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are there different grades of coconut oil

by Gayle Johnson PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

What Is Therapeutic-Grade Coconut Oil?

  • Comparing the Different Grades of Coconut Oil. There are three grades of coconut oil: cooking-grade, cosmetic-grade, and...
  • Cooking-Grade Coconut Oil. Cooking-grade coconut oil is commonly found in grocery and health food stores. It is for...
  • Cosmetic-Grade Coconut Oil. Cosmetic-grade coconut oil is used in products such as...

There are three grades of coconut oil: cooking-grade, cosmetic-grade, and therapeutic-grade oils.Jun 10, 2019

Full Answer

What are the different types of coconut oil?

The broad types of coconut oil are the refined and unrefined coconut oils, and you’ll know their sub-types as we go on. Derived from dried coconut meat or ‘copra,’ refined coconut oil is also called as an ‘ RBD oil .’ RBD stands for refined, bleached and deodorized oil.

What is the color of coconut oil?

It is yellow in color and has a very strong taste and aroma. This oil is obtained by boiling coconut milk until all the water content is evaporated. The oil left behind with some solid matter is the traditional coconut oil. Alternatively, you can also ferment coconut milk for two days to release oil.

What is the least refined coconut oil?

The term that is used for the least refined coconut oils is “virgin coconut oil.” Using similar terminology as is used with other edible oils, the term “virgin” was used with coconut oil back in the early 2000s to designate the least refined coconut oils in the market.

What is the best-tasting coconut oil?

Here are all of the best-tasting coconut oils that make the cut. This coconut oil is ethically sourced from a small farm in the Philippines, where only the highest quality coconuts make the cut. Like others on this list, Dr. Bronner’s coconut oil is organic, unrefined, and freshly expeller-pressed.

What is the best grade of coconut oil?

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.

Which is healthier refined or unrefined coconut oil?

When coconut oil is refined, the baking and bleaching reduces the number of polyphenols and medium-chain fatty acids available. These compounds are what offer the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; thus, unrefined coconut oil may be better if you're taking it to boost your health.

Is virgin coconut oil the same as unrefined coconut oil?

unrefined. Unrefined coconut oil is usually called virgin, or pure coconut oil. Others describe their oil through its method of extraction; cold-pressed, expeller-pressed or centrifuged. Take note that expeller pressed and cold-pressed oils don't necessarily mean “raw”.

How do you choose good quality coconut oil?

When shopping for refined coconut oil, look for oils that have been refined using “chemical-free” methods. For all other purposes, including low- or no-heat cooking—like salad dressings or for baking up to 350ºF—unrefined oils are best. Look for oils labeled "unrefined," "virgin," "extra-virgin," or "cold-pressed."

Do you need to refrigerate coconut oil?

There's no need to refrigerate coconut oil. It'll last a long time—up to two years—in your pantry. Just keep the lid on tight. Depending on how warm it gets where you live, your oil might go from solid to liquid in the jar.

Which is better cold-pressed or virgin coconut oil for skin?

Virgin coconut oil is always healthier than cold pressed coconut oil. It's because, like in any other food processing methods, the heat used to dry copra can reduce the antioxidant content in cold pressed coconut oils. It means virgin coconut oil contains more antioxidants and essential vitamins than cold-pressed oil.

What is the purest form of coconut oil?

Unrefined coconut oilUnrefined coconut oil is coconut oil in its purest form. With unrefined coconut oil, the coconut meat is scooped out from the shell and cold pressed by hand. This leaves just the oil. Unrefined coconut oil has undergone very little processing and does not contain any additives.

Is it better to use refined or unrefined coconut oil for skin?

Both refined and unrefined coconut oils have triglycerides (fatty acids) and would be excellent moisturizers. But because unrefined coconut oil has a higher content of phytonutrients (compounds produced by plants to help protect them from environmental threats, such as antioxidants), it's the best choice for skincare.

Are all coconut oils the same?

The Bottom Line Refined coconut oil has a neutral taste and scent with a higher smoke point. Unrefined coconut oil has a strong coconut taste and scent with a lower smoke point. Both types of coconut oil can be used in baking and cooking, while unrefined coconut oil is best for skin and hair care.

What is the difference between 76 and 92 degree coconut oil?

