Coconut oil: composition, benefits, recommendations for selection and use

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Before you choose coconut oil, you need to decide for what purposes it will be used.

Coconut oil has been known since antiquity. At first it was added to food and only later it was discovered that it has a remarkable cosmetic effect. But this is not all areas of application.

To no more questions left, we list everything.

Cooking Oil tastes great, so many pastry chefs do not present their work without it. In addition, it has a large number of nutrients.
Medicine and pharmaceuticals. Doctors also quickly learned about the beneficial properties of coconut oil and began to produce biologically active supplements based on it, adding vitamins and cosmetics.
Soap manufacture Coconut is famous for its cleansing properties, besides, it foams well. These characteristics and made soap makers pay attention to it.
Fuel. Oddly enough, but coconut oil perfectly replaces the usual fuel for cars and other vehicles.

How to choose coconut oil to make it useful? Read on.

Than useful

Since ancient times known useful properties of this oil. Over time, mankind has learned about the excellent cosmetic effect, which is achieved due to the composition of the oil.

What does it contain?

Unsaturated acids. Among them are linoleic, oleic, linolenic, which are better known as omega-6 and omega-3.
Saturated fatty acids. This is mainly myristic, lauric, palmitic. There are a lot of them in coconut oil, which only confirms the value of the product.
Esters and polyphenols.
Trace elements and vitamins. The composition of the oil vitamin C, E, A, B3, K, B2, B1. Of the trace elements present calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Delicate care of hair health

Everything that is in wonderful coconut oil is inherent in it by nature itself, which is why it is so effective and does not require the intervention of scientists or marketing specialists - mother nature has already taken care of everything.

As part of coconut oil are:

Vitamins A, C, E - effective natural antioxidants that prevent aging of the skin and hair
Complex of the most useful acids: hyaluronic acid, saturated fatty (caprylic, lauric, palmitic, myristic), polyunsaturated (linoleic), monounsaturated (oleic), polyphenols (gallic)
Fatty chlorides and fatty acid derivatives

All this helps coconut oil to moisturize our hair, smooth the scales, nourish, protect from harmful UV light and give them silk softness and shine. Coconut oil for hair works very effectively due to deep penetration into the structure of the hair and restore it from the inside. For split ends, coconut oil is a real salvation - it will help nourish them and prevent brittleness.

The richest composition of coconut oil can not only strengthen and restore damaged hair, but also moisturize and nourish the skin, protect the body from infections, strengthen the immune system and the cardiovascular system, and help to lose weight!

Refined or Virgin?

The most popular coconut oil today is considered refined. This oil is cheaper unrefined and differs from it in that it contains less nutrients. This is due to the fact that in the production of refined coconut oil use a greater number of technological cleanings, which "wash out" of the miraculous trace elements.

Unrefined coconut oil passes only the primary filtration, which is called cold extraction. On such oils, the mark “Virgin” is always worth mentioning, which confirms its purity and saturation.

Manufacturers promise that refining has little effect on the degree of concentration of useful substances after the purification of any oils. But it is preferable to use the most pure and natural remedy that will generously give your body all of its vitamins and trace elements.

Please also note that not always refined oil will be inferior in quality unrefined. For example, for many people, concentrated products can cause allergic reactions, so coconut oil, which has undergone complete purification and filtration, is suitable for them. Also, refined oils are better perceived by pregnant women and children under the age of 3 years, because such products have a lower odor and are not so full of acids and vitamins that are heavy for sensitive skin.

Choosing healthy coconut oil

Pay attention to the certificates that confirm the organicity of the oil. Interestingly, not many systems require a 100% natural composition from the manufacturer. The most stringent are considered BDIH, NaTrue, USDA Organic. It is these European certification systems that confirm the absence of dangerous synthetic substances in the product.
In the composition of this useful coconut oil can be only one phrase - 100% coconut oil. If you buy unrefined coconut oil, then the composition will also be marked that the product was cold pressed.
Another important point that will help determine the quality of the oil is the possibility of using it inside. Coconut oil can be cooked very tasty and healthy dishes.
Real coconut oil hardens at temperatures below 25 ° C. In the frozen state, it is a fairly solid, white texture that melts when applied to the skin. In the liquid state, the oil looks transparent, sometimes a precipitate may appear. The shelf life of coconut oil is no more than 1 year, it is advisable to keep it in a glass jar in a dark place.

Natural, "pure" oil can not contain water, base and essential oils, flavors or other chemical components that enhance the action of a cosmetic product.

Coconut Hair Oil

Useful hair masks on coconut oil will not require much time and effort. It is enough to apply oil generously on dry hair and scalp, put on a shower cap and leave the mask to work for at least 30 minutes. And better - all night! In the morning, thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo, at least 2 times, because coconut oil is quite fatty and washing alone may not be enough.

Coconut oil for hair can also be used in combination with other essential and base oils to enhance the penetration of beneficial substances into the hair. Coconut oil is an excellent vehicle for saturating the skin and hair with ethers.

