Cold-pressed oil has grown in popularity over the years due to the method of preparation that protects the antioxidant content as well as the flavor and nutritional value. When it comes to cold-pressed coconut oil, one product comes to everyone’s mind: hair oil. Yes, it is best for your hair health, but that’s not all; adding it to your diet has interesting health benefits. Want to know what health benefits it can provide? Read along.
This blog lists 11 amazing benefits of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil that you may not know about. But that’s not all! We’ve also explained in detail what cold-pressed coconut oil actually is, so scroll down to learn more.
Types of Coconut Oils
1. Virgin / Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil:
Virgin coconut oil is made by cold-pressing fresh coconut meat under cold weather conditions. The oil is then separated from the coconut milk to get the purest form of coconut oil. One of the advantages of cold-pressed oil is that it doesn’t affect the nutrient content of the oil. It doesn’t have a long shelf life since it is unprocessed and all-natural, so it would be best to acquire it in small portions.
2. Refined Coconut Oil:
It is made using dry coconut, also known as copra. Oil made using this process is subjected to high temperatures and treated with preservatives and other additives. This oil has a longer shelf life and is perfect for cooking (high burning point), but it lacks nutrients and contains many additives.
3. Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
The hydrogenation process converts the unsaturated fats in coconuts into saturated fats. It is done by adding hydrogen atoms to the coconut oil at high temperatures. This process gives it a longer shelf life than cold-pressed coconut oil. Hydrogenated coconut oil lacks the nutrients of coconut oil and also increases LDL in your blood.
4. Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil:
It uses the same method as cold-pressed oil: high pressure. But expeller-pressed oil also uses friction and heat to extract oil. It is prepared at high temperatures, while cold-pressed oil is prepared in a temperature-controlled environment. It is perfect for cooking but lacks the nutrients that cold-pressed coconut oil contains.
5. Fractionated Coconut Oil:
In this process, all the different types of fatty acids are eliminated except two medium-chain fatty acids. It is similar to MCT oil, except MCT oil is used for oral consumption as part of a supplement, and fractionated oil is used for topical applications.
What is Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil?
Cold pressing is basically a method of extracting oil naturally by crushing the seeds at room temperature. This traditional method of oil extraction is free from all chemicals and preservatives. The cold pressing technology helps preserve and retain the natural goodness, vital nutrients, rich aroma, and flavor of fresh coconuts. Hence, cold pressing is the healthiest method to obtain coconut oil that can be further used for different purposes.
The Cold Pressing Process
Two things make this process unique. One is a cold temperature, and the other is high pressure. A hydraulic press is used to separate the fiber from the coconut meat and collect the liquid. This liquid contains both coconut milk and oil. The oil is separated and packaged for sale. During this entire process, a cold temperature is maintained to keep all the nutrients in the coconut oil intact.
11 Amazing Benefits of Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
1. Supports Weight Management
Coconut oil helps in suppressing appetite, maintaining healthy lipid profile and minimising the risk of weight gain. It also helps promote healthy thyroid gland function, accelerates metabolism and boosts energy, aiding in weight loss. The naturally occurring MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) in coconut oil might be responsible for helping weight loss management. Dietary supplementation with coconut oil may promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.
MCTs boosts the body's metabolism, satiety and help prevent fat accumulation in the body.
2. Natural Energy Booster
Cold pressed coconut oil works better as a natural energy booster as compared to the sugar loaded energy drinks. MCT's present in cold pressed coconut oil are transferred straight to our liver and act as carbohydrates, providing an extensive and ready supply of energy. MCTs have been widely used in formulating sports nutrition diets and are taken by many athletes around the globe.
3. Helps in Diabetes Management
Coconut oil significantly helps in managing diabetes. The healthy fat in coconut oil can effectively manage how sugar impacts your body. The phenolic components present in the coconut oil have shown anti-diabetic and insulin-sensitizing effects. The high polyphenolic content of coconut oil improves glucose metabolism efficiency. It lowers insulin production levels and helps people the body control the craving for high-glycemic foods.
The consumption of coconut oil regularly is also helpful in blood sugar management. Furthermore, it reduces bad cholesterol levels and raises the level of good cholesterol. Thus, a very useful option for diabetics.
4. Helps Fight Neurogenerative Diseases
The brain fails to utilize or process glucose the right way in the case of people suffering from neurogenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, even though it is the main source of energy for the body. So, to provide the body with energy, it produces ketones. Ketones are mainly produced only when the body has low blood sugar. So, to increase ketone production, coconut oil is the best option.
It is known to produce ketones. And supplementing coconut oil in Dementia or Alzheimer's patients has shown dramatic results in people suffering from such diseases as it slows down or reduces their symptoms.
5. Topical Benefits
Cold pressed coconut oil is widely used topically for ample of reasons. If you are suffering from dandruff in your hair or dry skin or need antibacterial support, coconut oil is the best remedy for you. It works perfectly in reducing the fine line and wrinkles. You can either massage it onto your skin, add to your diet or consume it as a supplement. Coconut oil is also beneficial in wound healing because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
6. Antimicrobial Effect
The antimicrobial effect of virgin coconut oil is owing to the medium-chain fatty acids present. About 50% of the fatty acids present in VCO are MCFAs like Lauric Acid. Studies suggest that lauric acid has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat microbial infections. It is reported that lauric acid can also control the gut microbiota composition which is necessary for better digestion & immunity. Results of another research determined that lauric acid can be used as an effective alternative therapy to treat skin infections like acne vulgaris.
7. May Help Reduce Seizures
For the treatment of resistant pediatric epilepsy, the MCT ketogenic diet is frequently employed. The amount of medium-chain fatty acids in the plasma rises as a result of this diet. MCT oil is incredibly abundant in virgin coconut oil, thus reinforcing the potential benefits of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil in preventing seizures.
