Unrefined coconut oil is a great choice for several health, wellness and beauty benefits. On the health and wellness side, unrefined coconut oil is known for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions and wounds.
It’s also rich in capric and lauric acid, two fatty acids that can help fight bacteria and other pathogens. Unrefined coconut oil is also known to be beneficial for digestive health as it aids in digestion and absorption of other nutrients.
On the beauty side, unrefined coconut oil can be used as a leave-in hair conditioner, a face moisturiser and to soothe skin irritations, such as rashes and sunburn. Additionally, its vitamin E content helps to protect skin and restore damaged tissues.
All of these benefits make unrefined coconut oil a great alternative to other chemically-based hair and skin care products.
Is it OK to use coconut oil on your face?
Yes, it is generally safe to use coconut oil on the face. And it is considered an effective moisturizer for both skin and hair. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, which can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and fight any environmental damage to the skin.
It also contains lauric acid and caprylic acid, both of which have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help treat acne and prevent future breakouts. Additionally, coconut oil is packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
However, it is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, so it is best to pay attention to any changes or reactions you may experience while using coconut oil on your face. Those with sensitive or dry skin may need to be cautious when using coconut oil, as it can increase skin irritation and burn easily when exposed to too much sun or heat.
Additionally, if you have an existing skin condition, such as eczema, you may want to check with a dermatologist before incorporating coconut oil into your skincare routine.
Is refined or unrefined oil healthier?
Whether refined or unrefined oil is healthier depends on the type of oil in question. Generally, unrefined (or “virgin”) oils are preferred in recipe applications because of their flavor and health benefits.
Unrefined oils, such as olive or coconut, are minimally processed and usually extracted from fruit or nut sources. In contrast, refined oils are highly processed and often used for high-heat cooking such as deep-frying.
Refined oils usually have fewer health benefits, a more neutral taste, and a higher smoke point than unrefined oils.
In terms of health benefits, unrefined oils are generally higher in antioxidants and healthy fats and contribute to positive health outcomes. Unrefined olive oil, for example, is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid linked to lower inflammation and better cardiovascular health.
However, refined oils can still contain significant amounts of healthy fats, depending on the type of oil. Refined vegetable oils, such as safflower, sunflower, and canola, are high in polyunsaturated fats, which are generally considered to provide health benefits.
When choosing between refined and unrefined oil, the type of oil and recipe application should be taken into consideration. For sautéing and other recipes where a strong flavor is desired, unrefined oils may be the preferred choice.
For deep-frying and other high-heat cooking methods, refined oils are usually best because of their higher smoke point.
Why do doctors recommend refined oil instead?
Doctors recommend refined oil instead of unrefined oil because it is more nutrient-dense than unrefined oil. Refined oil usually has fewer calories and fat, making it a healthier choice. Refined oils also contain fewer impurities and have a longer shelf life, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad.
They are also less likely to become rancid, which can have a negative effect on the taste and the nutrition of the food. Refined oils also have a higher smoke point, so you can use them to cook at higher temperatures without the oil burning.
In addition, some refined oils are fortified with vitamins and minerals to increase the nutritional value. Ultimately, refined oils offer more health benefits than unrefined oils and are a great choice when cooking.
Why we should not eat refined oil?
Eating refined oil is not recommended for a variety of reasons. Refined oils are often highly processed, stripped of their nutrients and beneficial compounds, and thus lacking in health benefits. Furthermore, many of these oils undergo intense heating during their refinement, which can result in the creation of harmful compounds like trans fats, free radicals and advanced glycation end products (AGES).
Trans fats are known to increase LDL cholesterol levels, while free radicals, as well as AGES, have been linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Lastly, refined oils often contain artificial flavorings and preservatives, which can be difficult for your body to digest and can lead to further health issues. For these reasons, it is best to avoid eating refined oil whenever possible and to instead opt for unrefined, minimally processed oils that retain all of their natural nutrition and protective compounds.
Is it OK to bake with unrefined coconut oil?
Yes, it is generally fine to bake with unrefined coconut oil. Unlike refined coconut oil, which has been processed and filtered, unrefined coconut oil tends to have a stronger flavor that may not be suitable for all baking applications.
However, its higher smoke point, which makes it a good choice for sautéing and stir-frying, can also come in handy for some baked goods. The biggest advantage to using unrefined coconut oil is that it is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as beneficial fatty acids like lauric acid, which can help protect from diseases.
Additionally, unrefined coconut oil is often a more sustainable option than refined coconut oil.