The composition of coconut oil

lauric acid - 50-55% (antibacterial action, helps fight viruses and bacteria in the body. It has pronounced antiseptic and bactericidal properties - protects the skin from the harmful effects of any environmental stimuli. Accelerates the healing of microcracks, cuts and other skin disorders, contributing to the most, to improve the skin, the disappearance of premature wrinkles and senile age spots, making the skin elastic, young and healthy.)
oleic acid - 6-11% (Restores the barrier functions of the epidermis and retains moisture in the skin, prevents the deposition of fat and even helps them "burn." After a meal containing oleic acid, the body almost immediately uses them as a "fuel" of its vital activity, without delaying stock, which contributes to weight loss, without reducing caloric intake.)
palmitic acid - 10% (Contributes to the renewal of the intercellular substance of the skin)
caprylic acid - 5 -10% (Normalizes the pH of the skin, contributes to a better saturation of the skin with oxygen, thereby enhancing the metabolic processes of the intracellular space, thus prolonging the youth of skin cells).
myristic acid - 10% (Used by the body to stabilize various proteins)
capric acid - 5% (Possesses antimicrobial properties, that is, protects us from viruses, fungi and pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Helps strengthen the immune system)
stearic acid - 3% (helps restore the protective properties of the skin)

Properties of coconut oil

1. It is capable to make skin more velvety.
2. Well strengthens the hair follicle, is used in order not to break the hair.
3. Slows the formation of wrinkles, moisturizes and nourishes the skin of the face.
4. Protects skin from destructive external factors (hard ultraviolet, bacteria, viruses, air pollution, dust, etc.)
5. Greatly reduces the level of glucose in the blood, is useful for people with diabetes.
6. Used in diets for weight loss.
7. Also helps get rid of stress.
8. Relieves pain, can even eliminate the tumor.
9. Very good for wounds, promotes rapid healing of the epidermis.
10. Good effect on well-being - relieve stress and mental fatigue.

If you use coconut oil correctly, then in a short time you can improve your health and gain beauty.

The use of coconut oil in medicine

Oil has anti-inflammatory and aseptic effect. Of course, this oil is not capable of treatment, it is used as an addition to the main therapy. Coconut oil is applied:

1. With a stomach ulcer.
2. With jaundice.
3. Well helps with hemorrhoids.
4. Used with weakened immunity.
5. In gynecology helps in the treatment of thrush.
6. If an allergic skin reaction,
7. Reduces the level of mental disorders.

For internal use, only the doctor is required to prescribe the dose. As with different types of diseases, the dosage should be very different. Do not self-medicate. But for external use is used compress. Only when used outdoors, you can use coconut oil on your own, without the advice of a doctor.

Improving the nervous system and brain.

Coconut oil contains building material for brain cells and the nervous system of the body. As well as substances that deliver this building material and nourish the cells for their recovery. The use of coconut oil in food improves performance, mood, intellectual abilities of a person.

Coconut oil strengthens the immune system.

It promotes the production of interferons (and is a building material for them), works as an antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal agent. It helps to successfully fight infectious lesions of the body.
Coconut oil is one of the main oils that are used in food by residents of South Asian countries and countries of Oceania. For millennia, this oil stands guard over the immunity and health of millions of people.

How can coconut oil be used?

Coconut gives people not only milk and tasty pulp, widely used in cooking. This nut gave us coconut oil. Coconut oil has long been used in cosmetology and helps to solve various problems. With the help of coconut oil, you can easily get rid of various troubles with skin and hair.

Despite the fact that coconut grows exclusively in tropical latitudes, today we have the opportunity to fully use this gift of nature. And we can buy the nut itself, and all its derivatives. The same applies to the coconut oil in question.

Coconut oil today is part of many cosmetics, but you can also buy it in its pure form. Coconut oil in itself is a universal cosmetic. This has long been known supporters of exclusively natural cosmetics.

Let's start with the benefits of coconut oil for the body itself. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It also protects the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. Coconut oil will not only help to avoid burns, but will also contribute to a smooth and beautiful tan. It is recommended to apply it to the skin, not only during your stay on the beach, but also in any other place where exposed skin is exposed to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Coconut oil is also very useful for hair removal. It moisturizes the skin, preventing it from drying out. Moreover, due to its antiseptic action, it prevents the appearance of irritation.
Coconut oil is used by many as a massage oil. As already mentioned, it is absorbed fairly quickly, which minimizes the likelihood of traces. It also has a pleasant smell, which contributes to more complete relaxation.

Many women with age face the problem of stretch marks on the body. In fact, you can get rid of them with the help of coconut milk, which contains a lot of vitamin E, which prevents oxidation of the cell membranes, which as a result prevents cell degeneration. To make the skin look beautiful and healthy, after a shower or bath, apply coconut oil to the body with massage movements and wash it off after a few minutes.

Coconut oil is also actively used for the face. The skin of the face is very sensitive and therefore requires careful and delicate care. Creams, based on coconut oil, make the skin of the face elasticity and elasticity. Also, coconut oil is used on its own without adding to the cream. Apply to his face with a cotton pad. For such a mask, oil should be applied to the face, and after 20-30 minutes, remove the remnants of a napkin.

