Virgin coconut oil retains more nutrients than refined coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is more expensive despite being less processed. Refined coconut oil goes bad faster than virgin coconut oil. For cooking, especially frying, the smoke point or refined coconut oil is around 450°F (232 °C), which is 100°F higher than unrefined virgin coconut oil.
Full Answer
What's the difference between Raw and virgin coconut oil?
Raw coconut oil: Raw coconut oil is unprocessed and uncooked. This means that during the extraction process, the temperature can't go above 45 degrees. Raw coconut oil also has the most nutritional benefits for the body. Virgin coconut oil: Virgin coconut oil differs from regular coconut oil, as it is cold pressed .
How bad is refined coconut oil?
Refined Coconut Oil is Not Necessarily Bad. At the same time, refined coconut oil is not the worst thing in the world to put on your hair. Though it may go through quite a bit of processing, it’s still better for you than a plethora of chemical-laden products that naturals regularly use on their hair.
What is the best organic virgin coconut oil?
- Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil: This oil is available in sizes of 32 oz. and 16 oz. ...
- NOW Foods Pure Coconut Oil: This oil is available in sizes of 7 oz. ...
- Viva Labs Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: This is available in 32 oz. ...
- Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: This oil is available in 14 oz. ...
What are the benefits of pure virgin coconut oil?
What Are The Benefits Of Virgin Coconut Oil?
- Repairs Your Skin. Coconut oil has almost all the properties of a perfect skin care solution. ...
- Aids Weight Loss. Most oils have long-chain fatty acids that increase blood cholesterol levels. ...
- Promotes Healthy Hair Growth. ...
- Protects From Dental Caries. ...
- Manages Fungal Infections. ...
- Might Reduce Cancer Risk. ...
Which is healthier virgin or refined coconut oil?
Great news! Both Refined and Virgin Coconut Oil have the same nutritional profile. No matter which coconut oil you prefer, both will contain 63% medium chain triglycerides, including 50% lauric acid.
Is virgin coconut oil the same as unrefined?
unrefined. Unrefined coconut oil is usually called virgin, or pure coconut oil. Others describe their oil through its method of extraction; cold-pressed, expeller-pressed or centrifuged. Take note that expeller pressed and cold-pressed oils don't necessarily mean “raw”.
What is the healthiest form of coconut oil?
It's best to buy coconut oil in its solid form, as this is typically purer than the fractionated oils that stay liquid at all times. Depending on how you plan to use it, you can gently warm the solid oil to convert it to liquid form.
Why is unrefined coconut oil better for you?
Refined Coconut Oil vs Unrefined Coconut Oil Because unrefined coconut oil hasn't undergone any additional processing, it has a pronounced coconut flavor and aroma, which can transfer to food when used in cooking. Unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees, making it better suited for baking.
What kind of coconut oil is best?
According to dermatologists, it's better to use unrefined coconut oil, specifically one that's been cold-pressed, not expeller-pressed. Cold-pressed coconut oil is thought to contain more nutrients than expeller-pressed, so using the former is more beneficial when it comes to skin care.
What is virgin coconut oil good for?
Coconut oil has many nutrients that can contribute to your health and to a good diet. It's full of fatty acids that your body needs and may help improve cognitive function, metabolism, and hair and skin health.
Does coconut oil need to be refrigerated?
There's no need to refrigerate coconut oil. It'll last a long time—up to two years—in your pantry. Just keep the lid on tight. Depending on how warm it gets where you live, your oil might go from solid to liquid in the jar.
Does unrefined coconut oil expire?
Does coconut oil expire? Yes. There are two varieties of coconut oil, refined and virgin coconut oil (unrefined). Refined coconut oil can last up to 18 months after production while virgin coconut oil can last up to five years.
What is the difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil?
As virgin coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk, it has better aroma and taste as compared to the regular one. Also, virgin coconut oil has a luscious, tropical coconut scent and flavour. On the other hand, the normal one has artificial scent and flavour.
What is unrefined coconut oil used for?
Benefits for Culinary Use The 350-degree smoke point of raw, unrefined coconut oil makes it an excellent base oil for sauteing vegetables or frying eggs. It's useful for frying most foods when kept below its smoke point.
Can you use unrefined coconut oil on your skin?
Both refined and unrefined coconut oils have triglycerides (fatty acids) and would be excellent moisturizers. But because unrefined coconut oil has a higher content of phytonutrients (compounds produced by plants to help protect them from environmental threats, such as antioxidants), it's the best choice for skincare.
How do I choose coconut oil?
Look out for these label terms. Whenever possible, buy coconut oil that's labeled as "unrefined," "extra virgin," and/or "cold pressed," but avoid coconut oil that's labeled as "deodorized." Sticking to these guidelines ensures that you'll get oil subjected to the least amount of processing.
