Coconut Oil is AMAZING, But Only If You Buy the Right Kind: Here’s What to Look For

Do you remember the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding who thinks that putting Windex on everything “fixes” it?

No? Lucky for you, I found a clip HERE.

How that dad feels about Windex is precisely how I feel about COCONUT OIL.

Dry skin? Coconut oil!

Natural toothpaste? Coconut oil!

Frizzy hair tamer? Coconut oil!

Coconut oil is incredibly versatile, healthy, beneficial and a natural solution to many “problems.”

However, not all coconut oil is created equal. There are 2 main types of coconut oil: virgin and refined.

Let’s take a closer look at 5 things you must know about coconut oil:

VIRGIN(Nutvia Organic Virgin Coconut Oil)	REFINED(Nutvia Organic Refined Coconut Oil)
Coconut scent and flavor	Neutral scent and flavor
Heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit	Heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Made from fresh coconuts	Made from dried coconuts
Unrefined	Steam refined, no chemicals used
Certified organic and non-GMO	Certified organic and non-GMO

How Is Coconut Oil Made?

VIRGIN	REFINED
Fresh coconut meat is scooped out of the shell then cold pressed. The result is leaving behind just the oil. Has a pure coconut flavor.	Made from dried coconut meat, or copra. Gently steam refine the oil to achieve a neutral flavor. NOTE: Some companies use harsh chemicals to produce refined coconut oil – beware!

How Can You Use Coconut Oil?

From baking and cooking to body and hair care, coconut oil has MANY uses. Both virgin and refined coconut oil can be used interchangeably, based on your personal preference for the coconut taste and smell.

When cooking, refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 400 degrees, which makes it ideal for stir-frying, baking and sauteing. It also has a neutral flavor which makes it preferable when a coconut flavor is not wanted.

Which Types Of Coconut Oil Is Better For YOU?

BOTH!

They share the same nutritional profile. It is up to YOU to decide; depending on if you enjoy a coconut aroma and taste, both refined and virgin coconut oil have 63% medium chain triglycerides, including 50% lauric acid.

How To Shop For Coconut Oil

When buying coconut oil, there are some key characteristics you should look for.

Certified organic

Verified non-GMO
Confirm that virgin coconut oil IS:
- Cold-pressed
- Made without hexane
- Never deodorized or bleached
Confirm that refined coconut oil:
- Has never been refined using harsh chemicals
- Be sure to check that it is steam-refined