The most sensitive skin on the face is the skin around the eyes and sometimes cosmetics cause irritation. That is why in the composition of many tools designed to remove makeup, includes coconut oil, which quickly relieves irritation. Refined coconut oil is mainly used. After removing the makeup with oil, rinse your face with warm water and then blot it with a towel. This mask helps to even out the complexion, eliminate pigment spots, small vessels and even wrinkles. This mask is desirable to do several times a week and it is most useful after water treatments.

Using coke oil can also effectively solve the problem of chapped lips. This oil can replace lip balm. It perfectly eliminates dryness and cracks. In addition, it is absorbed much faster than any balm, which makes it more practical in this regard.

Coke oil is also useful for hair. It is great as a mask. This mask makes hair obedient and removes the need to use various styling products. It is desirable to apply the oil on the hair a few hours before the water treatment, during which it should be thoroughly washed off. After such a wash, your hair will be very docile, and without much effort you can do almost any styling.

Let's understand what is coconut oil, it is useful or harmful

Coconut oil - This is the so-called "tropical fat" (a very fashionable definition now among healthy lifestyles) with "wonderful" properties. Such really "wonderful" these properties? We'll see and learn together. For this we need to understand the composition of the miracle oil.

The chemical composition of coconut oil

By calorie content: 9 calories per gram, like all other fats, i.e. coconut oil is a high-calorie product.

The composition of fat:

Coconut oil consists of a complex of fatty acids.
Most of the fats (almost 90%) are represented by saturated fats (lauric, myristic, palmitic, caprylic, capric, stearic), which makes coconut oil more like animal fat. And about 10% of the composition of coconut oil - unsaturated fatty acids - MUFA (oleic acid) and PUFA (linoleic acid).

According to the composition of other nutrients:

In oil there are traces of iron, a small amount of fat-soluble vitamins E and K, phytosterols (about 85 mg).

What does this compound mean to us who want to benefit from coconut oil as food?

There is an opinion (and even among nutritionists) that coconut oil dominates fatty acid (fats, if you just talk) medium chain (which is considered very useful).

Medium chain fats are metabolized (absorbed) in a special way in contrast to fats with shorter and longer carbon chains. In short, medium chain fats are sent directly from the intestines to the liver, which contributes to their "burning" in the form of energy.

But fats with shorter or longer chains are more often stored and stored in the body just in case (this is our excess fat, which we all dream of getting rid of).

This is why marketers cling to the benefits of medium chain fat in coconut oil. BUT! We must understand the following.
There is no food source consisting of only one type of fat (fatty acids)! Our favorite and healthy olive oil also contains a small amount of saturated fat. And that's fine.

There is no magic ... Unless in the laboratory this fat is released. But nature is intelligent and the composition of fats in certain products is exactly as it should for better absorption. Secondly - imagine the price of such a product, over which they conjure in a modern laboratory.

That is why such categorical statements about the wonderful properties of any product must be treated with the utmost attention. These marketers are true only from the part, the part that is beneficial for the sale of the product. The laboratory composition of coconut oil may not be available to the regular buyer. The chemical composition of oil for laboratory research and for sale to customers is different.

Food fats, from all sources of food supplied to the body, should be no more than 35% of the daily calorie intake.

We with you, to get the benefits of coconut oil as a food product, must understand the following.
90% fat in coconut oil - saturated fat. Many years of research in nutrition have shown that saturated fats in large quantities are harmful to the health of the heart and blood vessels.

WHO today recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 10% of their calories in the form of saturated fat. For people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and indeed any metabolic disorders, the proportion of saturated fat is less than 7%.

Why are coconut oil data still controversial?

Scientists have long been exploring the question of whether all saturated fats are harmful to the body. Indeed, different types of saturated fats affect the body in different ways.

Saturated fats of vegetable origin (including in coconut oil) differ from saturated fats in meat and oil from milk of animal origin. And accordingly, their assimilation occurs in different ways.

But the scientific world still does not give us the answer, which types of saturated fats have a positive effect on the body and whether these healthy fats are contained in coconut oil and other "tropical fats".

And while we do not have with you an exact answer about the irrefutable benefits of saturated fats of coconut oil as opposed to fats from animal products, the best option is to exercise natural nutritional caution and use coconut oil as a regular product within the framework that WHO gives us ( 10% or less of your daily calories).

Useful desserts on coconut oil. Is there any point for losing weight?

My attitude to desserts on "tropical" fats is extremely positive. Despite what I wrote in detail above.
You can find recipes in the Desserts section on the blog.

I can tell you that it is better to make your own candy or chocolate in coconut oil or cocoa butter, than to buy a surrogate of unknown origin from low-grade palm oil, margarine and petroleum sugar.

Naturally, for the figure it is also better than the usual sweets. Natural sweets and chocolate give a tide of high-quality energy, and do not take it away and do not slag the body like food surrogates.

Where did the allegations about the health of people who constantly eat “tropical fats” come from?

On the two islands of Polynesia, (Pukapuka Islands and Tokelau Islands), the study (uncontrolled and not randomized, that is, the usual study, but not demonstrative) found that coconut consumption was surprisingly high, accounting for 34% -63% of the total calories from the population.

