Coconut oil: what does it look like, useful properties, uses

Coconut oil is a unique product that has found its application in many areas, which is easily explained by its unique composition. It is included in the recipe of many dishes, used to treat a number of diseases and the manufacture of cosmetics, the purpose of which is to care for the skin, hair and the preservation of their attractiveness.

Types of coconut oil

There are several varieties of this product, each of which differs from each other by the raw material used for their preparation and the method of purification:

1. Virgin and extra virgin. These varieties are considered the healthiest. They are made from fresh coconut and are not subjected to heat treatment or refining during cooking.
2. Cold-pressed oil. The raw material for making cold-pressed coconut oil is dried coconut or copra. This variety contains a lot of nutrients, the preservation of which guarantees the method of production, which involves pressing the oil at low temperatures (the maximum value - 40 degrees Celsius).
3. Refined oil. This kind of coconut oil can be stored for much longer than others. It is characterized by resistance to high temperatures and the absence of a characteristic aroma. However, only oil that has been obtained by evaporation will be useful. Whereas oil prepared with acids and other chemicals is not desirable because it is deprived of most of its nutrients.
4. Hydrogenated. This type of coconut oil is widely used in cooking and is a frequent ingredient in a variety of baked goods. However, using it on a regular basis is highly undesirable.
5. Liquid coconut oil. This variety is used both as a food product and as a cosmetic. However, when using such a product, you should take into account the fact that it does not contain lauric acid, which, in turn, is the strongest antimicrobial agent.

Which is healthier: refined or unrefined

When choosing a product, you should consider the fact that unrefined coconut oil retains the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals that are contained in fresh coconut, because it is made from fresh pulp and is not exposed to high temperatures. In addition, during its preparation do not use any additives, including flavorings and flavor enhancers. Given these facts, we can say that unrefined coconut oil is much healthier and more nutritious than refined coconut oil.

How coconut oil differs from palm oil

Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil and palm oil are two completely different products. They differ from one another in the following characteristics:

1. Color. Palm oil has an orange-red color, which is due to the large amount of carotenoids in this product. Coconut oil in its liquid state has no color. It takes on a white, slightly yellowish hue only after freezing.
2. Use. Coconut oil is used in the preparation of confectionery, snacks, a variety of snacks, baby food and dairy products, which do not contain lactose. It is also excellent for frying. Palm oil is used during the manufacture of frozen convenience foods. Its consistency and ability to retain its structure at room temperature allows it to be used as a substitute for butter.
3. Features of the composition. Oil made on the basis of coconut contains 90% unsaturated fats, while in the chemical composition of palm oil can be seen approximately equal amounts of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
4. Vitamin complex. Palm oil contains a large amount of vitamin E, which cannot be said about coconut oil.
5. Caloric value. Coconut oil contains slightly more calories than palm oil. However, you should understand that the difference will not be more than 5 calories.

Composition and calories

The usefulness of coconut oil is explained by its unique composition. In 100 g of this product contains:

• 82.5 g of saturated fats;
• 6.3 g of monounsaturated fats;
• 1.7 g of polyunsaturated fats;
• 0.05 mg of iron;
• 0.02 mg of zinc;
• 0.11 mg of vitamin E;
• 0.6 mcg of vitamin K;
• 86 mg of phytosterols.

Coconut oil is a vegetable product. Therefore, its main feature is considered to be its high fat content. When you consume 5 mg of coconut oil, you get:

1. About 11 grams of fat. Coconut oil contains more than 80% fats, which are only useful if consumed in moderation.
2. 12 mg of phytosterols. One of the main features of phytosterols is considered to be their ability to reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the human body.
3. 6 various polyphenols. They are natural antioxidants that can have a beneficial effect on the human body. These substances have excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In addition, they are able to break down fats, reducing their total amount in the whole body.

Coconut oil is considered a highly concentrated product, which is due to its high fat content. In 100 g of this product contains 892 kcal.

A positive feature of this product can be called the complete absence of cholesterol in it, the consumption of which should be strictly limited in a number of serious diseases.