There is a 76 degree coconut oil and a 92 degree oil. The degrees refer to the oil melting point. The 92 degree oil is hydrogenated to give it a higher melting point. There is also a fractionated coconut oil and a virgin coconut oil but these are not generally used for soap-making.

How can you tell if coconut oil is pure?

If the solid coconut oil looks colourless or whitish shade in it, then you can consider as pure. But after freezing it has grey color or turns too much hard then there is plenty of adulteration in it. The pure coconut oil tastes different than an adulterated one. Pure coconut oil is smooth and is really tastes good.

What type of coconut oil is best for skin?

virgin, cold-pressed coconut oilThe best type of coconut oil for skin skin is organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil, as it's the least processed of the bunch so it retains the most nutrients. When using coconut oil for your face, avoid buying the more processed varieties produced primarily for food purposes.

What is refined coconut oil?

Refined Coconut Oil. Derived from dried coconut meat or ‘copra,’ refined coconut oil is also called as an ‘ RBD oil .’. RBD stands for refined, bleached and deodorized oil. Since the dried copra isn’t suitable for consumption, it goes through a process of refining, bleaching and deodorizing.

How to make coconut oil?

Pressing oil from the dried coconut – This method starts by drying the fresh coconut meat and then it’s pressed to extract the oil. The procedure is the most common way to produce virgin or extra virgin coconut oil.#N#Wet-milling process – In this process, the oil comes from the fresh coconut meat. It doesn’t go through a drying process. Coconut milk is extracted first from the fresh coconut meat. Then the oil is separated from the milk. The method includes some boiling, fermentation, adding enzymes or centrifuge.

How is expeller pressed coconut oil extracted?

Expeller-pressed Coconut Oil – This type of refined coconut oil is extracted by going through a mechanical ‘physical refining’ from coconut’s dried meat at a high temperature. Liquid Coconut Oil – This type of edible refined coconut oil stays liquid even if you place it inside your fridge.

Is coconut oil a refined oil?

It has no added chemicals and flavor. Its scent is mostly retained because it didn’t go through a process with a high temperature. The oil is safe to consume, and the nutrients are retained because it didn’t go through other processes like the refined ones.

Can you take coconut oil orally?

Better stay away from it if you’re planning to take coconut oil orally. It has gone through a hydrogenation process wherein unsaturated fatty acids are converted into saturated fats, or trans-fat. It may cause heart disease or stroke. Regular intake may lead to weight gain and worse, obesity.

Does coconut oil come in different types?

Sure you’ve heard several things about coconut oil and how it’s processed. But do you know they come in different kinds? Yes, they do. Coconut oil types differ on the way it’s produced. You need to purchase the right type of coconut oil depending on how you plan to use it.

Is coconut oil good for you?

Coconut oil has gained popularity throughout the years because of its numerous health benefits. In this article, we’ll help you differentiate between the types of coconut oil and help you choose what’s best for you. The broad types of coconut oil are the refined and unrefined coconut oils, and you’ll know their sub-types as we go on.

What is fractionated coconut oil?

In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, fractionated coconut oil often refers to medium esters or esterified coconut fatty acids. NOTE: Fractionated coconut oil as medium esters is done through hydrolysis of crude or refined coconut oil to separate glycerin and fatty acids.

What does 76 mean in coconut oil?

Since coconut oil in its natural state, melts at 76 F, higher numbers automatically means the oil is hydrogenated to different degrees. Solid fraction will be higher than 76, but this is called coconut stearin not coconut oil.

What is the starting material for oil production?

Dried coconut (Copra) is the starting material for oil production (Coconut Oil Varieties & Differences, Fig. 2a.). Crude oil extracted from copra contains impurities, contamination and, often, a high moisture content that must be removed before the oil is suitable for use in food and cosmetic applications.

What is premium oil?

The word premium is subjective and is used in different contexts. It often refers to non-copra or natural coconut oil or virgin coconut oils. Caveat: Products described as “natural,” “expeller pressed” or “cold pressed” may or may not be chemically treated.

Is coconut oil natural?

Virgin coconut oil is natural coconut oil BUT not all natural oils are virgin oil, Virgin coconut oil cannot be produced from copra, Unrefined copra-based coconut oil is not suitable for food and personal care application, Organic certification of coconut oil does not guarantee that the oil is natural and unrefined.

Can coconut oil be made from coconut oil?