- high level of blood cholesterol in the islanders,
- low level of cardiovascular diseases (heart and blood vessels).

What is important to know and what marketers are silent about?

1. The study was based on an ECG (electrocardiogram) of residents without other clinical and laboratory parameters.
2. The entire population of the islands under study had a low level of consumption of sugar and salt in their diets, consumed much more fiber, received a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids from fish than the average statistical inhabitant of our latitudes.
3. Plus, the islanders are more active in comparison with our urbanized population, chained to office chairs.
4. Tobacco smoking on the islands is several times lower than among our population.

Thus, taking into account the study without a solid evidence base, I, as a specialist, would not recommend.
In addition, the local residents of the islands under study are forced to eat large amounts of coconut fat (and not only oils, because they consume both coconut pulp and liquid, rich in fats and calories) for lack of other products. We all have enough choices and can afford to reduce the saturated fats of any origin to a healthy minimum.

The benefits and harms of coconut oil

Nourishes, moisturizes, tones, creates a protective film that reduces the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Promotes the regeneration of skin and hair.
It has a rejuvenating effect.
Used in massage.
Removes inflammatory processes (including acne).
Strengthens nails, hair, prevents them from splitting and breaking.
Eliminates dandruff.
Cleans, therefore it is used as a makeup remover.

Like most natural products, it is safe to use. There are only two aspects that are taken into account when applying:

Like any natural ingredient, it can cause allergies: the first use is better to make a trial, local - on a small area of skin to check the reaction.
Inside use with caution.

Coconut oil - a real storehouse of useful elements. There are almost ten acids alone! From vitamins - A, C, E. The most interesting thing is that being a vegetable, it contains a lot of saturated fats, which are usually found in animal products.

Coconut Hair Mask

"Creamy lavender". Combine one tablespoon of butter, two tablespoons of sour cream, three drops of lavender oil. Stir and apply a thick layer on dirty hair, warm the head, and after two hours carefully rinse with shampoo.
"AromaMix". Take two tablespoons of coconut oil, one tablespoon of castor oil, add five drops of oil to the mixture. Heat the composition and rub it into the scalp and hair, keep it warm for an hour, covering the head with cling film and a towel.
"Banana-Avocado". The composition includes: a banana, half an avocado, two teaspoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of coconut. Banana and avocado grate or crush into mush, then mix with butter and juice. When applying it is recommended to comb the strands, and wash it off better in an hour.
"Honey and kefir." One tablespoon of honey is mixed with one tablespoon of oil, filled with 80 milliliters of kefir, and last of all - three drops of ylang-ylang oil. It is better to warm up the mask before applying and hold for sixty minutes.

Best face masks

Coconut facials are also popular. They have a beneficial effect on the skin, helping to maintain freshness and firmness, smooth wrinkles, eliminate inflammation, and have a general tonic effect.

"Citrus". Three tablespoons of coconut oil, two tablespoons of blue clay, five drops of orange oil. Mix, apply on skin for 30 minutes.
"Protein". Stir three tablespoons of coconut oil, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one protein, five drops of tea tree oil. Keep the mixture on face for 30 minutes.
"Dairy". Three tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon of honey and milk, one egg. It is better to prepare the mixture in a mixer. Apply homogeneous mush on the face for 40 minutes.
"Honey". Five tablespoons of coconut oil, three tablespoons of honey, one persimmon fruit, one egg. Grind with a mixer or blender, hold for 30 minutes.

Useful body masks

There are masks for the body, which tone up, moisturize the skin, eliminating possible defects. Usually means for the body is used in scrubs, creams, lotions after a shower.

"Moisturizing". Mix coconut oil and cream (for children) in a 1: 1 ratio, use as a moisturizer for the whole body, hands, feet.
"Olive". Take coconut and olive oils in the ratio of 1: 2, for every tablespoon of coconut relies one tablespoon of beeswax. Melt the wax on the steam bath, then mix all the ingredients. Get a nourishing balm for the body.
Coconut Scrub. Butter, rock salt, brown sugar mix in proportion 1: 1: 1. Use as a scrub 1-2 times a week.
"Coffee scrub". Butter and coffee cake in a ratio of 1: 1 act the same way, the main thing is to be careful not to rub the skin too hard to avoid inflammation and an allergic reaction.

Other uses for hair and face

The oil can be applied in its pure form: applied to the hair, face and body skin, instead of hand cream, as a sunscreen lotion, against cellulite, for massage. The product eliminates dandruff, dry skin, heals microcracks, eliminates various inflammations, cleans the upper layer of the epidermis.

It can be added to shampoo and shower gel, evening face cream, scrub, lotion. It can also be used as a shaving cream: the blade will slide very gently, and the skin will not be irritated, peel off, redden. If you prefer epilation in the beauty parlor, it will soothe the skin after wax or sugar epilation.

They can take off makeup, using instead of milk, in the form of lip balm - they do not crack, the skin will remain fresh and moisturized even in extreme cold.