Does virgin oil mean unrefined?
Virgin olive oil is also unrefined and has a distinctive olive taste and scent, but it is slightly higher in oleic acid than extra virgin olive oil and its flavor is not quite as intense. The minor flaws of virgin olive oil can only be detected by a trained palate and would not be noticed by most consumers.
What is the difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil?
As virgin coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk, it has better aroma and taste as compared to the regular one. Also, virgin coconut oil has a luscious, tropical coconut scent and flavour. On the other hand, the normal one has artificial scent and flavour.
Does extra virgin mean unrefined?
Extra-virgin olive oil is considered an unrefined oil since it's not treated with chemicals or altered by temperature.
Is virgin coconut oil refined?
Because Virgin Coconut Oil is not refined, a lot of the natural coconut flavor is left in the oil. On the flip side, the refined coconut oil is refined using high heat and a lot of the coconut flavor is taken out of the oil.
What is the difference between unrefined and refined coconut oil?
But what's the difference? Simply put, refined coconut oil is more processed, resulting in a milder-tasting oil, while unrefined coconut oil endures less processing and has a lower smoke point and deeper coconut flavor.
What Is Refined Coconut Oil?
When it comes to shopping for coconut oil, you usually have a choice of refined or unrefined.
How many calories are in coconut oil?
The unrefined coconut oil has 120 calories per 1-tablespoon serving, all coming from its 14 grams of fat, 13 of which are saturated fat.
How is unrefined coconut oil made?
Unrefined coconut oil can be made by two different methods. One is a "dry" method, where the fresh coconut meat of mature coconuts is dried quickly with a small amount of heat and then pressed with a machine to remove the oil. The second is a "wet" method, in which a machine presses fresh coconut meat to yield milk and oil.
What is the best oil to use for copra?
Sometimes, chemical solvents such as hexane may be used to extract oil from the copra. The resulting oil is flavorless and odorless. Advertisement. Refined coconut oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying or in baking.
How much saturated fat is in coconut oil?
One tablespoon of coconut oil contains almost 12 grams of saturated fat. The daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association is 13 grams. Additionally, there is still not enough scientific evidence to prove that coconut oil is necessarily healthy.
Is coconut oil hydrogenated or unrefined?
Refined Coconut Oil. If you're planning to buy coconut oil, you usually have a choice of refined, unrefined or partially hydrogenated. Partially hydrogenated coconut oil is the most processed and transforms some of the unsaturated fats — otherwise known as "good fats" — into trans fats, or "bad fat.". Coconut oil labeled as refined oil takes dried ...
Which is better, coconut oil or unrefined coconut oil?
On the other hand, refined coconut oil works better for cooking at higher temperatures with a higher smoke point.
What is the difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil retains a distinctive flavor and odor of coconut, whereas refined coconut oil is tasteless and odorless.
What is coconut oil used for?
Coconut oil has quickly become one of the most universal oils used today and not just for cooking but also for weight loss, hair and skin care as well as dental care. Coconut oil is available in two main forms: refined and unrefined (often called virgin) coconut oil.
Why is coconut oil considered unrefined?
The reason for it is that the process of heating the oil to high temperatures when manufacturing refined coconut oil removes many of the oil’s antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Refined Coconut Oil Vs.
What is refined coconut oil?
Refined coconut oil (virgin coconut oil) is made from copra, or dried coconut meat, that has been purified with bleaching clays due to the levels of contaminants that arise during the drying process. It is then treated with high heat to remove its distinctive odor and flavor.
What is the smoke point of coconut oil?
For cooking, especially frying, the smoke point or refined coconut oil is around 450°F (232 °C), which is 100°F higher than unrefined virgin coconut oil. If you are interested to use coconut oil for cooking, read my ultimate guide on how to cook with coconut oil.
What is the difference between organic and non-organic coconuts?
Here you need to distinguish between 2 terms: organic vs. non-organic which refers to whether the coconuts were grown with or without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and the terms refined vs. unrefined (virgin) which refer to the process of extracting the coconut oil.
What is coconut oil good for?
Coconut Oil Benefits and Uses 1 Helps with food digestion and eliminates toxic bacteria in the gut 2 Increases levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and decreases levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol 3 Provides burn relief and treats wounds 4 Protects against UV rays, making it a natural sunblock (don’t use it instead of sunscreen, though—look for a sunscreen with coconut oil) 5 Boosts brain health 6 Increases energy and endurance
Why does coconut oil have no taste?
It has no distinct coconut taste or aroma. This is because it’s made from coconut meat that’s filtered and dried before being pressed into oil. Both refined and unrefined coconut oils have the same nutritional benefits. So, it truly all comes down to usage and taste preference.
How to use coconut oil for face?
