Coconut oil has a reputation for being used as a cooking oil or helping people with many other benefits.

But are these curative qualities actually present in coconut oil, or is it just overhyped?

Keep reading; this comprehensive guide will examine the facts concerning coconut oil, give you a ton of fresh ideas for using the oil, and help you choose the best coconut oil for you.

SO, WHAT IS COCONUT OIL? 

Coconut oil is an edible oil that is extracted from the meat or kernel of coconuts and is used in different ways. It is the most widely used in many countries, including India.

Up to 95% of the oil's calories come from saturated fat, which has been linked to a number of health advantages, including the ability to reduce inflammation and fight germs. Virgin coconut oil, in contrast to other extremely saturated and unsaturated fats, contains 70–85% medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

Coconut oil's shelf life is increased by the saturated fat content, which also makes it an excellent heat-stable cooking oil. Being a very useful oil, coconut oil is also known to be used as a sand fly repellent, skin moisturizer, soap, and motor lubricant!

HOW IS COCONUT OIL MADE? 

The oil from coconuts can be extracted using a number of different techniques. The quality and cost of the coconut oil you choose to purchase are ultimately determined by the production method and the quality of the coconuts used.

Numerous manufacturers may extract the oil using harsh chemicals and high heat, allowing them to create large amounts of oil of poor quality and sell it for less money. While we at Shalimar's opt to use organic coconuts, the process is to carefully steam the coconuts to release the oil, which is a time-consuming process that only yields 'pure' oil.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COCONUT OIL? 

You might discover a few different kinds of coconut oil at the local supermarket or health food store because of the various extraction techniques. There are only really 2 kinds of coconut oil: unrefined and refined, if you strip away all the marketing phrases.

Refined Coconut Oil 

• The typical end product produced from the dried kernel (meat) of coconut, also known as copra, is RBD oil, which stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. It is fairly typical to mass-produce coconut oil in this manner because the dried copra is unfit for consumption and the oil needs to go through processes to remove impurities and make it more stable.
• Because it has been refined, it has little flavor and no coconut aroma; it can endure higher cooking temperatures before it hits its smoke point, making it ideal for deep-frying foods without coconut flavor.

Unrefined Coconut Oil 

• It can also be referred to as 'cold-pressed coconut oil,' 'pure coconut oil,' 'raw coconut oil,' 'virgin coconut oil,' and other variations. The extraction of this kind of coconut oil involves little refining, no chemicals, and no heat.
• Because oil doesn't mix with water, pressing the coconut flesh frequently releases the liquid and causes the coconut oil to naturally separate. Since heat or chemicals were not used during this labor-intensive extraction process, the oil is purer. As a result, it is frequently the most costly kind of coconut oil available.
• However, purchasing this kind of oil guarantees that you are consuming something that has not been exposed to strong chemicals and is probably still in good health.
• The unrefined coconut oil still has a faint coconut taste and aroma because the extraction process is so delicate. Due to this, unrefined coconut oil is ideal for use in homemade cosmetic products as well as fruit dressings and raw vegan desserts.

ARE ALL COCONUT OILS ORGANIC? 

Both refined and unrefined coconut oils are available in organic and non-organic varieties. Make sure you know what you are purchasing by reading the labels. Although organic oils will eventually cost more, the cheaper non-organic oils will have been exposed to pesticides while the coconuts were being grown. Additionally, you might want to confirm that the best coconut oil you plan to purchase has all of the characteristics that are significant to you.

HOW TO USE COCONUT OIL? 

If this is your first time using coconut oil, start out slowly and only pay attention to how your body responds.

You can use coconut oil in a plethora of ways, including cooking, skincare, treating illness and the common cold, and applying it to cuts and bruises. For your use, we have put together a few samples.

Coconut Oil for Cooking 

• The best use of coconut oil is in a hot pan while stir-frying or sautéing fish, poultry, eggs, or vegetables.
• You can use it to brush it on the pan when making cakes or cookies, or you can use it in place of butter. Coconut oil can also be consumed by drizzling it on fish or poultry before baking.
• You can moderately brew coffee or tea with coconut oil (no more than a teaspoon).

Coconut Oil for Skin & Hair 

• Use it as a moisturizer for your skin or body. Many women use it to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and avoid their occurrence.
• Use it as a bath oil or massage oil; add 4-5 tablespoons to a hot tub and find that the result is delightfully soft, moist skin.
• Make natural handmade soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and even an insect repellent with coconut oil.
• Make a honey and coconut face treatment or a nourishing hair mask with it.
• Before shampooing, massage it into dry hair and cover with a cloth for a couple of hours.
• Apply a small amount to your hair to eliminate the sparkle.
• Aids in the recovery of sunburned skin. Apply coconut oil as soon as the initial stinging from the heat has subsided.
• Applying coconut oil to the skin will also shield it from the sun because it has SPF 4.
• It can be used as an aftershave lotion, a skin cream with natural antibacterial properties, and to reduce the look of cellulite.
• For a fantastic skin cleanser or to scrub the dead skin off your feet, combine salt or sugar.
• Apply as a safe infant lotion.
• Use after doing chores to moisturize your hands and prevent dry skin.
• Rub into elbows to relieve dry elbows, and use on tips to promote nail growth.

OTHER COCONUT OIL BENEFITS  

• It can be utilized as a natural head lice therapy.
• Apply some oil to wounds to speed healing and prevent infection.
• Due to its antifungal qualities, the oil can be applied to the feet to treat athlete's foot or toenail fungus.
• When applied topically, it can benefit animals with skin problems.
• To create a homemade vapour rub to rub on the chest and throat, combine half a cup of coconut oil with a few drops of eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils.
• Some people have applied it topically to eradicate yeast or infections.
• Rub on cold sores to promote healing and stop the growth of germs.

HOW TO BUY THE BEST COCONUT OIL? 

The price of coconut oil varies based on the source, manufacturing process, packaging, and marketing team. There are numerous brands and kinds of coconut oil. Although it frequently indicates the quality of the ingredients and their purity, being extremely costly does not always mean it is the best.

Finding out as much as you can about the manufacturing method has always been advised. And no matter where you are, keep an eye out for the following:

Colour: 

Any discoloration could indicate contamination and lower quality. When it is solid, it is white, and when it is watery, it is colorless.

Aroma and flavor: 

Virgin, unrefined coconut oil should smell and taste like coconut but should not be overpowering or strong; if it smells roasted or smokey, it’s been exposed to a lot of heat and it might not retain as many nutrients; and if it’s odorless and neutral tasting, then it’s most likely refined and treated.

Price: 

Price-wise, coconut oil can range from less expensive to more expensive. The price, however, doesn't imply better quality; always examine the product's back to make sure it has the relevant tags.

Summing Up: 

It's probably obvious at this point that coconut oil benefits are numerous. But does your coconut oil contain all the beneficial elements that make it so?

Shalimar's Coconut Oil is extracted from fresh coconuts in Kerala, which lend a distinctive flavor to any recipe.

Having gone through the no-heat method guarantees that its contents will be unadulterated and unaltered. Our 100% pure coconut oil may be used in a wide variety of ways, from frying to baking to oil pulling to skincare and haircare, and it's full of healthy ingredients to match!

You can purchase the best coconut oil from www.shalimars.com. Grab your bottle now!