What is Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
In this article, I`ll be letting you in on the wonders of extra natural coconut oil. Really, the “extra” in the name is justified as this substance comprises various active components that help you stay strong and healthy. Coconut is easily one of the most useful fruits around. Its back and meat are especially useful to our health. As such, it is no surprise that coconut oil benefits our health too! Now, we already know that coconut extract works well for our skin and hair. The real problem, however, is that there are many adulterated types of coco blubber. So, sometimes, it gets really hard to tell the distinction between the real and adulterated. Luckily for every health freak like me natural coconut blubber variant, popularly known as natural cocoa blubber or extra virgin coconut oil, has become more popular over time. This means that you no longer have to deal with the fear of impurities as you apply your coconut oil on your skin. Extra unprocessed coconut oil is extracted from the fleshy part of fresh coconut kernels. Since it is not distilled, it retains most of its natural micronutrients and this makes it a healthier option for you. Let’s find out more about it.
How do I Extract Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
You can extract this oil from the fleshy part of ripe coconuts. You can remove the blubber using either natural methods or mechanical methods. It is important to note that there is no form of chemical processing involved in getting your natural coconut extract. The production method may not necessarily require heating the blubber extract. The extracted substance is usually left almost natural hence the name; extra virgin coco oil.
How does Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Work?
First, you have to break and remove the shells from your fresh coconut kernels. Separate the shells from the flesh of the coconut. Next, use a machine to press the coco flesh to separate the milk and oily substance from the fleshy part. This is called the cold pressing extraction process. After this, collect the substance in a bowl. Using several biophysical methods, distill the oil from the milk. By now, you should have your unprocessed coconut blubber! Natural coconut oil has a boiling point of nearly 350 degrees Celsius. You can use it as a cooking oil. However, it doesn’t work well for high-heat cooking.
What’s “Extra” about Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
It is not called “extra” for no reason. Natural coconut oil is a special and healthy substance. Here’s why!
No Heating!
First, there’s little or no heating involved in its extraction process. Since it is hardly placed over heat, the blubber retains all of its micronutrients and nutritional components. This makes it so healthy and beneficial to you.
Zero Cholesterol
Next, it contains much healthy fat and has absolutely no cholesterol. This makes it an excellent choice for your heart health. It is also good for every of your vital body organs.
Let’s Talk Antioxidants!
The best part of this healthy extract is that it doesn’t lose any of its antioxidants! This is really what sets it apart! All antioxidants remain in place from start to finish! Little wonder why experts posit that it is a lot healthier than processed and refined coconut oil.
So what else separates extra natural coconut blubber from its processed counterpart? It`s the production. Unlike its natural counterpart that is gotten from fresh coconut kernels, processed coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut kernels. The kernel is dried using a quick heating process, hence producing copra. Meanwhile, the blubber is extracted from the dried kernel using a special processing device. The extract goes through steaming to deodorize it. Finally, it is bleached using clay as a filter to get rid of any impurities. The final product is fully processed oil. Processed coconut blubber contains many chemical substances that can cause harm you use it too frequently.
4 Benefits of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Now that we know what differences between natural and processed coconut blubber, let’s find out how extra virgin coconut oil can benefit our health.
Healthy Skin
This extract does wonder for the skin. In fact, applying virgin coconut blubber on your skin regularly will help improve your skin tone and protect it from ultraviolet rays. It is rich in fatty acids like palmitic acid and lauric acid. Additionally, it comprises anti-inflammatory properties that prevent skin breakage. If you have any scars on your skin, then virgin coconut extract is the right solution for you, as it also helps to get rid of injury scars. You can also use it to treat different skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Shedding off Extra Calories
The components in unrefined coconut blubber make it an excellent weight-loss option. Unlike other oils that contain ingredients that increase body cholesterol levels, natural coconut blubber has medium and long fatty acid chains. These fatty acid chains do not increase body cholesterol levels astronomically. This way, you’re able to lose weight and prevent hypercholesterolemia.
Healthy Hair
We all love beautiful, shiny and healthy hair. Fortunately, natural coconut oil helps you achieve this with little or no stress. According to experts, applying unrefined coconut extract to your hair regularly prevents hair loss. The viscosity of your coco oil extract allows it to penetrate the hair shaft easily. Also, it comprises healthy amounts of lauric acid that makes it a fantastic treatment option damaged hair. Apply natural coco blubber to your hair regularly to make it glow!
Combats Cancer
Yes! Extra natural coconut extract also contains active components that prevent the incessant multiplication of malignant cells in the body. This can help build up protection against breast and colon cancers. For cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, adding unrefined coconut blubber to their diets will help boost their appetites and overall body metabolism.
How to Use Natural Coconut Blubber
There are different methods for adding extra natural coconut extract to your diet. I’ll share a few of them with you.
- Enjoy your unrefined coconut extract as sauce and dips.
- Try out delicious bulletproof coffee made from extra virgin coconut extract.
- Your smoothies and yogurt can never go wrong with this healthy oil.
- Try out natural coconut blubber in your fruitcakes too!
Side Effects of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
With all of these health benefits, I’m sure you’re wondering if unrefined coconut extract can ever go wrong. As excellent as it is, natural coconut extract has some side effects. The major side effect is that it a lot of saturated fat, and as a result, you should only consume it in moderate quantities. it can lead to chronic metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular conditions. Doctors advise that natural coconut blubber should constitute not more than 10 percent of your daily meals.
Does Extra Natural Coconut Oil Last Forever?
Unprocessed coconut blubber may be many things. However, one thing it isn’t is eternal. This simply means that it has an expiration date. Usually, it should last for 2 to 3 years. However, if it changes color or smells rancid at any time, discard it. Also, if it starts to feel sticky, you should get rid of it. However, if you notice any mold on the surface of the blubber, scrape off the mold areas and use the oil. Mold on natural coconut oil doesn’t do much harm.
Final Words…
Extra natural coco oil is the way to go for your health. With its numerous micronutrients and active ingredients, we can as well call this oil your health’s best friend. Be sure to try it in small and healthy quantities in your next diet.