Use it to clean around the house. Combat dry skin with a DIY coconut oil moisturizer for your face and body. Mix it with olive oil to remove makeup easily. Fight bad breath and whiten teeth. Exfoliate your lips with a homemade peppermint lip scrub.
Can you use unrefined coconut oil?
Let's look into refined vs. unrefined coconut oil. You can use coconut oil for cooking, baking and all kinds of beauty and body care. But when shopping at the grocery store or on Amazon, you have to weigh the benefits of refined vs. unrefined coconut oil. The major distinction is the state of the coconut meat when it’s pressed, ...
Is coconut oil a good oil?
Though coconut oil is commonly criticized for being a fatty oil, it actually offers tons of health benefits. To name a few…
Can you use virgin coconut oil in brownies?
You can use virgin coconut oil if you love a coconut flavor in your recipes. (You’ve got to try these brownies made with coconut oil !)
How is Coconut Oil Made?
Our Organic Refined Coconut Oil is made from dried coconut meat, or copra. Unlike other companies that use harsh chemicals to produce refined coconut oil, we gently steam refine our oil to achieve a neutral-flavor. Because of our commitment to producing the highest quality products, this process is certified organic and uses absolutely no chemicals.
What to look for when buying coconut oil?
What Should I Look For When Buying Coconut Oil. An easy way to check if you’re buying quality coconut oil is to make sure it’s certified organic and verified Non-GMO. The next step is to confirm that Virgin Coconut Oil is cold-pressed, made without hexane, and never deodorized or bleached.
Is refined coconut oil better than virgin coconut oil?
Because of the way Refined Coconut Oil is made, it has a higher smoke point (400 degrees) than Virgin Coconut Oil, making it great for sautéing, stir-frying and baking. Plus, the neutral flavor makes it ideal for recipes where a coconut flavor isn’t desired. Virgin Coconut Oil is best for medium heat cooking up to 350 degrees.
Can coconut oil be used for cooking?
Coconut Oil can be used for baking, cooking, and body & hair care. Luckily, Virgin and Refined Coconut Oil can be used interchangeably in recipes so you won’t have a problem switching between the two.
Can coconut oil be refined?
Refined Coconut Oil should never be refined using harsh chemicals, so be sure to check if it’s steam-refined. At Nutiva, we take our commitment to excellence a step further and dedicate 1% of sales to support sustainable agriculture.
Does Virgin Coconut Oil Taste the Same as Refined Coconut Oil?
One of the most immediate differences between Virgin and Refined Coconut Oil is the taste and aroma. While Virgin (unrefined) Coconut Oil boasts a delicious, tropical coconut scent and flavor, Refined Coconut Oil has a neutral scent and flavor.
Refined vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil
The main difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil is how they are processed and the type of coconut meat that is used. The method for extracting and processing coconut oil has an impact on flavor and smoke point. Read on to learn more about refined and unrefined coconut oil.
When to Use Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil
Both refined and unrefined coconut oil can be used in baking, and it's often used as a vegan-friendly substitute for butter. Depending on the recipe, you may or may not want the scent and taste of coconut.
The Bottom Line
The difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil is the production process and the use of dried or fresh coconut meat. Refined coconut oil has a neutral taste and scent with a higher smoke point. Unrefined coconut oil has a strong coconut taste and scent with a lower smoke point.
Key Differences Between Refined vs Unrefined Coconut Oil for Keto
Refined coconut oil goes through additional processing, which results in less of a coconut taste and a loss of nutrients.
Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil has been processed, which results in a loss of the nutty coconut taste. Refined coconut oil has gone through a “refining” process that gives it a long shelf life, makes it more suitable for cooking, and gives it a higher smoke point. The smoke point for refined coconut oil is 400 degrees.
Unrefined Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat. Unrefined oil is minimally processed, retaining its coconut taste and aroma. Unrefined coconut oil contains more nutrients, antioxidants than refined oil, making it a more nutrient-dense option.
Differences Between Refined vs Unrefined Coconut Oil for Keto Diet
The main differences between refined coconut oil and unrefined coconut oil are the taste, smoke point, nutritional qualities, and Keto diet-specific considerations.
Types of Coconut Oil
Refined and unrefined coconut oil are the two main types of coconut oil. However, you will also find liquid coconut oil, organic coconut oil, Non-hydrogenated and hydrogenated coconut oil, along with oils more focused on skin and beauty, such as fractioned coconut oil or massage oil. Let’s break down what these different types of coconut oil are:
Coconut Oil Nutrition Facts
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon is the serving size for coconut oil. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains:
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
One of the main benefits of coconut oil is its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Coconut oil contains monolaurin, lauric acid, and caprylic acid, making it jam-packed with antiviral properties, anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal properties, antibacterial properties, and antioxidants.
