77 Uses for Coconut Oil: Food, Body, Skincare, Home, and More!

 Simply put, coconut oil may be the healthiest, most versatile food on earth, so much so that I consider it a superfood. Not only is it my favourite oil for cooking, but coconut oil has many uses and can extend to being a form of natural medicine, it is used in natural beauty treatments and so much more.

The coconut tree is considered the “tree of life” in most parts of Southeast Asia, India, the Philippines and other tropical locations. Today, more than 1,500 studies are proving the health benefits of coconut oil.

Some of the best coconut oil benefits include:

• Balances hormones
• Kills Candida fungus
• improves digestion;
• Moisturizes the skin
• Reduces cellulite
• Reduces wrinkles and age spots
• Balances blood sugar and improves energy
• Alzheimer's disease improves
• It increases benign cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol
• Burns fat

If you're ready to take your health to the next level, try these 77 Coconut Oil Uses!

77 creative uses for coconut oil

These home uses and recipes for coconut oil fall into four categories: food, skin and body care, home, and natural medicine.

Food uses of coconut oil

1. High-temperature cooking (frying) – Coconut oil is great for high-temperature cooking due to its high smoke point. Many other oils, such as olive oil, can oxidize when heated, but since coconut oil is made up of healthy saturated fats, it remains stable at high temperatures.

2. “Toast Spread” – For breakfast in the morning, try spreading coconut oil on your wheat bread, instead of the traditional butter. The slight coconut flavour, which is more pronounced in unrefined coconut oils, gives the bread a pleasant aroma and taste.

3. A NATURAL ENERGY BOOST - The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil, when mixed with chia seeds, give you an energy boost when you need a mid-afternoon boost, or after a tough workout. Chia seeds are known to enhance performance and stamina while coconut oil aids in the digestion and metabolism of chia seeds. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with half a tablespoon of chia seeds, and eat the mixture directly from the spoon, or spread it on bread.

4. Creamer for your coffee – Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to your coffee can give you an extra boost of energy and replace creamer with milk. If you put your hot coffee in a blender with coconut oil and your favourite natural sweetener, you'll be amazed at the rich, creamy flavour, without any dairy products added. In the Far East, many athletes mix their morning coffee with coconut oil and grass-fed ghee to increase performance and energy.

5. Chocolate Coconut Shake – Do you enjoy dipping fresh fruits in dark chocolate? Well, using coconut oil, dark chocolate has never been so healthy and easy to prepare. Slowly melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 2 cups of chopped dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa) over low heat in a double boiler, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too thick, add more coconut oil and stir until it's warm and melted. Transfer the mixture to the shaker bowl, and dip in more health-promoting foods like strawberries, bananas, and fresh apple slices.

6. Boost Nutrients in Smoothies - Add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to any fruit juice for a boost of cholesterol-fighting compounds. Side benefit? It improves the texture and taste of mouthwatering juices while adding healthy fats to your diet.

7. A healthy addition to popcorn – Do you remember when you were a kid, you went to the cinema to catch one of the morning shows? Do you remember the wonderful scent that used to permeate the air? It probably smelled of coconut oil popcorn. Add coconut oil to organic corn kernels and make popcorn, then add some melted coconut oil with salt.

8. An Alternative to Non-Stick Cooking - In a non-stick pan, sometimes eggs still stick. With coconut oil, this is no longer a problem. Just add a teaspoon or two of coconut oil to the pan, then melt it. Add eggs and cook as desired. Cleaning will be easy.

9. Make healthy homemade mayonnaise – Use it as oil in your homemade mayonnaise recipe, mixed with an egg yolk. In a blender, mix 4 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and ½ tablespoon of dried mustard. And beat in the blender until the ingredients blend. While the blender is running, slowly add 1 cup of coconut oil (melted) and ½ cup of olive oil to create an emulsion. If you add the oils too quickly, the mayonnaise will fall apart. If this happens, all is not lost; Add ½ tablespoon of tahini, and continue beating in the blender until the mixture becomes smooth.

10. Topping a Baked Potato – Put coconut oil on a baked sweet potato instead of the traditional butter and then sprinkle with some cinnamon. Also, use it for French fries with some rosemary oil and sea salt.