8. Improves Skin Health
Virgin coconut oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which can help maintain skin integrity by moisturizing the skin. A study published in the Nursing and Health Sciences Journal concluded that Virgin coconut oil can be used as an alternative, non-pharmacological treatment for dermatitis.
9. Protects Hair Health
Among vegetable oils, coconut oil works best to restore hair health. Lauric acid in virgin coconut oil contributes considerably to our hair's health. Lauric acid has a strong attraction for hair proteins and can pass through the hair shaft thanks to its low molecular weight and linear chain. Therefore, it is able to provide nourishment.
10. May improve Oral Health
Oil pulling is a practice used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to improve tooth hygiene and oral health. It works the same way as the soap. The oil sticks to the toxins, which are pulled out and removed when we spit the oil out. Lauric acid has antimicrobial and antiviral properties as well, which ensure total oral hygiene.
1. Steps to do coconut oil pulling
- Take a tablespoon of good-quality coconut oil.
- Fill it up in your mouth. Do not swallow it.
- Swish it around your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spit it out.
2. When is the best time to do oil pulling?
Coconut oil pulling has to be done in the morning before having breakfast or brushing your teeth.
3. Precautions while performing oil pulling
Do not swallow the oil as it contains all the toxins that have been removed.
11. Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize the free radicals formed during metabolic processes, thus reducing oxidative stress. But there’s something more powerful than antioxidants—polyphenols. They are strong antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and assist the functioning of antioxidants.
Virgin coconut oil contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, along with several polyphenols. Together, they keep your oxidative stress low and prevent cell damage brought about by free radicals.
Choosing the Right Cold-Pressed Oil
If you’re struggling to choose the best cold-pressed coconut oil among the heaps of different coconut oils on the market, here are a few tips to help you make a sound decision.
1. USDA Organic Approved:
The United States Department of Agriculture is a federal organization that ensures the product is produced in accordance with all applicable criteria. Being USDA Organic certified indicates that the producers, including the farmers, adhered to all safety regulations when producing and managing the goods, ensuring that they are completely organic.
2. Non-GMO Certified
Organic food enhances your health because it contains all the good nutrients and is free from harmful toxins. Foods that are non-GMO are free of the poisons and chemicals used to alter their genetic makeup. So make sure you check the non-GMO label on the packaging, along with USDA Organic.
3. There’s no Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin Coconut Oil implies that it is cold-pressed or unrefined. Extra virgin isn’t a relevant quality grade for coconut oils. It is a term used for other oils, like olive oil. Marketers are leveraging the popularity of extra virgin oils to market their coconut oil. So, whether your pack says virgin or extra virgin, it means the same thing; don’t get fooled by it.
Does Coconut Oil Increase Cholesterol Levels?
When it comes to oil, we are all curious to know how good or bad it is for our hearts. So let us resolve this major question in your mind.
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL
LDL, or low-density cholesterol, is the bad cholesterol that gets accumulated in the arteries of your heart, thus causing heart diseases. HDL, or high-density cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol that’s actually good for your health. It absorbs the bad cholesterol in the blood and carries it to the liver to eliminate it from the body. Therefore, it is necessary to have more HDL than LDL in your body.
Any oil you use will contain either saturated or unsaturated fats. The latter increases your HDL levels, and unlike LDL, it does not cause fat deposition. Coconut oil is mostly saturated fat, so many people are skeptical about it. But here’s the fact: coconut oil increases both HDL and LDL in your blood. This HDL-boosting property is unique to coconut oil and makes it a healthier version than other cooking oils. Besides, it contains antioxidants and other plant-based nutrients. So the advantages of coconut oil outweigh the disadvantages. In a nutshell, virgin coconut oil is good for your health but should be used in moderation. So limit your use of cold-pressed coconut oil to avoid any side effects. Additionally, you can have a serving of soluble fibers (e.g., oats, kidney beans, apples, and pears.) that reduce the absorption of LDL into the blood. So if you are considering cooking your meals with virgin coconut oil, make sure you have a good amount of soluble fiber to take care of the LDL in coconut oil.
Special Considerations
Virgin coconut oil is safe for consumption by anyone, provided you are not allergic to it.
How to Experience the Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oil?
While you can directly apply cold-pressed coconut oil on your skin or hair or even cook food in it, there’s an even simpler, more effective, and delicious option: Melts Natural Vitamin D3. Read along to find out more.
What is melts®️ Natural Vitamin D3?
melts®️ Natural Vitamin D3 is a reliable vitamin D3 supplement that comes with naturally sourced vitamin D3, astaxanthin, and vitamin K2 along with cold-pressed coconut oil. The supplement is 100% plant-based and offers numerous health benefits, such as better immunity, improved heart health, protection from deficiencies, and more.
It is 100% organic, non-GMO, and contains no allergens, making it the best vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D supplements can also help with bone and tooth health and mood enhancement. These easy-to-consume strips are created with natural ingredients to deal with vitamin D3 deficiencies in our bodies. You just have to place one strip of this vitamin D3 supplement on your tongue after breakfast and wait for it to dissolve. And within seconds, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. Its fast-acting formula is what makes it the best vitamin D3 supplement for all adults.
Wrapping Up
Cold-pressed oil is way more beneficial than you think. However, now that you know its benefits, it’s time to include it in your daily routine. The easiest way to ensure your body is getting enough of this ingredient and more is with melts®️ Natural Vitamin D3. It’s a natural supplement that, along with cold-pressed coconut oil, offers several other ingredients as well, which means more benefits.
References
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