What kind of coconut oil to buy

One study even showed that supplementing with virgin coconut oil helped improve bone volume after the onset of osteoporosis. This can help reduce overall calorie consumption, leading to fat loss. One study showed that men who ate the most MCTs from coconut oil, ate an average of fewer calories per day than normal, while another showed those consuming more coconut oil at breakfast also consumed less calories at lunch. Ingredients to Avoid Before you grab the nearest jar of coconut oil, check out the ingredient list so that you can avoid unhealthy toxins that are often added to the oil.

Ingredients to watch out for include added vegetable oils, such as cottonseed and canola oils. The problem with this is that the fats in these oils oxidize quickly, especially under high heat. Refined vs Unrefined Coconut Oil Refined Refined coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut meat using heat and a chemical solvent called hexane. After the oil is extracted, it is then filtered through a bleaching clay and is deodorized. Most coconut oils you see on the shelves are produced this way, unless stated otherwise on the label.

Unfortunately, this method has several limitations. Extracting coconut oil using heat can destroy the delicate nutrients and living enzymes present in coconut oil.

Adding hexane to the process further degrades the oil, as hexane has been shown to cause central nervous system depression, dizziness, nausea, headaches, as well as eye and throat irritations. As such, it has not been filtered, bleached, or deodorized. Unrefined coconut oil is made by mechanically pressing out the oil — without adding any harmful chemicals like hexane. Unlike other types of coconut oil that are made from dried coconuts, virgin coconut oil is made from raw, fresh coconut meat in its most natural state.

It has all of the benefits of coconut oil without the coconut taste. It tastes just like a rich, creamy butter, also making it a great butter substitute for baking, spreading on toast, and drizzling on top of popcorn. This high-quality coconut oil is organic, unrefined, and virgin, but the cost per ounce is considerably less expensive than others on the list.

You can choose from three sizes 15, 30, and 54 ounces so if you use coconut oil a lot, you can buy it in bulk and keep some money in your pocket. The brand relies only on steam to refine the oil, creating a milder taste and a higher smoke point. Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage-testing experience. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

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Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. For the most part, choosing refined or unrefined coconut oil is a matter of personal preference. However, there are certain applications for which one type may be better suited than the other. Here are some examples. This makes coconut oil ideal for use in recipes like vegan biscuits or pie crusts, in which the use of solid fat helps create a light and flaky product.

In cooking, the higher smoke point of refined coconut oil makes it a clear winner. Still, you can use unrefined coconut oil for cooking, although you may need to cook at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Alternatively, avocado oil may be even better suited for high heat cooking applications like deep-frying. Many people use coconut oil on their skin and hair as a natural moisturizer or conditioner. Finally, some people use coconut oil because it suits their dietary preferences.

For instance, the oil is a popular choice for people on the low carb, high fat keto diet, as it contains small amounts of potentially fat-burning MCT oil 1. For people on keto, either type is generally fine given their very similar nutrient profiles 7 , 8. However, some people may be more concerned with diet quality than macronutrient content. Due to its mild flavor and high smoke point, refined coconut oil is a better choice for baking and cooking.

However, minimally processed unrefined coconut oil may be better for skin and hair care, as well as certain dietary preferences. Fact: Celebs love coconut oil. Here's why Priyanka Chopra uses it as a makeup remover , and how Hilary Duff incorporates it into her beauty routine. Your official excuse to add "OOD" ahem, out of doors to your cal. Become an Insider. Enter Email Address. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Youtube Instagram.

I t seems like every day, someone's coming up with a genius new use for coconut oil. Want your hair to grow faster? Slather it on your scalp. Making pesto and need to get that garlic smell out of your hands?