11. Replace unhealthy fats when baking - Yes, you can bake with coconut oil. Use the same amount of butter or vegetable oil called for in the recipe. For biscuits, pie crusts, and other preparations where the fat needs to be cold, freeze the coconut oil before using. Also, use coconut oil as grease for baking sheets, baking sheets, and muffin tins, and your baked goods will slide off with ease.

12. Make healthy granola at home – Crunchy homemade granola made using heart-healthy nuts is a great breakfast treat or a great addition to a fresh fruit parfait in the evening. Add 3 cups of plain oats to 1 cup of chopped almonds, 2 teaspoons of LCinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup and 1/3 cup coconut palm sugar together in a large bowl. Melt 1/3 brick of coconut oil and drizzle it over the mixture, then stir. Bake on a cookie sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, then turn the sheet into the oven and continue baking for another 5-7 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave it for 30 minutes. Remove the board from the oven and chop the granola into clusters.

13. Alternative to Sports Drinks – Coconut oil gives your body quick energy in the form of fast-acting medium-chain triglycerides. Instead of relying on sugary, processed drinks, try adding coconut oil and chia seeds to your water with fresh fruit.

14. Natural Throat Lozenge – Use coconut oil instead of store-bought lozenges that are often made with artificial flavours and colours. Try swallowing 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of coconut oil up to 3 times daily to relieve a sore throat or cough, and mix liquorice tea with coconut oil to make a natural throat soother. Licorice (fennel root), honey, and lemon are immune-boosting additions to fight viruses and colds.

15. Extend the freshness of eggs – You can use coconut oil to close the pores in the eggshell and extend the shelf life of eggs in the refrigerator. Try rubbing a small amount of oil on the eggshell and letting it penetrate, which will help prevent exposure to oxygen. This method should extend the life of your eggs by 1-2 weeks.

Uses of coconut oil for beauty and skin

16. Natural Skin Moisturizer – Using coconut oil for healthy skin works well as a moisturizer for your face. It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy. At room temperature, coconut is solid, but it melts quickly on contact with hands. Before going to sleep, wash your face and pat it dry. Warm a pea-sized amount of oil in your hands and massage it in a circular motion onto your face. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then wipe off the rest on the surface for the best moisturizing effect.

17. Wrinkle Reducer - For areas of concern around the eyes, pat around and under the eyes to help combat premature ageing (as well as help banish those dark circles!). Leave the oil overnight to fully absorb, and wake up refreshed. Combine with Frankincense Oil for additional anti-ageing benefits.

18. Natural makeup remover – Just a dab of coconut oil will quickly dissolve eye makeup, making it easier to wipe off. Gently rub coconut oil on the upper and lower eyelids in a circular motion. Wipe with a warm cloth. The plus point of commercial eye makeup removers is that the coconut oil will not sting or irritate the eyes, and as a bonus, it will help moisturize the eyes.

19. Moisturize after showering – After showering, apply coconut oil liberally all over your body. The coconut oil will moisturize dry skin and help soothe skin after shaving. In addition, coconut oil contains a natural sun protection factor which is great for protecting your skin from sun damage. If you're putting the oil on the bottom of your feet, do it outside of the bathtub so you don't slip.

20. A Healing Bath with Epsom Salt No matter the season, our skin gets damaged. Add ¼ cup of Epsom salts and ¼ cup of coconut oil to a warm bath, and relax. Add a drop or two of your favourite essential oils to add aromatherapy benefits. Epsom salts help draw out toxins while coconut oil helps soothe dry skin.

21. Homemade Toothpaste – Mix equal parts coconut oil with baking soda and then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to make your own homemade toothpaste.

22. Lip Balm - Dry, chapped lips can occur during any season. Commercial lip balms are full of unhealthy (and potentially toxic) ingredients, which is especially concerning since we put them on our lips. The healing properties of coconut oil help nourish the lips, provide some measure of sun protection, and most importantly, it is safe to consume. Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a non-stick saucepan. Heat the mixture until it melts. Use a small funnel to refill previously used lip balm containers. Leave it on for 6 hours.

