The risk of buying a substandard or simply unsuitable product is quite high. Consider when buying:

• Composition. The label must be marked "100% coconut oil", no extraneous additives.
• Aroma. The oil should smell like coconut or be odorless. If the aroma is chemical, it means that fragrances were used in the production.
• Colour. The shade of the product varies from transparent to straw in the liquid state. In frozen - from milky to pale yellow. Yellow color will tell you that this is a poorly refined oil.
• Consistency. If the oil does not harden at room temperature, it means that there are impurities in its composition.
• Shelf life. This product does not exceed 18 months after opening the package.
• Place of purchase. Buy only from specialized stores. If this is an internet site, then look for reviews of their products.
• Package. Although glass jars are heavier than plastic, they are more environmentally friendly. Plastic packaging must be labeled “BPA Free” or a triangle with the number 1.

Advice! Refuse to buy oil in an opaque package, through which its color cannot be seen.

Storage rules

Coconut oil is not a capricious product. But there are several nuances, observing which the oil will retain its freshness for a long time.

• Protect from sunlight and store in a dark place.
• Oil does not like cold. He needs room temperature. But if you have to store it in the refrigerator, put the bottle on the lower side shelf where the temperature is not lower than + 5 ° С
• The bathroom is not suitable for storage due to temperature fluctuations.

Advice! At room temperature, the butter thickens, to melt it is advised to heat it in warm water or in the microwave. You don't need to do this all the time - it will deteriorate. Better to reheat it in small portions.

Differences: real coconut oil and fake

To check a fake in front of you or a natural product, pay attention to the consistency of the product. As already mentioned, at temperatures below 25 ° C, it hardens and loses its transparency. Put it in the refrigerator for a while and if it's real oil, it will thicken. The packaging should also bear the inscription "100% coconut oil". If the composition contains water and fragrances, this oil can hardly be called real.

Varieties

The finished oil is a processed product and nothing can be done about it. The quality of the oil depends on how clean it came out and whether it was possible to preserve useful substances during the processing of coconuts.

The best is considered to be the first cold pressed oil - virgin coconut oil... There is also refined and unrefined, hot and cold pressed.

Cold and hot pressing

Cold pressed coconut oil made from fresh green coconuts with a little oil in them. Nuts are processed under a cold-pressed or centrifuge. The result is an oil with a subtle coconut smell and taste, with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. When frozen, it is white, and when it is liquid, it is transparent. Most often with a non-uniform texture.

More oil can be obtained by hot pressing, because it is made from dried copra. The oil is extracted by chemical extraction or hot-pressed. Less aromatic and simpler in taste, with fewer nutrients, it is inferior to cold-pressed oil. The texture is homogeneous, with a golden tint.

Cold pressed oil is used in food- they can be used to dress salads, make sandwiches, add to baked goods and use them as dietary supplements. Hot-pressed oil is more commonly used for the body and how.

Reference! Only 10-15% of the world's coconut oil is cold extracted.

Unrefined and refined

Refining is the process of removing impurities. Most often, the oil is simply filtered. Refined oil is also called bleached, deodorized. The finished product has little or no taste and smell.

Unrefined - cold pressed oil with a rich smell and taste. It can be used as a cosmetic and for preparing food.

Coconut oil in cosmetology

Coconut oil perfectly moisturizes, nourishes and protects the skin. Therefore, it is used for the preparation of cosmetics. It is good in its pure form, but when applying it you need to know some of the features of this product.

For face

The oil is used as a component of masks, creams and mixed with other oils. Apply to well-cleansed skin.

Important! Unrefined oil has a comedogenic effect.

For tanning in the sun

This remedy is considered a natural sunscreen that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Helps with sunburn. Evens out tan.

Important! Does not completely replace sunscreen.

For hair

Coconut oil is considered one of the most suitable for hair. It gently envelops the hair shaft, reducing protein loss during shampooing. The best effect is achieved if the oil is applied before shampooing and after brushing. You can only apply the product to the ends of dry hair.

For eyelashes

Strengthens eyelashes, leaving them thick and lush. Apply the oil overnight with a soft brush. The excess is removed with a cotton swab.

Important! Avoid getting the oil in your eyes.

For eyebrows

Oil is similarly used to strengthen and grow eyebrows. The product is applied to the hairs, massaged easily, rubbing oil into the skin, and remove excess. Do this for 2-4 weeks and your eyebrows will grow thicker.