Means unique in characteristics. It is not surprising that it is actively used in cosmetology and traditional medicine. It can be found in the composition of almost any cosmetic means: cream, scrub, lotion, milk, mask, balm.

How and why use edible coconut oil

When used internally, it contributes to lowering blood sugar levels, eliminating cholesterol plaques, losing weight, improves immunity, helps with stress, has a general tonic effect. As an additional component, it is used to treat dermatological diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy.

In principle, it can replace sunflower oil in the kitchen. During heat treatment does not emit harmful substances, which compares favorably with the vegetable. Possessing a pleasant, sweetish taste, it is appropriate in sweet pastries, cereals, salads, sweet soups, stews.

The most common use of the food option is drinks. It is added to coffee, cocoa, tea. The taste is unusual and pleasant.

As used in traditional medicine and cosmetology

It works like a wart remover method! To do this, it is mixed with oils of lemon, tea tree, oregano and applied 3-4 times a day for half an hour.

The fungus on the skin and toenails can be eliminated by rubbing the affected areas with oil, wearing socks (first cotton, above - wool or terry). The procedure is repeated every day. With the help of the tool you can get rid of unpleasant foot odor To do this, it is rubbed until completely absorbed by adding a few drops of lemon or lavender oil.

Cosmetology, traditional and official medicine, cooking - the range of application is incredibly extensive. What do doctors and cosmetologists think of a wonderful tool?

Experts are unanimous in their opinion: coconut oil, which came to us from hot southern countries, is firmly rooted in cosmetology.

Doctors agree with this opinion, the only thing they warn about possible allergic reactions.

Useful tips

Apply masks to unwashed hair, warm your head with a towel, handkerchief or cap, and rinse with shampoo.
Lubricate the hair, face and body with massaging movements, without using gloves.
Use prepared mixtures once - do not store in the refrigerator, bacteria can multiply there.
Do not heat or supercool several times.
Do not make a mask before going out - even after using a shampoo, your hair may remain oily for a while, which will ruin the look of your hairstyle.

Remember: natural remedies are much better than artificial ones. Use the gifts of nature and be young, beautiful, healthy!

Scope of Coconut Oil

Coconut palms are equatorial plants growing in almost all tropical countries. It is therefore not surprising that the main suppliers of coconut oil are such countries as the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. A large share of exports accounted for Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka.

The unique composition of coconut oil provides it with widespread use in various unrelated industries. It:

Food industry. Natural raw materials with a pleasant taste are indispensable in the confectionery industry, cooking.

Soap manufacture Coconut has strong foaming and cleansing properties.

Pharmaceuticals and medicine. Coconut pulp contains a large amount of vitamins useful for the human body.

Fuel production. Coconut oil is an alternative source of fuel for cars and other vehicles.

Coconut Oil Benefits

The therapeutic effect, healing benefits, excellent cosmetic effect - all this is provided by the chemical composition of the coconut. It contains:

Saturated fatty acids: lauric, myristic, palmitic, in large quantities.

Unsaturated acids: oleic, linoleic, linolenic, known as Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Polyphenols, esters.

Vitamins and trace elements: A, E, B1, B2, B3, K, C, iron, calcium, phosphorus.

With regular use of coconut oil inside you can achieve the following results:

Improve the state of the cardiovascular system, reduce the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, arterial hypertension.

Protect the body from infection.

Prevent or cure existing viral and bacterial diseases, fungal infections. These include hepatitis, herpes, pneumonia, lichen, giardia, candidiasis and many others.

Significantly reduce the likelihood of diseases of the digestive system.

Beneficial effect on the nervous system, providing a calming effect.

Contribute to the normalization of weight due to increased energy burning and reduce feelings of hunger.

The advantage of external use is manifested in the form of therapeutic and cosmetic effects:

Coconut oil activates hair growth, perfectly moisturizes them, acts as a protective barrier against the aggressive action of the environment. To do this, it is used as an air conditioner, distributing through the hair after the shampooing procedure.

Coconut has antifungal properties that can effectively fight dandruff. It is enough to regularly rub the oil into the scalp.

Acting as a powerful antiseptic and bacteriological agent, coconut oil accelerates the healing process of wounds on the skin and prevents the infection from penetrating inside.

It is impossible to overestimate the properties of coconut oil for cosmetic purposes. It is a nourishing and moisturizing skin remedy, which also smoothes wrinkles, eliminates irritation, improves the appearance and condition of the skin. Oil is ideal for massage treatments or the preparation of various cosmetic masks, products.

How to choose a quality oil

Purchase coconut oil does not make problems - offers from different manufacturers a lot. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice and not to run into a low-quality product. Before you make a purchase, read the simple recommendations:

Refuse to buy oil through the online store. When making an online order, you act at random, as there is no opportunity to inspect the packaging of the goods, smell the oil, study its consistency.

When choosing between a refined and unrefined kind of oil, stop at the last one. It is cleaned only mechanically, without the introduction of chemicals. Unrefined oil is a natural product that retains all the beneficial properties of the raw materials. Refined oil is subjected to several degrees of purification, one of which - exposure to high temperatures. As a result of a long process of processing the final product, although it turns out clean, transparent, odorless, but loses all valuable substances.