23. Naturally pigmented lip gloss or lipstick – You can naturally dye the above lip balm recipe with beetroot powder, cocoa powder, turmeric, and cinnamon. You only need a small amount of seasoning, and a little goes a long way.

24. Personal Lubricant (Laxative) – Coconut oil is an effective and safe personal laxative. And unlike commercial lotions, their antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties help maintain a healthy vaginal flora. (One note: Avoid using coconut oil or any other oil with any latex contraceptive, as the oil may corrode the rubber.)

25. Natural mouthwash – mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda, then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Use daily to help whiten teeth, improve gum health, and freshen your breath. According to researchers at the Athlone Institute of Technology, the antibiotic properties of coconut oil destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay.

26. Coconut oil rinse – To improve the health of your teeth and gums, a coconut oil rinse is the way to go. In Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is used to detoxify the mouth, remove tartar and bad breath, fight bacteria, reduce tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis), and boost the immune system. Swish with a tablespoon of coconut oil right after you get up in the morning. Spend 10-20 minutes rinse your mouth. Do not swallow the oil. Spit the oil in the trash (not the sink, as it will clog up after a while!) and rinse your mouth with salt water.

27. Remover natural parchment - The natural antibacterial properties of coconut oil help maintain body odour. It is an excellent deodorant on its own, or when combined into a paste with baking soda and essential oils.

28. Gentle Face Wash – Coconut oil can be used in a natural face wash recipe to cleanse and moisturize the skin. Mix with lavender oil, tea tree oil, and raw honey for best results.

29. Wound salve – Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years to speed up the healing of skin rashes, burns, and open wounds. To make a homemade wound salve, mix coconut oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil, and melaleuca oil. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help keep the area free from infection, and the lauric acid in coconut oil helps speed up the healing process.

30. Cellulite Solution – To combat stubborn and unsightly cellulite, mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil and massage in the firm, circular motions into the affected areas. Follow with dry brushing to help stimulate circulation and encourage cellular detoxification for best results.

31. Soothing Shave Cream – If razor burns, ingrown hairs, or other skin irritations are a problem after shaving, start with coconut oil as your shaving “cream.” Warm a small amount of oil in the palm of your hands and then sweep it over your face, lower arms, legs, and bikini area, and then shave. Rinse afterwards and pat dry.

32. Sunscreen/Sunburn Treatment – Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen and sunburn treatment all in one oil. In fact, it has an SPF of 4, which is enough to protect against sun damage and is the best among herbal non-volatile oils. Reapply as necessary, during the day. If you get exposed to the sun a lot, gently rub coconut oil on the affected areas, this will encourage healing and reduce pain.

33. Massage Oil – Coconut oil is a relaxing and soothing massage oil. Add a few drops of lavender and peppermint oil to help heal sore muscles and induce relaxation.

34. Insect repellent – Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a few drops of peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree oils to repel flies, mosquitoes, and bees. It is a safe alternative to diethyltoluamide and can be applied safely to all areas of the body.

35. Antifungal Cream – Due to its antibacterial capabilities, coconut oil can be used topically to treat tinea pedis and skin fungus. Apply some of it on the affected area and leave it on or wipe it off with a paper towel after a while.

36. Cold Sore Treatment – If you have cold sores in or around your mouth, try rubbing coconut oil on them a few times a day to reduce healing time and relieve pain. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is effective at entering the virus that lives inside cold sores and stopping its ability to multiply. This means that you will feel relief faster and you are less likely to develop scarring or discolouration in the sore area.

37. Cuticle Oil – Apply coconut oil to your nail beds to reduce the risk of fungal infections and to make it easier to push back the cuticle so that your nails naturally grow more quickly. If you go to nail salons to get your nails done, you may be at risk of exposure to dangerous viruses and bacteria that often live on salon equipment, so coconut oil provides another layer of defence.

38. Foot Massage to Soothe Cracked Heels – Soothe your dry, cracked heels naturally by massaging them with coconut oil and allowing the oil to penetrate your skin. Try using two tablespoons of the oil for both heels, and feel free to add other essential oils — like lavender oil — which can help reduce dryness and bacteria, as well as give your feet a nice, relaxing scent.