For nails

Coconut oil strengthens nails and cuticles well. Apply it neat or add it to hand cream.

Rating of manufacturers of coconut oils for body and hair

Coconut oil is produced in Asian countries and even in the United States. You can buy this product both while traveling and order from the online store. Let's take a look at the most popular brands of coconut oils. Below is a rating of popular oils with a price per 100 ml in terms of price / quality ratio - can they be used for food, ease of packaging, smell, how well it is applied and absorbed.

11th place: Zeitun, Jordan

Price / Performance: 5/5

450 p. - 100 ml

The production still uses manual labor and does not use preservatives.

- The products are quite expensive.

+/- The oil itself is odorless, refined. Maybe you like odorless oil, so let's leave it neutral.

The product is packaged in dark plastic bottles with a capacity of 100 ml. The neck is wrapped in green paper and tied with string. There is 50 g solid butter in a plastic jar. It is more convenient than a bottle in which the color of the product is not visible and from which it is inconvenient to squeeze the frozen oil out.

10th place: Alaffia, USA 6/5

843 p. - 325 ml

Organic, unrefined oil in a 325 g flat can.

On the label there is a note that the product does not contain GMOs, is not tested on animals.

- The smell is artificial, but there are no marks on the used fragrances on the packaging.

- The consistency is dense, even, absorbed for a long time.

- / + According to reviews - the product is too oily for the hair, but it suits the body perfectly - it makes the skin velvety, moisturized, and gives an aroma that lasts for several hours.

- The manufacturer has indicated that the oil must not be added to food.

9th place: Parachute, India 6/6

170 p. - 100 gr

It is very popular due to its affordable price, and last but not least - packaging from 100 ml to 1 liter. Packaged in a jar with a wide neck or a blue bottle with a drop-shaped recess and a logo on the lid.

Unrefined oil, not deodorized with a sweet aroma.

- Suitable for body only.

Important. The package must have a sticker with Russian text about the composition, importer and method of application.

8th place: Tropicana, Thailand 7/7

2360 p. for 1 liter

Cold pressed 100% pure unrefined oil in clear plastic bottle or rectangular packaging with dispenser.

It is convenient to squeeze the product out of the jar.

The smell of real coconut, sweet, does not remain on the skin.

+/- The consistency is pleasant, it is not absorbed quickly in liquid form. Therefore, it is best applied in a semi-solid state.

7th place: Nutiva, USA 7/7

2255 p. - 1.6 l

This company is distinguished by strict control over finished products and raw materials. All oils meet the high standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, so Organic labels can be trusted. High quality Organic Extra Virgin oil - organic unrefined cold and first pressing.

The most beneficial, suitable for both body and food.

It smells like coconut.

+/- The consistency is dense, crumbles into lumps in the hands, which are quickly absorbed.

- May be too greasy for the hair.

6th place: Now Foods, USA 7/8

Cold pressed - 1891 p. for 591 ml, refined - 846 r. for 207 ml

Under this brand, not only organic products and superfoods are produced, but also two types of coconut oil:

Cold pressed unrefined oil is packed in a 355 ml jar.

The protective film on the packaging will prevent the product from leaking.

- The mass itself has a yellow tint and a light coconut aroma.

It is easy to apply, the absorption rate is average, but the effect of moisturized skin remains for a long time.

Refined is sold in a heavy glass jar with an iron lid, volume 207 ml.

+/- Odorless, milky white color.

If the first one can be used for food, then the second, refined one, is only for external use.

5th place: Life Coco, Vietnam 8/8

260 p. for 250 ml

Cold pressed oil in a 250 ml plastic or glass bottle made of glass. This cheap and high quality oil has earned the love of customers.

There is an instruction in Russian.

Appetizing scent of coconut.

Can be used in food and as a cosmetic product.

It is well absorbed, moisturizes the skin, gives it a fragrance.

Suitable for hair.

4th place: Blossom, Thailand 8/9

390 p. - 100 ml

Packaged in a plastic "washer", can, bottle with a dispenser. Available in volumes of 100, 200, 400 ml.

Cold pressed unrefined, non-deodorized product.

The smell is subtle, sweetish, non-chemical.

Delicate consistency, melting in the hands.

Easy to apply to both skin and hair.

Can be added to food.

3rd place: All Good, Elemental Herbs, USA 8/10

857 p. - 222 ml

Another good edible oil. Unrefined, organic oil in a handy 222 g glass washer.

