Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Benefits

Before I learned about the benefits of coconut oil, I never used it. Now I use it for almost everything! I cook with it, put it in my salads, on my hair and rub it all over my skin! I have a jar in my kitchen cubbards, on my bathroom shelf and next to my bedside. Coconut oil is the only oil I know of that is so incredibly versatile! It has a shelf life of over a year and really does not go bad. This article will cover the benefits and properties of organic virgin coconut oil. Soon you’ll be running out to the store to stock up.

There are two types of coconut oil. Commercial grade and Organic virgin coconut oil. Some people confuse the latter with organic extra virgin coconut oil, but that's for olive oil.   Sometimes, it is also called organic unrefines virgin coconut oil.   Most commercial grades are made from copra which is the dried meat (kernel) of the coconut. The oil made from copra must be purified or refined with high heat and chemicals for human consumption. It is then called RBD which means refined, bleached and deodorized. This is not the kind I use. RBD is often hydrogenated in one form or another and is unhealthy.

The organic virgin coconut oil is the best. You’ll be able to know the difference not only by the labeling, but also by it’s taste and scent. It tastes and smells like a coconut! Organic virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat that is wet-milled. The oil is extracted from fresh wet coconut meat in the form of coconut milk. Then the oil is further separated from the milk where it’s fermented up to 36 hours. It is at this time the oil is drawn from the milk. The oil is then slightly heated and filtered. This results in a clear pure coconut oil that retains much of the original flavor. When this traditional method of extraction is used, the lauric acid content is up to 50%. This method can only be done by hand and has been for over hundreds of years in the Philippines.

Organic virgin coconut oil turns liquid in warm temperatures. Be aware of this when you open it so you don’t spill it. In warm weather you want to store it in a cool place. It’s ok to store it in the refrigerator if you want.

Coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties that have been proven to reduce the viral load in aids patients. It contains a unique form of saturated fat that ironically helps prevent hardening of the arteries, stroke and heart disease. The fat is identical to the fat found in human breast milk. No wonder it’s so good for you! It’s great for building the immune system, improving digestion and protects the body against infection. And it that’s not enough, coconut oil helps speed up the body’s metabolism and promotes weight loss. 3-4 tablespoons a day provides enough lauric acid to build up the immune system and see therapeutic benefits.

Basically, anytime you use oil or butter, you can use coconut oil instead. Stir-frys, salad dressing (don’t refrigerate), roasting vegetables, smoothies. Try putting a little in your tea. Use it in baking where it calls for butter, margarine or oil. I even drizzle it over my dog Alfred’s Kibble and he gobbles it up! It makes his coat soft and shiny. Many people eat it directly by the spoonful because it’s so good for you. You can buy organic virgin coconut oil at almost any health food store.

I keep a jar in the bathroom to put on my skin right after a shower. My skin loves it! Use it on rashes or any skin disorder. I also put it in my hair as a conditioner (like jojoba oil).

I also keep a jar by my bed. There are many useful creative ways to use coconut oil. Use your imagination!