39. Treat and prevent ingrown hairs – Massage the areas that you shave frequently or are prone to pimples and infection with coconut oil. The oil helps lubricate the skin so that the hair grows easily through the follicle and correctly without ingrown, plus it kills bacteria as well.

40. Sulfate-Free Shampoo – Coconut oil can clean and disinfect hair if used with apple cider vinegar since it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. This method keeps your hair colour in place for a longer period, prevents the colour from fading to orange or yellow, and makes your hair smooth and shiny.

41. Natural Hair Conditioner – Coconut oil has been used to condition hair for thousands of years and to strengthen and style hair. As a moisturizer, coconut oil can help straighten curls and strengthen hair while helping hair retain its moisture. Depending on the length and texture of your hair, you may need anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil for hair conditioning. Warm the oil in the palms of your hands, and starting at the ends, massage the oil into the hair.

42. Prevent and treat dandruff – This can help encourage new hair growth and help you get rid of dandruff. Rinse thoroughly (and then rinse again) and style your hair as usual. Your hair should now be healthy, shiny, and thick. If the coconut oil weighs your hair down, use less next time and rinse thoroughly.

43. Detangling Children’s Hair – Use a small amount of coconut oil on your children’s hair when it is tangled and needs a natural, smooth solution for easy combing. Rub the oil between your palms and then onto wet hair before combing.

44. Homemade Scrub – Combine the oil with organic coconut sugar or ground coffee beans to make a homemade face or body scrub that helps remove dry skin. Do this twice a week for softer skin that is less prone to developing acne or ingrown hairs, acne, blackheads or other unwanted issues.

45. Cheekbone Definer – Try using coconut instead of makeup to add shimmer to cheekbones and eyelids. This gives you a natural youthful glow and does not require any makeup, makeup removal, or the purchase of expensive products.

46. Makeup brush cleaner – Makeup brushes are known to carry a lot of harmful bacteria. Rub coconut oil on your makeup brushes and leave for 1-2 hours to disinfect them. Then wash well, although you don't have to worry about any oil remaining on the brush as it won't damage your skin's makeup.

47. Hairbrush Cleaner – Use coconut oil as you would on your makeup brushes to remove unwanted hair and bacteria from your hairbrushes. The oil works well on fine coarse hair brushes and helps hair glide easily. Any oil that remains on the brush will moisturize the bristles of the brush as well as your hair afterwards.

48. Diaper rash ointment – When your baby is suffering from painful nappy rash, massage some coconut oil on the affected area to calm down the swelling, redness, itching and burning. Try using 1 tablespoon as a starter and let it seep into the skin.

49. Hair Strengthener and Gel Replacement – Many brands of hair gel contain alcohol, which dries out your hair, not to mention many other toxic chemicals and fragrances. Try using a little coconut oil massaged into the ends of your hair to keep it trim and moisturize at the same time. The oil prevents frizzy hair and adds extra shine, too.

50. Natural Steam Massage for Colds – Mix coconut oil with eucalyptus oil and massage the mixture on your chest or your children’s chest to open up the airways and make breathing easier. Together, these two oils increase circulation and dispel congestion to help you get a good night's sleep when you're sick.

51. Reduces stretch marks – Try rubbing coconut oil on your stomach during and after pregnancy to reduce unsightly stretch marks that occur when skin elasticity is compromised. The oil helps remove dark marks, discolouration, and redness, in addition to hydrating the skin as well as allowing it to heal more quickly.

Coconut oil uses at home

52. Diffuser Carrier Oil – Instead of buying expensive candles that contain synthetic scents and chemicals, burn clean oils in your home using coconut oil and essential oils in a diffuser. It can be purchased online or at major home improvement stores and gives you endless ways to fill your home with a healthy, inviting scent.

53. Helps open a stuck bike chain or zipper – Apply coconut oil to stuck zippers or chains. The oil acts as a natural lubricant, allowing you to loosen stuck-on particles effectively. Restore an old bike or pair of jeans by repairing a chain or zipper.

54. Remove gum from hair or furniture - If you've ever had gum stuck in your hair or your couch, you know how frustrating it can be. Apply coconut oil to help remove the gum easily, without leaving any stains or stains.