The smell is delicate and fresh.

Rubs quickly in the hands and is absorbed, leaving the skin hydrated for a long time.

Doesn't weigh hair down.

2nd place: Baraka, Sri Lanka 8/10

890 RUB - 500 ml

This is a well-known and time-tested brand. The manufacturer approached the packaging in a very original way. You can buy standard plastic and glass bottles, as well as portioned sachets with 10 g of the product or a 5, 10 liter canister. The line includes refined and unrefined oils.

The smell is bright, without impurities. Shade - depending on the type, from white to yellowish.

The consistency is homogeneous.

Unrefined cold-pressed oil can be cooked and added to food.

1st place: Artisana, USA 10/10

565 p. - 397 g

Produces "raw" or unrefined organic cold-pressed coconut oil in a 397 gr glass jar.

Suitable for human consumption.

The label has marks of quality and conformity marks.

By removing the protective membrane in jars, you can feel a slight coconut smell.

The mass itself is white, with a dense consistency.

Pounds quickly, melts and absorbs perfectly.

Does not grease your hair.

Coconut oil is a wonderful remedy that protects and nourishes hair and skin. Be sure to get one for your makeup bag. Among budget oils, there are worthy rivals to expensive funds. We hope this rating will help you choose the right one. Tell us about your experience with one of these oils in the comments.

They are also used to obtain valuable coconut oil, which has many beneficial properties. That is why it is in demand in cosmetology, in cooking, and in everyday life.

Receiving

The oil is extracted from the copra of the fruit of coconut trees - the white fleshy flesh inside the nuts. It must first be separated from the shell, then dried and, after crushing, sent under a press.

Coconut oil is often extracted by hot pressing. The oil yield with this processing method is at least 300 grams from 1 kg of pulp (copra).

Another way to get oil from coconuts is cold pressed. Such processing is more gentle, and the resulting oil has a great biological and nutritional value. However, the product yield is much lower (up to 10 percent), so the cost is higher.

The oil can be marketed unrefined, but they also sell a product that is refined under high pressure (called refined).

Peculiarities

• The coconut oil will melt at about 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is lower, it becomes a solidified mass.
• Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, so it hardly oxidizes and has a long shelf life.
• Coconut oil is undoubtedly a natural product. Fragrances, thickeners and other chemical additives are not used in its production.

Benefit

The healing and beneficial properties of coconut oil:

• strengthens and heals hair;
• helps to lose weight;
• maintains skin health by moisturizing and stimulating wound healing;
• strengthens the immune system;
• relieves inflammation;
• protects the skin from negative influences - ultraviolet radiation, dust particles, viruses and others;
• helps to get a beautiful and even tan;
• takes care of the hardness and health of nails;
• improves well-being;
• has a bactericidal and antifungal effect;
• improves the function of the thyroid and pancreas;
• accelerates the healing of damage to the digestive tract;
• is a prophylactic agent against obesity, osteoporosis, joint damage, caries, atherosclerosis, cancer and other diseases.

You can learn even more about the benefits of coconut oil in the following video.

Harm

Eating large amounts of coconut oil increases your risk of developing food poisoning or an allergic reaction. Excess fat in food can also adversely affect the state of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, exacerbate cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

Also, many fear the harm of saturated fats, which are rich in coconut oil (up to 90% of them in its composition). However, the facts of using the oil and research show a large number of positive effects. For example, coconut oil does not cause atherosclerosis, but rather prevents it.

Contraindications

There are practically no coconut oil applications. A health hazard can appear only in persons with individual intolerance or with excessive consumption.

How to choose the best coconut oil and where to buy it

Coconut oil is sold in all countries where there are coconut trees. You can get it in India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and other hot countries. The product is so popular that it is exported to many countries, including Russia.

Buying coconut oil on the Internet carries the risk of getting a "pig in a poke", because you cannot see the consistency and color of the oil, as well as smell it. Look for oil in perfume and beauty stores in your city. If you decide to buy on the Internet, choose well-known stores and read reviews.

Criteria for choosing coconut oil:

1. Preparation method. Refined product is more refined, but lacks some nutritional properties compared to unrefined product. The oil is produced by hot and cold pressing - with the latter it is more useful.
2. Smell. A good unrefined product should have a pleasant natural coconut scent. Refined oils are odorless.
3. Colour. It is advisable to buy oil in a transparent container, then you will see its shade. If it is dark yellow, then the oil is poorly refined. A quality product has a shade ranging from transparent to pale yellow.
4. Consistency. If the temperature is less than +25 degrees, the product hardens, but this does not impair its qualities and properties.

