Full-fat dairy products (like butter and cheese)
You can also buy MCT oil supplements, which are purified forms of MCTs. These are often added to smoothies, coffee (like Bulletproof coffee), or taken by the spoonful.
Are MCTs Safe?
Yes, MCTs are generally considered safe for most people when used in moderation. However, taking too much MCT oil too quickly may cause your stomach to get upset or diarrhea. It’s best to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.
These MCTs, particularly lauric acid, are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are The Health and Wellness Benefits Of Unrefined Coconut Oil?
Supports Energy and Metabolism
The MCTs in unrefined coconut oil are rapidly absorbed and converted into energy, potentially aiding in weight management and providing a quick energy source for your body.
Enhances Your Skin Health
Applied topically, unrefined coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer, improving your skin's hydration and barrier function. It's been shown to help alleviate symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Promotes Hair Strength
Unrefined coconut oil penetrates your hair strands, reducing protein loss and preventing damage. Regular use can lead to stronger, shinier hair.
Supports Oral Health
Practicing oil pulling with coconut oil may reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, decrease plaque formation, and improve overall oral hygiene. Swish some back and forth in your mouth, when it is in liquid form.
Provides Antioxidant Protection
Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, unrefined coconut oil helps combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases that affect many people.
Considerations for Heart Health
While unrefined coconut oil offers several benefits, it's important to consume it in moderation. It is high in saturated fats, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the chance and risk of heart disease. Balancing its intake with other healthy fats is advisable.
What Are The Best Ways to Incorporate Unrefined Coconut Oil?
Cooking: Use it for sautéing or baking to add a subtle coconut flavor to dishes.
Skincare: Apply as a moisturizer for dry skin areas. When it is at room temperature the oil will melt against your skin naturally just from your body heat.
Haircare: Use as a pre-wash treatment to nourish and protect hair.
Oral Care: Practice oil pulling by swishing a tablespoon in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
Unrefined coconut oil is a versatile addition to both your kitchen and personal care routine. By understanding its benefits and using it thoughtfully, you can enjoy its natural advantages while maintaining a balanced approach to health and wellness.
Author: Jon Scott
"As a company we adore unrefined coconut oil. It is full of beneficial nutrients and compounds that are known to help with skin softness, repairing of the skin cells, helping with heat rashes and much more. We use it in the majority of our bath and body products for our lotions, sticks, bath salts and pet care."