55. Dust Blocker – Try using a small amount of coconut oil on surfaces like wood, plastic, or cement that tend to collect dust. Rub a small amount of oil over the area and let it dry - no need to wash it off or worry about it smudging and attracting any bacteria.

  56. Shoe polish – Instead of buying a leather repair kit or bringing your used shoes to a repair shop, try applying some coconut oil on your leather shoes or heels to give them a shine, hide imperfections and make them look like new again.

57. Laundry Detergent – Mix coconut oil, sodium hydroxide solution, water and your desired essential oils to make a non-toxic soapy liquid that is perfect for cleaning clothes. This recipe will not irritate your skin or hurt your texture, like many store-bought cleaners. This is the perfect solution for sensitive skin and those prone to allergies.

58. Furniture Polish – Use coconut oil on wood, granite, and metal surfaces to give your furniture a clean, shiny look. At the same time, this will help reduce wear and cover scratches as well as clean furniture and household surfaces as well.

59. Rust reducer – Rub some oil on silverware, outdoor metal furniture, car parts, and anything else metal that is prone to rust. Coconut oil helps fight rust when you spread a thin layer of pure oil over the metal and leave it for 1-2 hours. You can either wipe the oil off or wash it off afterwards and you should notice a difference right away.

60. Homemade Hand Soap – Use coconut oil to make your own homemade hand soap, and have the flexibility to add any fragrance you want using essential oils. Try combining coconut oil with a sodium hydroxide solution, or lard, which you can buy online. The sodium hydroxide solution gives the soap its natural texture and consistency.

Medicinal uses of coconut oil

61. Fight Inflammation – Coconut oil supports the health of both the liver and kidneys. According to the researchers, raw coconut oil, prepared without chemical processing or high heat, shows an inhibitory effect on chronic inflammation. Since inflammation is one of the main causes of many chronic diseases, this study supports regular consumption of raw coconut oil to help fight infections.

62. Boost Immunity – The unique nutritional composition of coconut oil, rich in lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, provides powerful antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties that have an immune-boosting effect. By fighting these elements in the body, the immune system is better equipped to respond properly when attacked.

63. Prevent the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis – Both free radicals and oxidative stress are associated with the development of osteoporosis, a metabolic disorder. According to a 2012 study, raw coconut oil is effective in maintaining bone structure and preventing bone loss in estrogen-deficient mice. The report identified raw coconut oil due to its high levels of polyphenols and antioxidant properties, and you should eat 3 tablespoons per day for best results.

64. Cure Alzheimer’s disease and protect brain health – There are several reports that coconut oil may be an effective natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. But for now, it's too early to say until more double-blind studies are completed.

65. A sleep aid – Coconut oil is an ideal carrier oil when creating relaxing and calming home remedies using essential oils, such as lavender oil or Roman chamomile oil, which can help reduce anxiety and get a good night’s sleep.

66. Fights Acne – Acne is a serious problem for adults as well as teens and is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or an imbalance in the oil on the skin. Coconut oil acts as a natural antibiotic, killing harmful bacteria that lead to acne breakouts. To make a great home acne treatment, mix the oil with tea tree oil and raw honey for additional benefits and effectiveness.

67. Protect and defend against cancer – Coconut oil and medium-chain triglycerides have been shown to provide “a potent antitumor effect and the maintenance of a normal immune system,” supporting the belief that coconut oil can help protect against certain types of cancer.

68. Candida killer – Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can kill fungal yeast and candida. In a recent study, researchers found that coconut oil was more active against Candida species at a 100% concentration than the drug fluconazole. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your diet, and apply pure coconut oil directly to the affected areas twice daily, until the symptoms fade away. Follow my candida treatment protocol to help beat it.

69. Fat Burner Supplement – The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to support weight loss and help your body burn fat for energy. It sounds strange, right? Adding fats to your diet to burn fat? But the truth is not all fats are either. Add 1 tablespoon daily to reap the benefits of these fatty acids, which may help reduce belly fat. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consumption of medium-chain triglyceride oil leads to greater rates of weight loss and fat mass compared to olive oil.

70. Balance hormones – The healthy fats in coconut oil support the thyroid and adrenal glands, which can lower cortisol to naturally balance hormones. Coconut oil helps suppress inflammation while supporting healthy metabolism, both of which are essential for balanced hormones.