Composition

Coconut oil is rich in:

• fatty acids;
• vitamins - E, C, B1, K, B2, A, B3;
• minerals - calcium, iron and others;
• betaines, polysorbates, polyols and ester ethoxylates, monoglycerides, etc.

In such oil, fatty acids are saturated (most of all lauric), monounsaturated (oleic), polyunsaturated (about 0.5%).

Each of the acids has its own benefits, for example:

• Lauric acid (more than 50%) stimulates the healing of skin lesions and has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral effects.
• Myristic acid improves the absorption of cosmetics into the skin, stabilizes proteins important for the immune system, and oleic acid enhances the barrier function of the skin, prevents dehydration, accumulation of fatty deposits and atherosclerosis.

Views

Cold pressed

Most often, dried fresh pulp is pressed at a high temperature to obtain oil from coconuts, and cold pressing is used less often. Cold pressing is a more gentle processing method that retains more useful properties. However, its disadvantage is the low oil yield - up to ten percent. This affects its price.

The Extra Virgin inscription on the packaging of the oil does not at all mean that the cold method was used to obtain it. It only indicates that the product is obtained by the first pressing, which can also be heated. If you are interested in exactly cold-pressed coconut oil, look for the mark "first cold press" or simply "cold press".

Unrefined

To obtain unrefined oil, only mechanical (primary) filtration is used, and the use of additional purification leads to the production of refined coconut oil.

Virgin indicates that this is a raw product.

This oil has a light yellow tint and a distinct coconut smell. At room temperature, its consistency is hard and oily.

Both types of oil have a beneficial effect and the same composition, so there is no big difference in their nutritional properties. They differ in consistency (unrefined product is more saturated), color (refined product is transparent), smell (refined product does not have it), as well as shelf life (refined product is stored longer).

Dry

Dry coconut oil is a component of dried vegetable cream. It is combined with palm and palm kernel oil for a milk cream replacement product.

Compared to milk cream, vegetable cream has a lower calorie and fat content and a longer shelf life. They do not fold when mixed with other ingredients, therefore they are in demand in the confectionery industry.

Home cooking

To make coconut oil at home with your own hands, you need to prepare:

• coconuts;
• dense fabric;
• hammer;
• mixer or meat grinder;
• a saucepan.

1. Poke two holes in the coconuts and drain the juice. Wrap the nuts in a thick cloth, break them with a hammer, then separate the coconut flesh from the shell and cut it into pieces. How to open a coconut, we wrote in the previous article. Everything is described in detail in it.
2. Grind the pulp in a meat grinder or mixer and transfer the resulting coconut to a saucepan. Fill with hot water (not boiling water, but almost boiling), put the container in a cool place, and when the contents have completely cooled down, place it in the refrigerator.
3. After a while, you will see a white crust on the surface of the water. Separate it carefully, being careful not to scoop up the water, and place it in another saucepan, then melt so that the oil can be filtered (ideally in a water bath). After pouring the oil into a jar, cool it and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

The described method is quite simple and retains maximum benefits, and in the end you get a natural product.

You can watch the process of making coconut oil in the next video.

The disadvantage is the rather small yield of the finished oil.

But you can usefully use everything that is left after getting coconut oil with your own hands:

• Water can be added to the bath or drunk,
• Coconut flakes are used in many applications.

Application

Coconut oil for hair is used very often. According to reviews, with its use, masks give the most effective result. Read about this in our other article.

Pure coconut oil is used:

• as a replacement for lotions (applied to the body after a shower);
• as a replacement for cream;
• to get an even tan;
• to soothe and soften the skin after shaving and other manipulations;
• for hair.

Many cosmetics can be made from coconut oil. Its addition to nourishing and moisturizing agents improves their absorption.

How to apply

You can apply the oil neat to your skin. If the oil has been stored in the refrigerator and has a dense consistency, it will begin to melt on the skin. Lubricate the skin with massaging movements.

If you want to add coconut oil to other cosmetics or mix with any other oils, use in a liquid state by melting it in a water bath.

When planning to mix coconut oil with a cosmetic cleanser (milk, tonic, lotion) or a ready-made cream, you need to add the melted oil to a single serving of the cosmetics used. For example, you can melt coconut oil (a small piece) in your hands, lubricate your skin, and then treat with a cream or cleanser.