Coconut oil is better to get cold-pressedas heat treatment destroys all the useful elements.

Pay attention to the packaging. Glass container is considered the safest, suitable for long-term preservation of the valuable properties of the product.

Smell the oil. From the unrefined will come a light pleasant coconut aroma, rather than a sharp and cloyingly sweet, and even more than burnt nuts. Refined oil in general does not smell.

Look at its color. A good oil is usually clear or pale yellow. Dark or bright yellow shade indicates poor cleaning of raw materials.

Examine shelf life information. Natural oil is stored no more than 1 year.

Coconut Oil Storage Rules

There are general guidelines for storing coconut oil:

The product should be kept at air temperature not higher than + 20 ° and humidity not less than 60%.

Important: coconut oil can be stored in both solid and liquid form - from this, its properties do not deteriorate. Hardened butter is easy to melt, rather briefly hold it in a water bath.

Avoid exposure to sunlight. Store in a dark place or in a glass bottle of dark color.

Tightly close the container with oil to eliminate the oxidation process that begins when interacting with air.

How to cook coconut oil

Cooking coconut oil at home is not difficult, it will take a little time, and the product will be natural, not inferior in quality to the store. To do this, do the following:

Coconut chips pour cold water in a 1: 1 ratio.
Put the mixture on the fire, bring to a boil.
After boiling simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
Cool oil, then strain.

The resulting product is poured into a dark glass container, closed with a lid and removed in the refrigerator. Oil can be used within 14 days.

Oil application

Coconut oil was practically never used for food. It was considered solely a cosmetic product. This component is part of many branded care products not only for hair, but also for the face and body. At home, coconut oil was often used for the preparation of masks and creams.

After some time, scientists have proven that such a component is ideal for cooking. After all, there are a lot of components in it that are useful for the human body and can make food more saturated. With the help of coconut oil, you can not only improve your health, but also lose weight.

A bit of history

Coconut oil is a vegetable fat that has been used in the Philippines, Thailand, India and other Asian countries for the preparation of various dishes for centuries. Gradually, his popularity increases. In the middle of last century, it began to be used in the United States. However, after some time there was a suspicion that coconut oil was better not to be used for food, because of its high fat content, this component is harmful to health. But this opinion was wrong.

The composition of the oil

Edible coconut oil is made from the hardened pulp of already ripe coconuts. Get the product by hot pressing, as well as cold-pressed. The latter method of oil production is considered the most benign. It should be noted that about 99% of the product consists of fat, including:

saturated fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, caprylic, capric, lauric, caproic, butyric, and so on,
monounsaturated: nerve, oleic, palmitoleic and so on,
polyunsaturated acids: omega-6 and omega-3,
the remaining 1% is water.

If you use coconut oil for food (there are negative and positive reviews about it), then it should be said that it has a rather high energy value: 900 kcal per 100 grams of product. This indicator is slightly higher than that of sunflower and olive oils.

Beneficial features

Edible coconut oil is considered by many nutritionists to be harmful because of the high caloric value, and some, on the contrary, useful. In their opinion, it is the most useful product of plant origin. Among its properties are the following:

When heated, coconut oil does not lose its beneficial properties. This product is recommended for frying. Indeed, in the process of such heat treatment carcinogenic substances are not released.
Coconut oil has antibacterial and enveloping properties. Due to this, the product eliminates some digestive problems, while facilitating the absorption of nutrients that enter the body with food.
Coconut oil has a positive effect on the state of the liver, while improving its self-cleaning function and stimulating the production of bile.
Fats that make up the oil, in general, have a positive effect on the state of the whole organism. Despite many opinions, the product does not raise the level of cholesterol, but on the contrary, removes it. If you use coconut oil for a meal, you can avoid the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system and hypertension.
Thanks to this product, human bone tissue becomes stronger. This is explained by the fact that many fats contribute to better absorption of magnesium, calcium and other trace elements.
Regular consumption of coconut oil helps to normalize the endocrine system. Therefore, it is often recommended for those who suffer from diabetes.

It is worth noting that coconut oil is a hypoallergenic product. Individual intolerance is extremely rare.

Is Coconut Oil Harmful?

According to expert reviews, coconut pulp oil can be harmful in some cases. If a person is allergic to the nuts themselves or idiosyncrasy, then the use of oil should be permanently abandoned. It is not recommended to abuse the product. A day is enough to use no more than 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. After all, such a product is saturated with all kinds of fats and is high in calories. Excessive use of coconut pulp oil can cause such unpleasant phenomena as disorders of the digestive system, as well as obesity.

What coconut oil is used in cooking

Unrefined and refined coconut oil is used for food. In addition, each species has its own characteristics. Unrefined has a pleasant aroma. Therefore, it can be used to prepare dessert dishes, such as cheesecakes, pancakes, and so on. It is safe to fry products in oil, as with sufficiently strong heating it does not lose its properties. Moreover, in the process of such heat treatment, no carcinogenic substances are formed.

