Coconut oil: how to use it and what are its benefits?

An essential product in your home, coconut oil never ceases to surprise with its multiple benefits: culinary, therapeutic and cosmetic. Thanks to its richness in lauric acid, its moisturizing and nourishing power is incomparable.

Contents :

1. Origin and preparation
2. An oil with multiple uses
3. Benefits and composition
4. How to choose the right coconut oil?

Origin and preparation

Coconut oil, also called coconut butter or fat, is extracted directly from the fresh pulp of the coconut, a famous exotic fruit with a clearly distinguishable flavor. Popular for millions of years, the coconut has served many generations. Nicknamed "the tree of life", the nut has become known thanks to its great culinary and medical qualities.

The coconut tree is native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Its oil is extracted notably in Indonesia, the Philippines and India, all three responsible for 70% of global coconut production.

A versatile oil

Ideal in the kitchen

Very resistant to cooking at high temperatures, coconut oil can be useful as a replacement for traditional oils or butter. It can be used for frying for example. However, it is still advisable not to exceed 180°C.

In food, coconut oil is an essential food for lovers of the taste and smell of coconut. A few drops are enough to offer an exotic flavor to your savory or sweet culinary preparations.

Skin and hair care

One of the main uses of coconut oil is cutaneous. Indeed, thanks to its richness in lauric acid, coconut butter nourishes, protects and relieves redness of the skin. Thus, it is recommended for the prevention of skin dryness. In addition, coconut oil has a slight sun protection factor (10), however, use in moderation during short exposures.

At the capillary level, the benefits are the same. Thanks to its intense hydrating power, coconut oil helps improve the appearance of dull and dry hair while providing suppleness and shine. It is recommended on damaged, colored and fragile scalp.

Skin and hair benefits of coconut oil:

• Soothing
• Sanitizing
• Emollient
• Nourishing
• Regenerating
• Softening and softening

Benefits and composition of coconut oil

Main benefits

• Antiseptic (bacteria, viruses)
• Infection prevention
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves digestion

Composition

Coconut oil is approximately 44 to 53 percent lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid (MFA), also called a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). Lauric acid is known for its many properties including antibacterial and digestive.

Fatty acids are essential for the well-being of our body. They cushion and support our organs whether at rest or in our physical activities. It is a valuable resource that contributes to energy metabolism and the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, crucial to the overall health of our body. They would also increase glucose tolerance.

Fatty acid composition

Monounsaturated FA: 5 to 8% oleic acid (omega 9).
AG polyunsaturated: 1 to 3% linoleic acid (omega 6); up to 0.2% alpha linolenic acid (omega 3).
Saturated fatty acids: 40 to 50% lauric acid, 16 to 20% myristic acid, 6 to 8% palmitic acid, 6% capric acid, 5% caprylic acid.

Other active constituents

Vitamins: E and occasionally provitamin A, B3, B5, B6

How to choose the right coconut oil?

Choosing your coconut oil is important. The composition of the oil and its effects are strongly influenced by the production conditions. In particular, care must be taken not to confuse copra oil and coconut oil, both obtained from coconuts. One is made from coconut pulp that is dried and then hot pressed, while the other is made from fresh pulp. However, to ensure the quality of the oil, it is recommended to select an extra virgin oil, obtained by cold pressing and ideally from organic farming.