For skin

Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, which is why skin care products are created on its basis - creams, soaps, lotions and others.

Consuming Coconut Oil:

• prevents the appearance of wrinkles;
• prevents sagging;
• eliminates peeling;
• helps treat eczema and other skin conditions.

Coconut oil is quickly and fully absorbed by skin cells. The result of its application is velvety, soft and smooth skin.

It is advised to rub the oil into the décolleté, use it for lubricating hands instead of cream, and also for rubbing the skin of the feet before going to bed.

For face

Coconut oil is non-allergenic and non-pore-clogging so it can be used in its pure form. Holding a piece of oil in your fingers, apply it to your face. Skin contact will cause the coconut oil to melt while you distribute it evenly over your skin.

By using coconut oil instead of cream, you:

• provide nourishment to the skin at night;
• protect your face in sunny weather;
• provide protection in wind and frost;
• smooth the skin and soften it;
• prevent the appearance of wrinkles;
• increase the elasticity of the skin.

When adding coconut oil to ready-made products with which you care for your skin, the amount of oil should be up to 10%.

For Tan

Pros of using coconut oil for tanning:

• it perfectly moisturizes the skin, preventing it from drying out;
• prevents the appearance of wrinkles;
• provides an even tan;
• hypoallergenic product;
• softens the skin;
• quickly absorbed;
• when burning, relieves burning.

Coconut oil should be applied both before going to the tanning bed and after the session.

Masks

In order for a mask made from coconut oil to bring the desired effect, you must follow some rules:

• do the mask once a week;
• it is best to apply it after a bath - on the skin that is steamed;
• keep the mask for up to fifteen minutes;
• wash it off with cool water.

You cannot carry out masks for allergies and individual intolerance, so test the product before using it on the bend of the elbow.

Good mask recipes:

1. Classic: only coconut oil.
2. Nutritious: tea. a spoonful of coconut oil + two tables. spoons of rice flour + green tea (always freshly brewed).
3. For the skin around the eyes: 10 milliliters of vitamin E in liquid form and 50 milliliters of oil.
4. Cleansing: tea. a spoonful of coconut oil + a table. spoon of coffee grounds.
5. For people with sensitive skin: tea. a spoonful of coconut oil and two tablespoons. spoons of milk, as well as wheat bread (soak a small slice in milk).
6. For aging skin: tea. spoon of coconut oil + tsp. spoon of blue clay + three drops of orange aroma oil.
7. Rejuvenating: in tea. a spoonful of coconut oil, heated in a water bath, add three drops of rosemary aroma oil.
8. Honey: tea. l. coconut oil + table. spoon of honey + st. a spoonful of sour cream.
9. Egg: half a glass of coconut oil (liquid) + table. spoon of honey + beaten egg. After mixing the ingredients, keep in the refrigerator overnight.
10. To moisturize the skin, cleanse it and increase its elasticity: Art. l. coconut oil + 50 g of dark chocolate. The ingredients must be heated in a water bath.
11. For normal skin type: pulp of one persimmon + beaten egg white + tsp. spoon + liquid honey + teaspoon spoon of coconut oil + tsp. a spoonful of starch.
12. For acne treatment: table. l. coconut oil + 1/2 teaspoon tablespoons of lemon juice + tsp. a spoonful of honey + 2 drops of lavender aroma oil + 3 drops of tea tree aroma oil.
13. Moisturizing: table. spoon of coconut oil + table. spoon of honey + 2 table. tablespoons of avocado pulp.
14. Against inflammation and skin irritation: 100 ml of chamomile infusion + 3 tablespoons. spoons of rolled oats + 2 table. spoons of liquid coconut oil + tsp. spoon of liquid honey + tsp. spoon of natural yogurt + tsp. a spoonful of cucumber juice.

Stretch marks

Coconut oil is a prophylactic agent against stretch marks due to the presence of vitamin E. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes. And since coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, it is also a positive factor for affecting the problem of stretch marks.

In cooking

• The oil, which is obtained from coconuts, is used in the cooking of Asian countries. It is added to vegetable salads, rice dishes, seafood and meat.
• Since this oil is resistant to temperatures as well as oxidation, it is used for frying.
• For the presence of a coconut aroma, oil is in demand in the preparation of casseroles from cottage cheese, pancakes with filling, sweet pastries.
• The nutritional value of the oil obtained from coconuts allows it to replace butter by adding it to porridge and other dishes, spreading it on bread.
• Due to the hypoallergenic nature of coconut oil, you can safely use it in the diet of children.

