Coconut Oils: Are They All The Same?
Nope. Not all coconut oils (CNO) are the same. It is a testament, though, to the versatility of this marvelous equatorial oil.
If you’re like me and my wife, practically one oil does it all. We use organic virgin CNO for our food, skin, hair, etc. OK, I admit. My wife sometimes use refined coconut edible oil for select meals but that’s about it.
The best CNO for overall wellness is virgin CNO. It retains an impressive amount of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) and phytonutrients such as antioxidants, and has a very long shelf-life.
Coconut cooking oil, an odorless and/or tasteless variety, is a favorite for kitchen buddies. It has a high smoking point ideal for frying or any food preparation that requires high heating temperatures.
And there’s what we call fractionated CNO or simply MCT oil. This type is composed entirely of just two fatty acids, caprylic acid and capric acid. It’s frequently used in the cosmetic and food flavoring industry.
Never use hydrogenated CNO or any hydrogenated oil for that matter. All hydrogenated oils contain trans fatty acids or trans fats. These unnatural fat molecules are toxic and can certainly increase your risk of heart disease.