Coconut Oil
Coconut oil (cocos nucifera), otherwise called coconut butter, is a seed-derived oil with multiple human benefits. Its uses around the world have been widespread, especially in the tropical regions - South and Central America, Africa, India and most of Asia. In fact, coconut oil's benefits were given so much importance, that they were documented in Sanskrit in 1500BC under Ayurvedic medicine, as being beneficial to the mind, body and spirit. However it was only in the 1860s, that coconut oil was developed as a commercial product by merchants in the South Seas and South Asia. During the Second World War, the water of young green coconuts was used as a saline drip for wounded soldiers, thereby saving many lives. After the war, coconut oil gained popularity and was sold as 'margarine' in the United Kingdom and as 'coconut butter' in the USA.
Physical Properties
Coconut oil is essentially a fat, predominantly made up of medium chain triglycerides and consists of about 90% saturated fat. It contains 40% lauric acid - a medium chain triglyceride, which is also present in mother's milk. Among the most stable of all oils, coconut oil is slow to oxidize and thus resistant to rancidity, lasting up to two years due to its high saturated fat content. In order to extend shelf life, it is best stored below 24.5°C [76°F].
Manufacture
Coconut oil is extracted from copra (the kernel of the coconut). Coconuts are sun-dried, smoke-dried or kiln-dried to obtain copra. The coconut oil extracted as such is unrefined and is unsuitable for consumption. This 'crude coconut oil' as it is called, has to be refined in order to be made useful. The coconut industry terms this refined oil as RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized) coconut oil. Often, coconut oil is partially or completely hydrogenated, to increase its melting point. Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the whole oil, in which most of the long-chain triglycerides are removed so that only saturated fats remain. Fractionated oil is even more heat-stable than other forms of coconut oil and has a nearly indefinite shelf life because it is completely saturated.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil as the name suggests, is the purest form of coconut oil and is aptly termed the 'mother of all oils'. Anything in its purest form is always the best, especially where health and well being are considered. The most refined oil, virgin coconut oil, is derived differently from the usual coconut oil. It is obtained without any chemical processes or high temperature heating to further refine it and hence it keeps its 'virginity' intact. This oil is completely stable and its shelf life goes up to several years. Virgin coconut oil is derived from fresh coconuts and not from dried coconuts (as in copra). There are three primary ways in which virgin coconut oil is produced:
- Fresh coconut meat is quick or brisk dried and then the oil is pressed out of it. In this method, the least amount of heat is used for drying the coconut flesh, after which mechanical methods are used to extract the oil.
- Wet-milling is a method by which the oil is obtained without drying the non-copra of the coconut. Instead 'coconut milk' is first derived by pressing. Then the oil is further separated from the water. This separation maybe done by boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes and mechanical centrifuge.
- Wet-milling (direct micro expelling) is slightly different from the normal wet milling process, as here the water content of the fresh coconut is first adjusted and then the pressing of the coconut flesh results in the direct extraction of free-flowing oil.
There was a time when coconut oil received bad publicity due to its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has proved that all saturated fats are not alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil do not raise serum cholesterol nor do they contribute to heart disease. In fact, quite contrarily, coconut oil helps prevent high blood pressure and reduces cholesterol, preventing heart disease. It also brings down incidences of arterial injuries and helps prevent atherosclerosis. As mentioned earlier, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which has antiviral and antibacterial properties and therefore strengthens the immune system. It is known to reduce the viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients. Coconut oil is rich in medium chain triglycerides and contains fewer calories than any other fat, resulting in increase in energy, a rise in metabolism and therefore reduced body weight. This may account for the fact that people who live in tropical coastal areas and consume coconut oil on a daily basis are rarely fat, obese or overweight. It is a boon to those who suffer from thyroid problems as it helps in the effective functioning of the thyroid and enzyme systems. Coconut oil is used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes as it helps control blood sugar and facilitates insulin production. Coconut oil promotes the effective absorption of fat soluble vitamins, i.e. Vitamins A, D, E and K as well as other minerals. The absorption of calcium and magnesium helps in the development of bones and strong teeth. Consumption of coconut oil helps prevent osteoporosis in middle aged women and also reduces instances of tooth decay.
Coconut oil aids in preventing liver diseases as it reduces the work load on the liver by easily converting substances into energy when they reach the liver. It also prevents kidney diseases and is used to dissolve kidney stones. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues. When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which prevents dust, fungi, bacteria and virus from entering the infected body part. Ingestion of coconut oil aids in digestion and prevents stomach related problems, including irritable bowel syndrome.
Benefits - External
Coconut oil has the ability to nourish and moisturise the skin and is particularly helpful in the case of dry skin. It delays wrinkles and sagging of the skin associated with aging. The antioxidant properties of coconut oil help in preventing premature aging. It is also used in the treatment of various skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, etc. Coconut oil is also an excellent sunscreen and provides natural UV protection. Apart from nourishing the skin, coconut oil is extensively used to condition and nurture hair, especially in the Indian sub-continent. It promotes healthy hair growth and gives it a shiny appearance. It contains the essential proteins required to repair damaged hair and when massaged on the scalp, it can prevent dandruff, lice and hair loss.
Uses
Coconut oil is frequently used for cooking in the tropical regions. Virgin coconut oil is used in the manufacture of many soaps, lotions, creams, etc and is considered one of the healthiest substances you can apply on your body. It is also extensively used as hair care oil and also in the manufacture of various conditioners and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil may be used as a lubricant for sexual intercourse. It has also been tested as a bio-fuel to fuel diesel engines and even aircrafts and as an engine lubricant.
In today's world, health has become the prime concern, and various researches are being carried out to find natural means of promoting better health. Traditionally, coconut oil has been considered as a holistic 'wonder' oil. Though it is predominantly manufactured and used in India and other Asian countries, coconut oil research is happening almost everywhere in the world, as more and more nations are adopting this oil as part of their lifestyle, because of the large number of benefits. As Thomas Alva Edison wisely once said "The doctor of the future will give little medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."