At home

• Soap making.
• Cosmetic industry.
• Food and confectionery industry.
• Alternative fuel.
• Production of medicines (suppositories, ointments).

If the oil thickens

To melt thickened coconut oil, you can:

• holding the jar under a stream of warm water;
• heating in a water bath;
• putting a piece of butter in a plate, which is placed in the sun.

Coconut oil is widely popular not only in areas where palm trees grow, but also in other countries. Not all types are created equal, so you need to know which product is worth using. Researchers are confident that it is better to use (cold pressed) unrefined. It is this that gives the hair a chic shine.

Woman and beauty

These two concepts are inseparable. But in order for curls and nails to radiate health, you need to work hard. There are many skincare products out there today, but coconut oil is the multifunctional drug of choice for most girls.

Why is coconut oil good for you?

It is obtained from the pulp of coconuts. Coconut is in great demand. The price for it is acceptable and does not "bite", in Russia its cost is about 250-300 rubles. The properties of this product are explained by the fact that the composition is unique in its kind due to fatty acids and vitamin E. The oil is solid - if the temperature value is low, it solidifies. But it can be easily melted in a water bath or in the microwave. The product has a pleasant aroma and is produced by cold pressing. Refined is characterized by the absence of odor and contains much fewer useful components, since they are lost during cleaning.

The oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, restores damaged cells, moisturizes and nourishes the skin and hair, and also neutralizes the effects of adverse external factors.

Why is coconut oil so popular?

This is due to the fact that this oil has not only medicinal, but also prophylactic properties. It consists of acids, each of which has specific characteristics. Their complex effect on the body brings undoubted benefits. If you apply coconut oil regularly (cold pressed), you can achieve good results:

Strengthen hair;

Soften the skin;

Slow down the aging of the body;

Boost immunity;

Remove cholesterol plaques;

Reduce sugar levels and get rid of subcutaneous fat;

Reduce pain and swelling;

Accelerate the wound healing process;

Remove foci of inflammation.

If you know all the properties that cold-pressed coconut oil has, its uses can be quite varied. With its help, you can not only improve your appearance and well-being, but also conduct experiments in cooking, diversify the taste of many familiar dishes and turn your own kitchen into a restaurant. In order not to harm, it is necessary to clearly know the dosage and adhere to the rules for using the oil in each case.

Where is coconut oil used?

This product is considered universal, so it can be used in the following areas:

• Make face and body masks.
• Add to bathtubs.
• Use as a healing agent.
• Use for body care after sunbathing.
• Do massages.
• Add to food.

Application in cosmetology

In this area, you can use the oil indefinitely: take care of your hands, hair, nails and the body as a whole. If you use this remedy correctly, then fatty acids will have a very beneficial effect on the body.

When strengthening curls, remember that you do not need to apply unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil to the hair roots. This can cause irritation and itching. It is more advisable to apply it along the entire length of the hair: the structure will be restored, fragility and section will disappear, the curls will become voluminous and shiny.

It can be applied to the roots, but the effect of its application is not so noticeable. If desired, you can use shampoos and balms based on it.

Face care

Coconut oil can be included in ready-made masks and creams, and is often used as a standalone product. They need to lubricate their skin twice a week. Regular application will get rid of acne, blackheads and various rashes. The skin will become soft and tender, flaky spots will completely disappear.

If you apply the oil to the body before tanning, the skin will take on a stunning chocolate color.

Using coconut oil (cold pressed) during a massage can easily warm up the skin and improve blood circulation.

Application in medicine

It is difficult to call coconut oil an independent medicine, but it is widely used as a component due to its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Oil has been proven to help with:

Jaundice;

Migraine;

Ulcers and other wounds;

Diabetes

Hemorrhoids

Thrush;

Epilepsy and nervous disorders;

Bleeding;

Skin rashes and allergies.

Before using it is necessary to consult a doctor. Only a specialist can prescribe an adequate dose and give recommendations that must be followed. Do not self-medicate, it can cause serious harm to health.

How to use oil in cooking?

A product bought at a grocery store has slightly different properties. It gives the usual dishes an exquisite, piquant taste. It is better to purchase cold-pressed coconut oil only in trusted retail outlets. Its price is quite affordable. It can be used in place of regular vegetable oil.