71. Digestive Support – Coconut oil is easy to digest and contains compounds that destroy bad bacteria, promote the growth of good bacteria, and help heal leaky gut. Coconut oil promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties help control parasites and fungi while aiding in the effective absorption of key nutrients.

72. Blood Sugar Balancer & Anti-Diabetic – Coconut oil can help balance blood sugar levels and has been clinically proven to improve diabetes. Coconut oil can help balance blood sugar levels by encouraging efficient insulin secretion from the pancreas. In a 2009 study, researchers found that medium-chain fatty acids "may be beneficial for the prevention of obesity and insulin resistance."

73. Treat Psoriasis and Eczema – Coconut oil can be used as a cream to naturally treat dry, flaky skin for those suffering from eczema and psoriasis. Mix coconut oil, shea butter, and geranium oil for the best benefits.

74. Balance Cholesterol Levels – The healthy fats in coconut oil have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol, thus supporting heart health. According to a 2015 study that studied patients with coronary artery disease, consuming coconut oil helped increase HDL cholesterol as well as reduce waist circumference.

75. Constipation Relief – Many swear by coconut oil’s effectiveness in relieving chronic constipation and reducing bloating. Try eating a tablespoon of coconut oil in the morning or before bed to prevent constipation. The oil penetrates the digestive tract and keeps things running smoothly by eliminating harmful bacteria and allowing the gut flora to rebalance.

76. Fight Heart Disease – After decades of denigrating coconut oil for its saturated fat content, new research has now proven that medium-chain fatty acids and coconut oil are good for heart health and help lower high blood pressure.

77. Helping Sick Pets – Just like their human caregivers, dogs and cats can benefit from adding coconut oil to their diet. Pets suffering from digestive upset can benefit from a teaspoon or two of coconut oil mixed in their food. Skin allergies, irritations, and wounds can also be soothed, while healing is speeded up by the topical application of the oil. Unlike other ointments, since coconut oil is edible, there is no health risk if they lick it off their fur.

Coconut oil's nutritional content

Coconut oil, like other vegetable oils, does not contain cholesterol. The vast majority (more than 85%) of the fats in coconut oil are beneficial fats, called medium-chain triglycerides. These medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut have tremendous health benefits. It's easy for the body to burn as fuel for energy (it's also featured in the popular ketogenic diet) and has antimicrobial properties, among other important attributes.

Coconut oil contains three unique fatty acids that are responsible for its various health benefits: lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These are some of the rarest substances found in nature and are the reason why this oil is so beneficial.

Lauric acid has a special structure that allows it to be easily absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, it turns into monolaurin, which is found in breast milk, coconut milk and coconut oil. It is known for its antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

In addition, coconut oil contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, phenolic acid, myristic acid, vitamin E, vitamin K, and iron.

Organic Raw Coconut Oil vs. Refined Coconut Oil

To reap the many benefits of coconut oil, it is essential to choose organic, unrefined coconut oil, preferably one produced through a “wet-milling” process. Unrefined, organic coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat rather than dried coconut. The oil is then separated from the water, by centrifugation, fermentation, boiling or cooling. Fermentation is the preferred method for ensuring that coconut oil retains its inherent health benefits.

Unlike olive oil, coconut oil is thermally stable, and the antioxidants are not lost during the heating process. Multiple scientific studies conducted in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other countries where coconuts are native have shown that the wet mill fermentation method followed by “hot extracted raw coconut oil” produces the highest level of antioxidants and lowers bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol.

While the heat process may seem counterintuitive based on what we know about heating and the destruction of nutrients, coconut oil reacts differently to heat than other foods. For example, the case with harmful GMO oils is usually the opposite; It is heated to the point of oxidation and becomes toxic.

Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point and is devoid of coconut flavour. These coconut oils are mass-produced, typically through a chemical distillation process that begins with dried, not-so-fresh coconut. Coconuts are bleached and deodorized to make them "more palatable" to the American consumer.

Some of these refined coconut oils are hydrogenated, which turns this healthy natural oil into a synthetic trans fat. For this reason, avoid refined coconut oils as much as you can — instead, opt for organic, unrefined coconut oil.