Going nutty over Coconuts

Is All Coconut The Same?

We are always talking about 'Coconut' these days and all the wonderful things that it is useful for but it is not very often that these articles or people who are doing the talking are being clear about which coconut they are using and why. As with all products, there are big differences with the quality of products between good companies and companies that add a lot of fillers into their products. It is always important to do your own research about the company you are buying from so you are sure you are getting the kind of product you are looking for. There is also a difference in how the product is made depending on if it is being made for the beauty industry or if it is being made for the food industry. Food industry must be kept in sterile environments where as the beauty industry has a little more leeway in how they make their products although both are held to high standards it would not be wise to choose a coconut oil that you found in a skin care store to put in your food.

What are the different types of Coconut available and what do they do?

There are a couple of different ways people are using their coconuts products. Solid coconut, fractionated coconut oil, and coconut oil for consumption are different forms of coconut-derived products with varying properties and uses. Here's a breakdown of each:

Solid coconut for topical use:

Solid coconut typically refers to the edible white flesh of the coconut fruit. It is obtained by grating or shredding the fresh coconut meat. The solid coconut is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like manganese, copper, and selenium. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and various culinary preparations to add flavor, texture, and nutritional value to dishes. You can also use this one for moisturizing your skin, it does have a slight UV protection if you are going to put it on and go out in the sun.

Fractionated coconut oil:

Fractionated coconut oil is a processed form of coconut oil that undergoes a separation process to isolate specific fatty acids. This process removes some of the long-chain triglycerides, leaving behind primarily medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at room temperature, unlike solid coconut oil. The removal of certain components gives it a longer shelf life and a more stable, clear, and odorless characteristic. It is often used in cosmetics, skincare products, massage oils, and as a carrier oil for essential oils. This is not the MCT oil you will find in your natural section of the grocery store.

Coconut oil for consumption:

Here you will get both the solid and the liquid form of Coconut oil. When it is for consumption it typically refers to virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil that is suitable for eating. It is extracted from fresh coconut meat without undergoing significant processing or refining. This type of coconut oil retains its natural aroma and flavor, and it contains a combination of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. Coconut oil is a versatile cooking oil and can be used for frying, sautéing, baking, and as a substitute for butter or other oils in various recipes. While solid coconut and coconut oil for consumption have similar nutritional profiles, fractionated coconut oil differs due to its specific composition of MCTs. It is important to note that the properties and uses of these coconut-derived products can vary based on the specific brands, extraction methods, and processing techniques employed. It is always advisable to refer to the product labels and choose reputable brands to ensure quality and suitability for your intended use. If you are using the liquid coconut oil to get more Medium Chain Triglycerides into your system make sure you read the ingredients well, in many brands they will use filler instead of the actual Percentages that you need to make a difference in your system.

Written by Lyzalee

Lyzalee is the co-founder of Casaroma Wellness and is a Registered Orthomolecular Holistic Practitioner, a Clinical Aromatherapist and a Lifestyle enhancer with her many energetic modalities including Reiki. She has been serving the public for well over 25 years. She is most popular with those who want more guidance and encouragement to live a more empowered, natural & healthy lifestyle. She does public speaking, teaches classes, one-on-one consultations and co-creates Casaroma products with Allana.