We all know about this oil thanks to the coconut oil craze. Providing an alternative to other cooking oils, coconut oil has many health benefits worth exploring. So, where does it come from? Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from coconut meat, and has been hailed as one of nature’s most nutrient rich foods. It has many nutrients that can contribute to your health and to a good diet. The superfood of coconut oil comes from a process of pressing coconut oil — made from copra or fresh coconut flesh.

 

Benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil can help to reduce inflammation, support cognitive and heart health and boost energy levels. To date, there are over 1,500 studies showing coconut oil to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Coconut oil’s uses and benefits go beyond what most people realise, it is a true superfood.

It’s no wonder the tree on which this tropical fruit, or drupe, has been nicknamed the “tree of life” in many parts of the world. In fact, scientific researchers suggest sticking to 30 grams per day for men and 20 grams per day for women of coconut oil. It can help the body in so many ways, which is due in large part, to the medium-chained fatty acid content (which we will get into later).

I heard that coconut oil is high in fat so how can it be good for you?

The controversy surrounding coconut oil is perhaps due to the fact that it is rich is saturated fats. However, we shouldn’t completely avoid saturated fat, because we actually need it. It works to enhance our immune function and protect the liver from toxins. In actual fact, coconut oil helps the body in so many ways, which is due, in large part, to the medium-chained fatty acid content. MCFs are easier to digest and used quickly to enhance energy levels, boost cognitive health, work to improve HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or ‘good’ cholesterol levels) and more.


Coconut oil uses

Coconut oil’s uses extend beyond cooking, it’s considered an all-purpose beauty solution too. You can use coconut oil in so many ways from cooking, baking, to adding it to smoothies and coffee, using it as an ingredient in DIY natural remedy recipes, and using it for oil pulling. Remember to always opt for pure, unrefined organic products.

Interestingly, thanks to its high lauric acid composition which may have antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is linked better oral health. Ayurvedic medicine has used coconut oil as an antimicrobial for centuries to promote dental health through a process known as “oil pulling”, which is believed to rid the mouth of bacteria that lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Current research shows that coconut oil may help to decrease plaque build-up on your teeth and reduce inflammation to fight gum disease. Swish a tablespoon of oil around for 15 minutes then rinse and brush.

Alongside this, it equally makes for an extremely versatile beauty product which can be used from head to toe. It works wonderfully as a hair mask preventing hair from getting too damaged and, as a rich hydrating body moisturiser and even as a natural makeup remover.

Is coconut oil supposed to be solid or liquid?

How you store coconut oil is up to you – refrigerated or at room temperature and the temperature in which you keep it will affect whether is solidifies or is a liquid. Coconut oil will keep for up to two years, even at room temperature. Just keep it out of direct sunlight.

A great way to use our coconut oil is in our handy squeezable pouch. Perfect for both the pantry and pampering.

What are medium-chain triglycerides or MCT?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats found in foods like coconut oil. They’re metabolised differently than the long-chain triglycerides (LCT) found in most other foods. MCT oil is a supplement that contains a lot of these fats and is claimed to have many health benefits. Due to their shorter chain length, medium-chain triglycerides are metabolised differently and are more rapidly broken down and absorbed into the body. This makes them a quick energy source and less likely to be stored as fat.      

One of the main benefits of MCTs is, unlike longer-chain fatty acids, they go straight to your liver, where they can be used as an instant energy source or turned into ketones. Ketones are substances produced when the liver breaks down large amounts of fat, they are then released from the liver and go into your bloodstream and are used as fuel to drive the body's metabolism and to support muscle function. In contrast with regular fatty acids, ketones can cross from the blood to the brain. This provides an alternative energy source for the brain, which ordinarily uses glucose for fuel.

Made without chemicals, filler oils or additives, our Organic MCT Oil is a premium source of energy-boosting MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides. Our Organic MCT Oil is derived from only 100% organic coconuts and features a neutral flavour, with no harsh aftertaste.

What certifications does your coconut oil carry?

Here at Nutiva, we are proud to say all of our Coconut oils are certified fair trade, organic and non GMO. On top of that funds from the sale of every jar are now deposited into a community-led fund in the Philippines, where we source our coconuts. This supports and empowers the local farmers and their communities.