During heat treatment, the product does not emit carcinogens, so it can be consumed by people who follow a diet. Sweet dishes and pastries are especially tasty when cooked with coconut oil. You can also add it to hot coffee, tea, chocolate, or milk.

Useful information

When buying coconut oil (cold pressed), you need to make sure that the packaging has a note that it is made exclusively from natural ingredients. An unrefined product is healthier, but it can clog pores and should not be applied to the scalp.

Those people who have tried cold-pressed coconut oil at least once, leave extremely positive reviews and appreciate its benefits and unique characteristics. They note that the product has a beneficial effect on the entire body and improves its appearance. In addition, people who often use oil assure that contraindications and side effects are minimized. According to their observation, the result is noticeable after a week of regular use.

from hot-pressed oil? Which coconut oil is good for food and which is topical? Answers to these and other questions in this article.

Today, more and more often, on store shelves, you can also find products made on its basis. Many consider this variety to be a common marketing ploy, and consuming coconut oil is nothing more than a fad. However, for many peoples it has long become a traditional ingredient, and has been used for several millennia. Studies proving the benefits of coconut oil have also been going on for a relatively long time. For example, lauric acid, which is part of it, has been used for more than 50 years to fight pathogenic bacteria. And in Europe and the United States, coconut oil has long been considered a favorite ingredient of bakery manufacturers, as it has a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees.

However, these benefits really fade when doctors begin listing a list of medical advances in coconut oil. It helps even in extreme situations. For example, it is considered a real salvation for patients with hypothyroidism (or hypothyroidism). This is a condition of the body characterized by decreased production of thyroid hormone, which may be associated with a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil helps improve metabolism and raise body temperature to promote thyroid health. Limiting carbohydrates and increasing the amount of coconut oil in the diet will also help you lose weight. By applying the oil directly to your skin, you can fight a variety of skin conditions. The effect of the oil on the hair is also invaluable. Another plus: it helps in the fight against infections and viruses. today, it increasingly attracts athletes and fitness trainers, maintaining the necessary level of energy in the body without drugs or stimulants.

Cold pressed coconut oilVS hot pressed oil

However, in order to fully enjoy all the health benefits of coconut oil, you need to choose the right product. But how to do this if there are dozens of types of coconut oil on the market and all at different prices? Very simple - you just need to read the information on the label. And the first thing that interests us is the squeezing of coconut oil. If the label says Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, it is cold pressed oil. If the label simply says Coconut Oil without clarification, then this is a hot-pressed product, or a mixture of refined and unrefined coconut oil. We will deal with refining a little later, but for now a few words about hot and cold pressing.

The fact is that coconut oil, like all other types of vegetable oils, by its nature is already a processed product, because it does not grow on a tree. All coconut oils must first be extracted from the coconut, so from a technical point of view, they are not 100% natural, as they require some kind of processing. The whole question is what kind of process. In fact, mankind has in fact only come up with two ways to extract oil from coconut pulp: cold-pressed and hot-pressed. Cold pressing is more gentle, it allows you to store much more nutrients. Cold-pressed fresh coconut pulp is ground and oil is squeezed out of it using a conventional press. From a thousand ripe coconuts weighing 1,440 kg, approximately 170 kg of pulp comes out, from which only 70 liters of coconut oil of the highest quality can be cold pressed. This extra virgin oil is the most natural, retaining the most beneficial substances. The only drawback is that the oil obtained in this way will be more expensive.

Hot or "dry" processing (hot pressing) involves drying the coconut pulp in special ovens or in the sun. Then oil is extracted from it using the same pressing or chemicals. As you can imagine, this method is much less delicate, which means that it does not spare the nutrients contained in the oil.

Unrefined VS refined

Now we turn to the notorious refining process. If a can of coconut oil says Extra Virgin or Virgin, it is 100% unrefined oil. If the packaging says Refined or RBD, this is refined oil. Refined oil is most often obtained from hot-pressed oils. What is the refining process? In simple terms, with the help of heating, adding water, various acids and sodium hydroxide, all phospholipids, metals (they are also in the oil, of course, are), minerals, salts, free fatty acids, natural fragrances (the smell of coconut) and white -yellowish color. The result is an oil that is stored for a couple of years longer, has a more transparent color, less pronounced odor, easier to transport, does not clump, and tolerates temperature changes more easily. From a trade point of view, it is an ideal product. However, there are much less useful substances in refined oil - after all, amino acids, minerals and salts, which are rich in coconut oil, are removed during refining.