It is agreed in the coconut industry that virgin oil can only be produced from non-copra processed oil. However, not all non-copra coconut oils can be called virgin oil. Virgin coconut oil refers to a clear oil extracted from fresh coconut milk by coconut wet-process (Fig. 3b) without refining.

Can oil be cold pressed?

However, oil that has been cold pressed should not have been exposed to high heat before or after pressing. Note: There are 3 basics of oil processing: material preparation, extraction, and final purification. The term cold pressing only applies to the middle – extraction.

Copra or Crude Coconut Oil or Coconut Oil (cocos nucifera)

While the coconut palm is indigenous to the Philippines, its history as an organized industry began only about 150 years ago. More industrialized nations, driven by scarcity of other oils, began to recognize the value of coconut oil and fresh coconut meat. This led to plantations for increased production of Copra (CNO) for world commodity markets.

Refined Coconut Oil or RBD Coconut Oil (refined, deodorized, bleached) or Carrier Oil

The oil is derived from dried coconut meat – copra. The crude oil is first repeatedly filtered, and then bleached in the process, as the filtration is done using calcareous clays. Then, it is heated to a very high temperature to deodorize the oil, while also killing the germs or fungal spores within it.

Virgin Coconut Oil, Unrefined Coconut Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

This category remains a mess. Unrefined coconut oil usually refers to “virgin” or “pure” coconut oil. This coconut oil becomes expeller pressed, extracted from fresh coconut meat rather than dried. The fresh coconut meat usually undergoes one of two processes: wet milling or quick drying.

Raw Coconut Oil

Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is considered Functional Food where it has healing benefits beyond its nutritional contents and is used in Traditional and Modern Medicine.

DME Coconut Oil

Direct Micro Expelling (DME) technology was invented to take coconut processing back to the farms where the nuts are grown. The primary benefit of DME coconut oil aside from being of the finest quality, is that it can be implemented in rural farming communities. This creates opportunity for small-scale farmers.

What is the least refined coconut oil?

The term that is used for the least refined coconut oils is “virgin coconut oil.”. Using similar terminology as is used with other edible oils, the term “virgin” was used with coconut oil back in the early 2000s to designate the least refined coconut oils in the market.

What is the common denominator for coconut oil?

As I mentioned above, the common denominator that should exist in all virgin coconut oils is that they start with fresh coconut and not copra.

Why is heat necessary to produce the highest amounts of antioxidants in virgin coconut oil?

The researchers went on to comment why heat is necessary to produce the highest amounts of antioxidants in virgin coconut oil: The increased polyphenol level in the HEVCO group may be due to increased release of bound polyphenols by heating . Coconut milk is an emulsion of oil and water that is stabilized by protein.

How is coconut oil extracted?

Virgin coconut oil derived through a “wet-milling” process. With this method, the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without drying the coconut meat first. “Coconut milk” is expressed first by pressing it out of the wet coconut meat. The oil is then further separated from the water.

How to separate coconut oil from water?

Methods which can be used to separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes, and mechanical centrifuge. We are very fortunate today that the coconut oil producing countries have done quite a bit of research on virgin coconut oils over the past several years.

What is the process of making coconut oil?

The “wet-milling” process of producing virgin coconut oil, as explained above, extracts the coconut oil from a wet emulsion, or “coconut milk”. It does not press the oil out of dried coconut.

How is virgin coconut oil made?

Virgin coconut oil derived from pressing the oil out of dried coconut. In this method, the fresh coconut meat is dried first, and then later the oil is pressed out of the coconut. This method allows for easier mass production of virgin coconut oil.

What is the most basic form of coconut oil?

Crude Coconut Oil. This is the most basic form of coconut oil, which is processed from desiccated coconut meat. While this is industry-grade coconut oil, if it is not refined, it will not last long. It has a powerful smell and color that makes it useless for cooking and cosmetics.

What is the oil that comes from coconut?

This type of oil comes from dried coconut kernels, known as copra. Oil from copra must be treated for contaminants, which are produced as a result of the desiccation process. As a result, the oil is subjected to high heat and treated with additives and preservatives.

How to use coconut oil for hair?