Refined coconut oil has practically no characteristic aroma. It is usually used for frying a variety of dishes: meat, vegetables, confectionery. In addition, refined coconut oil can be added to salads, soups, porridges, pasta, spread on bread, used to make toppings for cakes, waffles, cookies, and so on. But this is not all areas of its application. Butter can also be added to tea, cocoa, coffee. In industrial enterprises, such a component is used to produce spreads and margarines. Such products cause less harm to the body than other vegetable oils.

What should be coconut oil

How to choose coconut oil for food? For a start it is worth understanding what a quality product looks like. It is worth noting that in many, even large shopping centers in Eastern Europe, it is very difficult to find coconut oil. It is usually sold in frozen form. Naturally, they pack such product with briquettes.

The color of coconut oil is fully consistent with the shade of the pulp of the nut. In this case, the product may be yellowish, white or slightly cream. The product of high quality color is uniform. It is worth noting that even in frozen form, coconut oil exudes a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor. Such a product melts at a temperature of up to 25 ° C. However, this oil can be stored not only in the refrigerator, but even at room temperature.

Coconut Oil Application

In everyday life, coconut oil can replace any vegetable and animal fat, including butter, olive and sunflower oils. Such product is applied:

when cooking cereals, vegetable purees, potatoes, pasta,
as a margarine substitute in baking,
for frying in a frying pan and fryer, baking and stewing,
for filling salads from fruits and a variety of melted vegetables.

It is worth noting that coconut oil in combination with hot chocolate or warm milk is a good and tasty remedy for colds.

Can I cook by myself

Now you know what coconut oil is for. For food, this product can be prepared by yourself:

On the nut there are 4 tags, in the place where the fruit was attached to the palm tree. For them you need to make two holes, and then drain the milk. In the process of cooking oil is not required.
From the fruit you need to knock off the shell, and then carefully cut off the flesh. The core must be crushed in a combine or grated.
The resulting mass is recommended to fill with water, preferably hot. When everything is cool, you need to put the container in the refrigerator.
On the water should form a fat crust about 0.5 centimeters thick. It should be collected, melt, but not boil.
As a result, a liquid should form. It should be drained, drained into a glass container and placed in a cold place. It is not recommended to store such a product for more than a week, as it is possible to harm the body.

It should be noted that approximately 50 milligrams of oil is obtained from a single coconut. From the water that remains after cooking the product, you can make ice cubes. They are recommended to be used only for cosmetic purposes. Shavings can be added to homemade scrubs or used to decorate the finished baking.

Medicinal properties

Of course, to know how to choose coconut oil is necessary, but before you buy it, decide what purposes you will use.

So what can be achieved if you regularly use coconut oil?

Ingestion will help reduce the development of atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, thrombosis. Coconut oil can improve the condition of the cardiovascular system. The product is endowed with immune properties, in particular, the oil protects the human body from the penetration of infections.

Doctors say that people using oil cure viral and bacterial diseases and fungal lesions faster. It is, for example, pneumonia, hepatitis, herpes, herpes, giardiasis and other ailments.

How to choose the right coconut oil depends on where you want to apply it. For example, for eating one product is needed, but for cosmetic purposes you can find oil and simpler. By the way, coconut oil is very useful for people suffering from diseases of the stomach. It is not only useful as a preventive measure, but also allowed in the diet menu.

People who live under constant stress should include oil in their diet, because it calms the nervous system.

Losing weight, oil will also help, because it is well saturated and accelerates the burning of energy.

Effect in cosmetology

Before you figure out how to choose the right coconut oil, you need to figure out what to expect after application. So, after applying beauticians note:

The rapid growth of hair, moisturizing, strengthening due to the enveloping hair. To achieve this, the oil should be applied instead of the conditioner, and then rinsed.
With the help of coconut oil, the wounds on the skin heal faster, and the infection does not penetrate. This happens because coconut is a powerful antiseptic.
Antifungal properties have long been known, so people have long used coconut oil to fight dandruff. Enough to constantly rub it into the scalp and the effect will not keep you waiting.
Coconut perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin, smoothes wrinkles. After oil, the appearance of the skin improves, irritation disappears, and its condition every day becomes more perfect.
Everyone knows that oils are used during the massage. So, coconut oil is best suited for relaxation. Different masks and scrubs are made with it.

Selection rules

How to choose coconut oil in Thailand and other countries, right now and tell. The main problem lies in the fact that there are a lot of producers, as well as offers, and everyone is talking about quality. How to get a really high-quality product? This is easy to do if you follow our recommendations.

Online shopping

How to choose coconut oil for hair, skin or for food? Buy in certified stores. Although online stores are very convenient because the goods are delivered quickly, and the purchase takes little time, but there is nothing more reliable than choosing one yourself.

It is not uncommon for customers to deliver something completely different from what they ordered. The product may be of a different quality, smell differently, have a different texture. All these points just point to the poor quality of the product, so it is advisable to give preference only to personal inspection.

Cleaning method

How to choose natural coconut oil? Before you buy the product, read the label. We all know that oil can be refined and unrefined. The latter option is preferable, because unrefined oil retains all the beneficial properties.

As for the refined product, it is first cleaned in several stages, including by heating. As you understand, the result is a clean, but completely devoid of all nutrients product.