What is unrefined coconut oil used for?

Now about which coconut oil is used for what. interesting in that it can be used both in cooking and in cosmetology. It is ideal for children and diets. Coconut oil can be added to almost all dishes; it is suitable for desserts, soups, salads and drinks.

As if enveloping all the insides, it heals the damaged mucous membranes, therefore it is especially useful to use it internally for patients with an ulcer, and the active fight against pathogenic bacteria, which we talked about at the beginning, makes it indispensable for patients with gastritis, gastroduodenitis and duodenal diseases. Another spectrum of action is associated with the elimination of cholesterol, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.

It is also useful for losing weight. To lose weight and prevent obesity, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of warm water with the addition of 1 tablespoon of coconut oil before each meal.

If unrefined coconut oil do not use it inside, but just rinse your mouth with it, you can already achieve an excellent effect. Fifteen-minute rinses with a tablespoon of oil will relieve bad breath, dental and oral cavity diseases. Although we advise you to take a sip of the miraculous oil. Among other things, it has an anti-stress effect, and this is really important in our time.

For cosmetic purposes, unrefined coconut oil can help treat psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema. Experts also recommend using coconut oil as an additive in creams, tonics, and lotions. Then the products you already know will acquire a moisturizing and softening effect. Coconut oil is indispensable during the beach season. Spread before sunburn - the vitamin E included in the composition will protect against excessive ultraviolet radiation, apply after sunbathing - protect against discomfort, feelings of tightness and redness. You can even use unrefined coconut oil in a tanning bed! Both for tanning and anti-scalding.

What is refined coconut oil used for

Refined coconut oil is also valuable. But exclusively for external use. It is used to get rid of cracked heels or rough skin on the elbows, for hair care. Both refined and unrefined coconut oil are recommended to be added to masks, balms and hair conditioners, you can treat split ends with it. With continued use, the hair will become more manageable, shiny and silky.

Aroy-D Coconut Oil is made in Indonesia exclusively from fresh coconut pulp by cold pressing. The oil obtained by the first cold pressing of fresh coconut pulp has unique nutritional and cosmetic properties. In its production, no pesticides, synthetic mineral fertilizers, flavors, artificial food additives and GMOs were used.

Composition and benefits of coconut oil

What is the value and benefits of coconut oil? In its unique composition, of course. Please note that we are talking specifically about coconut oil of the first cold pressing, which is not subjected to any temperature or chemical treatment. This oil is called Virgin, which means "Virgin" in English. When people talk about the benefits of coconut oil, they primarily mean fatty acids with an average carbon chain length in its composition, and specifically Lauric acid.

Fatty acids with a medium carbon chain sounds complicated, but in reality everything is quite simple and straightforward. Figuratively speaking, these are fats that are not stored in the most inappropriate places, but are used by the body as a source of energy and even help burn fat reserves. That is why nutritionists recommend using coconut oil instead of the popular refined sunflower oil and butter for any kind of cooking. Try frying vegetables in coconut oil or adding it to baked goods - you will definitely love the new taste!

Chief among these beneficial to us medium-carbon chain fatty acids in coconut oil is Lauric acid, which accounts for about 50% of the total composition. Lauric acid is a rather rare substance that is found, in addition to coconut, in the oil , , fruits of Peach and other lesser known tropical palms. A very small amount (less than 1%) of lauric acid is found in date seeds, macadamia nuts, watermelon seeds and and also ... in human milk and some animals.

Lauric acid has high antibacterial activity. In Vitro scientific experiments have shown its effectiveness in combating acne. But Lauric acid is better known in scientific circles for its ability to raise blood levels of "good" cholesterol - high density lipoproteins (HDL), which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. By the way, this acid is absent in refined coconut oil, but in freshly squeezed coconut oil Aroy-D Lauric acid occupies 50% of the volume!

Virgin coconut oil is an excellent cosmetic product. It is difficult to remember any other product that would be so versatile and had such a wide range of effects on the body. For women who know a lot about maintaining the beauty and health of skin and hair, it is no longer a secret that coconut oil is a great helper in this. Virgin coconut oil is ideal for dry skin as a moisturizer, and regular use as a hair mask increases hair softness and elasticity while reducing hair protein loss.