Many Asian countries use coconut oil as a conditioner for hair. Some studies have shown that coconut oil can help increase protein in damaged and healthy hair. It is able to penetrate deep into the hair to help reduce split ends. Coconut may reduce dry scalp and dandruff thanks to its antiseptic properties. It is simple to apply directly to your hair or make a hair mask by adding a few drops of essential oil to the coconut oil. You can choose lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, peppermint or sandalwood essential oil. You can follow it with an apple cider vinegar rinse.

How many calories are in a tablespoon of coconut oil?

One tablespoon of coconut oil has 117 calories and 13.6 grams of fats. Partially hydrogenated coconut oil, even if it is unrefined, it not healthy because it has fatty acids that become trans fats.

What is quick dry coconut?

Quick-dry is when the coconut meat dries quickly and the oil is mechanically squeezed from it. Since the oil is not subjected to high temperatures, the enzymes remain whole and the oil keeps its flavor. There is no bleaching or preservatives added to the oil, which is clear as a liquid and white when solid.

How is coconut oil extracted?

It is made from fresh, raw coconut meat. The oil is extracted through either a wet-mill or quick-dry process. Wet-mill is when the meat is processed into coconut milk that is boiled, strained, and fermented. The milk and oil are separated through a centrifugal process.

What is coconut oil used for?

Traditional healers in the coastal jungle of South and Central America use it as medicine and a superfood. Coconut oil is used for hair, cooking, and healing aches and pains in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Does coconut oil help with hair?

Beyond skin care, coconut oil is also a popular ingredient for hair, as many people enjoy using it as a conditioning treatment.

Is coconut oil refined or unrefined?

While refined and unrefined coconut oils have similar fatty acid content, a review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition states that the unrefined version contains higher amounts of certain nutrients, such as vitamin E, and other compounds, such as polyphenols. If you are looking for a coconut oil with a higher nutrient value, or if you're concerned about the deodorizing and "bleaching" processing to produce the refined version, you may want to choose unrefined coconut oil. You can always check the coconut oil brand's information online to see if they disclose their processing practices.

Where is thrive market coconut oil sourced?

To make things even sweeter, it’s ethically sourced from a small farm in the Philippines where farmers are treated fairly ...

What is the best liquid to use for smoothies?

Best Liquid: Nutiva Organic Unrefined Liquid Coconut Oil. Buy On Amazon Buy On Thrive Market. Coconut oil has become a go-to source of healthy fat to add to smoothies or baked goods, but since it’s solid at room temperature, it can be difficult to incorporate into frozen drinks or batter without melting it first.

Is coconut oil organic?

This coconut oil is organic, unrefined, and virgin, but the cost per ounce is considerably less expensive than others on the list. Read Review. Because of its versatility and health benefits, coconut oil is quickly becoming one of the most popular cooking oils out there.

What is the smoking point of coconut oil?

Another interesting element of refined coconut is its high smoking point – between 400 and 450°F. The smoking point of virgin coconut oil is only around 350°F.

What is fractionated coconut oil?

There is another category of refined coconut oil known as fractionated coconut oil. This coconut oil is refined even further, but in a different way. Here, the oil undergoes a process to remove the long-chain triglycerides from the oil. In doing so, it leaves behind a medium-chain triglycerides, commonly known as MCTs.

How is coconut oil extracted?

Now, with refined coconut oil, the oil is extracted through the use of high heat and certain chemicals. Then, this coconut oil undergoes further processing. In most instances, this involves the following stages:

Is coconut oil refined or unrefined?

Thus, if you are looking for a more versatile coconut oil, refined would be a good fit. As for baking, the unrefined version is a coconut oil that doesn’t taste like coconut oil. This is good news for anyone who doesn’t like the taste of coconut oil.

Does coconut oil have any nutrients?

Analysis shows that unrefined does have low amounts of proteins and antioxidants, whereas refined coconut oil doesn’t contain any at all. However, the content of these nutrients aren’ t enough for virgin coconut oil to have any real impact on health.

Is coconut oil white or solid?

Virgin coconut oil, on the other hand, is white when solid and clear when liquid. The oil remains solid until it is heated. Refined coconut oil also tends to not taste off coconut at all or have too much of flavor, in fact. There is also no aroma attached to it.

Is coconut oil high in saturated fat?

Well, the thing to remember about any coconut oil is that it is high in saturated fats. As such, most doctors agree that you should minimize your consumption of this oil. Furthermore, when it comes to purported health benefits of coconut oil, there is a still a lot of work to be done.

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