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Introduction to coconut oil

Everyone is aware of the age-old benefits of coconut oil. It can be found almost everywhere starting from your kitchen, to the dressing table, to shaving kits and a lot more. Preached so much that it has never missed being on the hype since ever, herein in this article you will get to understand and analyse the properties and benefits more closely as it is very important to choose the right product and check the ingredients to match the effective purpose.

Appearance and shelf life

Coconut oil in its unadulterated form is a white coloured substance. It can be solid or liquid depending on exactly what temperature it is being exposed to. It is generally liquid at room temperature but turns solid on temperature below 75 degrees C. However, it is safe to store the oil in both ways. It has a shelf life of about 2-3 years and can start to become rancid after that followed by the colour change to yellow. Also, keep the oil away from direct sunlight.

What are the types of coconut oils available?

Now, coconut oil can be distinguished into two major categories based on whether it is refined or unrefined - fractionated coconut oil (also known as liquid coconut oil) and extra virgin coconut oil.

What is extra virgin coconut oil?

Extra virgin coconut oil is the purest available form of coconut oil and if you come across a bottle of oil labelled as “extra virgin or virgin”, you should know that’s the oil extracted from coconuts without the application of heat and subjugation to any kind of chemicals. Hence, it is closest to the source from which it is obtained.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and antioxidants, it is sure to attain high popularity and demands than any ordinary coconut oil for good reasons. Obtained from the coconut milk of fresh coconuts, this oil is processed without the involvement of heat or sunlight and undergoes natural processing like fermentation, centrifugal separation, refrigeration and action of enzymes.

Thus, it has a good smell and taste and preserves the natural goodness of the source. Due to the high concentration of vitamin-e and minerals this oil has high antioxidant properties and is more durable. It is an effective moisturising agent and is absolutely safe to use.

What is fractionated coconut oil?

On the other hand, fractionated coconut oil is refined oil and hence has been subjugated to heat, sunlight, and in many cases also chemical processing. This in turn, removes Lauric acid and some basic vitamins and minerals from the oil. It’s colour, taste, and smell also may vary depending on the processing. Due to refining, this oil has a higher smoke point and can be used for cooking purposes. But, it is also important to ensure as to how exactly the oil has been refined.

Benefits

It is safe to use this oil if it has been refined by heat, friction, or gravity unless and until exposed to chemicals. It also has high hydration properties and penetrates easily to the skin leaving it moisturised and non-greasy. The high amount of antioxidants present in this oil are ideal for treating dry and damaged hair. It can also be used in lip balms. Satthwa’s anti-dandruff hair oil is made from fractionated coconut oil, tea tree oil and lemon oil is designed to treat dandruff naturally. It consists of fractionated coconut oil which helps it to remain in liquid form in all weather conditions. Also, during winters, the condition of dandruff aggravates and using virgin coconut oil will further clog your pores. Hence the absence of lauric acid allows for the tea tree oil to deeply penetrate and treat dandruff from the core.

Now that you are exactly aware of which type of coconut oil is best suitable for the purpose you are looking for. For much such useful information stay tuned and wait for more amazing tips.