Many people prefer organic because they feel that it insures that they are purchasing a high quality product. Others are more skeptical because it can be nearly impossible to tell a difference between organic and conventionally-grown product by the taste or odor. However, most organically-grown coconuts are used in unrefined coconut oils which are inherently higher quality than refined coconut oils anyway.
Extracting Methods
This final category refers to the way the oil is harvested from the coconut itself. Any of these methods can used to make either organic, virgin, or refined coconut oils. While there may be some small differences in the nutritional content of the oils produced from these methods, the main difference is taste. The more the coconut is heated during the oil-extracting process, the more of a nutty, "toasted" flavor the oil will have.
Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil
The expeller pressing method of coconut oil extraction employs the use of a giant expeller press to squeeze the oil out of the nut. The forces of friction are powerful enough to heat the oil to approximately 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This method extracts virtually all of the oil from the flesh of the coconut, making the expeller pressing method popular among coconut oil manufacturers. However, some consumers are concerned that the heating of the coconuts during this process sacrifices some of the nutritional value. Others do not care for the "toasted" aftertaste of expeller pressed coconut oil.
Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
In the cold pressed method, the oil is harvested from the coconut at temperatures less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature means that some of the oil will remain in the white, fleshy coconut meat to be discarded or used as livestock feed. This means that cold pressed coconut oil tends to be a bit pricier than expeller pressed. However, many people prefer it because of its flavor and nutritional content.
Centrifuged Coconut Oil
A less common method of oil extraction is known as the centrifugal method. In this method, the coconut meat is mixed with water and spun at speeds high enough to separate the oil, water, and flesh. This method exposes the coconut to even lower temperatures than cold presses. However, centrifuged coconut oil tends to have a much shorter shelf life than other types because it is nearly impossible to get all the water out of the final product.
Conclusion
For the most part, which type of coconut oil is best is a matter of personal opinion. The different extracting methods, degree of processing, and coconut-growing techniques will all yield a different taste and nutritional content. The one type of coconut oil that is significantly inferior to the others is anything that has been hydrogenated. The hydrogenation process defeats the purpose of choosing coconut oil.
Chapter 4- How Coconut Oil Can Be Used For Skin Care
As it pertains to looking beautiful or maintaining standing health, it is essential that the skin be taken care of. This is partly due to the environment that we live in. With the sun beating down on our skin throughout any given day, and harmful substances declaring combat at any given moment, our skin is constantly at risk; therefore, it needs to be properly protected. Aside from prescriptions and over the counter ointments, hundreds of people have developed their own home remedies. And hundreds of thousands are frustrated because nothing they conjure up seems to be working. Have you considered coconut oil? Experts and consumers alike have come to the conclusion that the natural substances found in coconut oil are entirely beneficial to the skin. Below are eight different ways coconut oil can be used for skin care.
Softens Dry Skin
If you're using coconut oil on the go, you won't see maximum benefits any time soon. The best way to use coconut oil is several hours before you're planning on going out. This will give it the opportunity to settle onto your skin and do its work before being overly exposed to damaging elements. Keep a bottle of the oil near your kitchen and bathroom sink and by your bed to use after doing the dishes, getting out of the shower, and before going to bed. Coconut oil is perfect for softening the dried or callused skin that comes from the sun's damaging rays, hard, hot water, and any other exposure that you may come into contact with.
Brightens Facial Skin
Don't waste your money on expensive, store bought products to erase the effects of exhaustion. Makeup brands use coconut oil as a base ingredient in their formulas because of its natural glow. Just smear a small amount of the oil on top of your makeup and let it sit. This will lighten your facial skin while complimenting your normal makeup wear. Allow it to dry before going out so that it has the proper time to moisturize your face.
As a Body Moisturizer
Coconut oil is perfect for large usage doses. Fully applying it to the skin demonstrates many of its benefits. Before you go to bed and right after coming out of the shower or bathtub, apply the coconut oil around your body. This will keep your skin durable, strong, and healthy. Never stress over your aging skin again! Coconut oil is naturally helpful in clearing away dead skin. It can also be used with other skin lotion agents for more results. Apply it to your legs, arms, and body for a comfortable smoothness that you're willing to show off!
Skin Cleansing
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing. According to recent studies, it is also fantastic for atopic dermatitis. Rub the oil on your skin in a circular motion (focus on your face and neck); massage as you rub. After applying the coconut oil, wash it off with a different cleanser of your choice. Not only will you feel immediately cleaner, but you'll look it to. Be sure to get into a habit of cleaning your skin this way for better results. Work it into your day to day routine so that you're not rushing it.
Internal Exfoliation
This is perhaps one of the best benefits of using coconut oil for your skin. Typically we think about applying it to the surface - but it also does wonders from the inside out. It can be eaten directly, used in cooking, or blended into drinks. Try to get a small dose of it daily - gradually taking more as you go. If you can commit to 2 to 4 tablespoons a day, you'll see a big difference in the longevity and health of your skin in just a few weeks.
Prevents Stretch Marks
Coconut oil is used quite frequently by pregnant women; used to maintain and monitor the stretch marks that come with carrying a baby, it is not solely for pregnant women. Applying coconut oil to your skin hours before or right after working out or running will help to protect the skin as its being put to the test.
Increases Sun Tolerance
Some sunscreens and tanning lotions can be more harmful than not. Too much sunscreen can take away the vitamins from the sun that your body needs and too much tanning lotion can in the long run help to burn the skin. Coconut oil is perfectly in the middle. This method gradually benefits your skin by not only protecting it at the time of usage, but it also builds up your skins health and sun tolerance. Using it can reduce sun damage and skin cancer. Supplement harmful sunscreens and sun lotions with coconut oil and reap the benefits.
Heals Skin Fast
Coconut oil has been proven to heal skin very quickly. Applying it to cuts, scraps, scratches, infections, etc. boosts your body’s natural healing properties exponentially. No other FDA approved drug can claim that it possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. It limits the amount of microbes on the skin; this in turn cleans up various conditions like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and hundreds of other skin infection and ailments.
Coconut oil has gained a reputation as a health food and natural medicine. Many people today are using it to improve their lives in the area of cleaning up skin issues, digestion, raising their energy levels, assisting