Spin is important too

Before you choose a high-quality coconut oil, remember this article and ask about the spin. You remember that high temperatures kill nutrients? The same principle applies to the type of spin. The cold option is much preferable.

Meet on clothes

Often heard this saying? It can be applied to coconut oil. From each screen they say that you need to look at how the labels are glued, and this is true. But it is more important to pay attention to the material from which the packaging is made. Only in the glass oil will be stored as long as possible and will not lose its useful qualities.

Does it smell like that?

Odor is important when choosing a quality product. Good oil has a slight smell of coconut. The harsh aroma of burnt nuts or sugary-sweet amber speaks of the low quality of the oil.

By the way, the rules concern unrefined oil. The cleaned product does not smell anything.

What colour?

How to choose coconut body oil? Guided by the same principles as for the face or food. By the way, it is useful to see the color of the product. In the online store to do this will not work, so go to the present.

Quality product pleases the eye with a pale yellow color. It may be transparent, but by no means bright or dark. If you come across just such an oil, then be sure that the raw materials are poorly cleaned.

Oil is not forever

From all angles they say that it is necessary to check the shelf life of products. And this is the first thing to do before choosing a good coconut oil.

No matter how great a product is, if it is overdue, there will be no good. Moreover, the expired shelf life can cause serious trouble, especially with the use of the product inside.

How to store

People are looking for information on how to choose coconut oil in Vietnam or Thailand, but forget to learn the rules of storage. There are not many of them, so it will be easy to remember.

Storage temperature should be no more than twenty degrees, while the humidity can not be less than 60%.
Keep the product in a dark place. If this is not possible, then you can use shaded glass containers.
Oil should be well corked. The rule is due to the fact that upon contact with air, the oxidation process in the product begins.

Many are interested in how to store coconut oil. And so, storage both in a liquid state, and in the firm is allowed. It does not affect the properties of the product. It may seem that hard oil is harder to use than liquid, but it is not, because it melts easily. It is enough to put the container in a water bath or just in warm water.

Buying at the resort

How to choose natural coconut oil in Thailand? First, do not listen to sellers. They often deceive tourists, giving the product of poor quality for excellent. Secondly, you need to apply all the rules that we painted in the article. It is important that the label is in English, then there is a chance to take what you need.

But let's still clarify the nuances that each type of product has.

Edible oil

If you plan to use the product inside, then you can take the oil as hot pressed and cold. The latter must be used for twelve months, while the hot spin is only suitable for six months.

Oil cannot be stored in the freezer, but it is permissible in the refrigerator. The main thing - that the product was not in direct sunlight.

Pharmaceutical companies have learned to produce oil in a convenient form - capsules. So much easier to use the product for cosmetic purposes, and the hands always remain clean.

Capsules are made in plastic or glass. You can often see ampoule packaging. Store this oil should be in the factory package, and it should be tightly closed.

Packaging made of cardboard perfectly protects from sunlight.

Cosmetic oil

It can be used throughout the year without compromising quality. It is important to understand that this rule does not always work, and it is better to check expiration dates anyway.

If you leave coconut oil in the bathroom, it will remain liquid longer, because there is a lot of humidity.

Homemade coconut oil

If you are not sure of the naturalness of the store product, you can try to make the oil yourself. It does not take a lot of time and effort, but the result will please. Let's start cooking?

Coconut chips need to fill with water. It should be cold but clean. It is important that the ingredients be in equal amounts.
The resulting mixture should be brought to a boil. As soon as the mixture boils, the fire is reduced to a minimum.
On a small fire to keep the pot should be no more than five minutes.
We proceed to the last stage - cooling. As soon as the temperature of the mixture equals to room temperature, it can be filtered.

As a result, you get coconut oil, which must be used within two weeks. The main thing is to close the lid tightly and store in a cool place.

Mask for the face

Once we have figured out how to choose coconut oil, the product will clearly be of high quality. It is now worth making a wonderful face mask.

You will need five drops of orange juice, three tablespoons of oil, two spoons of blue clay. All ingredients are mixed and applied to the face. Keep the mask should be only half an hour, and then rinse with warm water. The skin for it will thank you.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing coconut oil is not so difficult, you just need to approach responsibly.

When caring for yourself, of course, you need to use only quality products. Some use cheap cosmetics due to the fact that there is no opportunity to buy more expensive, while others are convinced of the identity of all means.

The latter category is mistaken in thinking that the quality of cosmetics does not affect the price. Composition, processing, packaging - all this affects pricing. Of course, the brand also does its job, but not to the extent that women think.

If there are no funds for expensive care, try cooking your own cosmetics. Believe me, this is a very exciting process. In addition, you can try new combinations or even invent your own recipe.

In general, to care for your body, you do not need to spend fabulous sums. It is enough to show a little wit and not be lazy. There are recipes that have proven their effectiveness for several decades, but for some reason they are undeservedly forgotten.

Love yourself, because, besides you, no one will do it. It is better to feel confident than to look for flaws. To look like a million, you don’t need to spend that same million, beauty is much cheaper, but the confidence that appears is priceless.