Description

Coconut oil as the name suggests is an oil extracted from the coconut fruit. It may be derived from fresh coconut meat or from dried coconut meat. It smells typically like coconut (if not refined, bleached, and deodorized). It is highly valued nowadays as a cooking fat. It possesses favourable qualities such as a low melting point, resistance to rancidity, pleasant flavor, and easy digestibility, making it an ideal ingredient in the food industry. It is most widely used in the Indian subcontinent. It is available in two forms refined and unrefined form. Refined coconut oil comes from dried coconut and is treated with high heat and then bleached and deodorized. It has a neutral odour. Unrefined coconut oil comes from the fresh coconut fruit. The process doesn't require high temperatures, hence it is called "cold-pressed." Unrefined coconut oil (virgin) smells like coconuts.

Health benefits

• Coconut oil acts as an immediate source of energy when eaten and doesn’t get stored as fat in the body.⁽¹⁾
• It speeds up weight loss when consumed daily.⁽¹⁾
• It is very helpful in supporting healthy thyroid function.⁽¹⁾
• Coconut oil consumption improves insulin levels when consumed regularly.⁽¹⁾ 
• The beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety.⁽¹⁾
• Coconut oil when intaken during pregnancy helps provide the baby with necessary fats for development.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

When buying coconut oil a few things to be considered are the taste and smell of the coconut oil should be mild. If it has a roasted or nutty smell, that means it has been treated to high heat and has lost its nutrients. Also, check that the coconut oil has a pale yellow colour with a semi solid texture.