What is useful for coconut oil

General benefits

Despite its low vitamin content, coconut oil is one of the most useful products. The fatty acids it contains can have a unique effect on the human body:

• prevent the development of serious pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease;
• Improve brain activity;
• reduce cholesterol levels;
• Prevent heart and vascular disease;
• increase immunity;
• prevent the development of cancer;
• Improve the work of the thyroid gland;
• to prevent the development of pathologies in the gastrointestinal organs;
• Improve the function of the digestive system;
• Relieve inflammatory processes in mucous membranes of internal organs;
• To get rid of severe heartburn;
• To increase physical activity;
• Improve the condition of bones and joints;
• Prevent disorders of the central nervous system.

Coconut oil has:

• antifungal;
• antiviral;
• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory properties.

This allows it to be used to treat diseases that have been caused by pathogenic fungi, including:

• dermatophytosis;
• mycosis;
• Various dermatitis;
• lichen;
• eczema.

For women

Coconut oil will become an indispensable product for those representatives of the beautiful half of humanity who regularly take care of their appearance. It will help to keep their attractiveness, health and shine of their skin, will prevent hair loss waking and activating hair bulbs and will improve the condition of their nails.

In addition, when consumed regularly, coconut oil can:

• improve brain and physical activity;
• prevent the development of depressive states;
• Stop premature aging of the whole body;
• Prevent breast cancer and cancer of the female reproductive system;
• remove accumulations of harmful cholesterol and toxins.

Another unique feature of this product can be called its ability to fight fat accumulation, which is especially relevant for women who suffer from excessive weight. However, you should use coconut oil for weight loss with extreme caution. If you consume too much of this product, the effect will be the opposite.

For Men

Coconut oil is a rich source of saturated fats. In this case, the main feature of this product is that it consists of medium chain triglycerides. It is thanks to this feature that coconut oil is able to have a beneficial effect on the human body, including the male body:

1. Break down visceral fat. Many men who are over the age of 40 have noted a dramatic increase in overall body weight. This can negatively affect the health of the entire body and cause the development of cardiovascular disease. Through many studies, it has been proven that coconut oil can break down visceral fat, reducing overall weight and waist volume.
2. Prevent prostate enlargement. According to statistics, men over the age of 50 are up to 50% more likely to have an enlarged prostate. It is possible to reduce the risk of hyperplasia with regular consumption of coconut oil.
3. Increase testosterone levels. When the level of testosterone decreases, the work of the entire male body is disturbed. Coconut oil can normalize its production.
4. Saturate the body with energy. Coconut oil, entering the human body, instantly turns into energy, which allows you to increase physical activity.
5. Stop hair loss. Coconut oil can stop hair loss even if it is due to genetic factors.

According to medics, the introduction of coconut oil in the daily diet of a man will help improve the overall condition of the whole body and prevent the development of many dangerous diseases. Therefore, you should not neglect this product and refuse it completely.

When pregnant

This unique product is also irreplaceable during pregnancy. Regular use of coconut oil will not only help to improve the general health of a pregnant woman, but will also have a beneficial effect on the baby she is carrying. This unique product will help a woman to get rid of many problems:

1. Severe heartburn. Coconut oil is able to envelop and soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive organs, as well as reduce acid levels, which helps to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn, relieving the overall condition of the woman.
2. Toxicosis. It can occur both in early and late pregnancy. Regular addition of coconut oil to drinks will help to cope with its manifestations.
3. Stretch marks. Vitamins E and K, even in such small quantities, can improve the elasticity of the skin and cell regeneration, which helps to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
4. Frequent colds. During the period of childbirth a woman's immunity can drop dramatically, which leads to frequent colds, which in turn can have a negative impact on the formation and development of the fetus. Coconut oil can help increase the body's resistance to pathogens that attack it.

The substances contained in this product can have a positive effect on the unborn child. Regular use of coconut oil provides acids, vitamins and minerals to the woman's body, which contribute to the proper development of the brain and immunity of the child.

When breastfeeding

It is necessary to monitor the daily diet not only during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding. While during pregnancy a woman is allowed almost all foods, in the postpartum period many of them have to be excluded from the daily diet. However, it should be understood that the daily menu should include those products that contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are necessary for the proper development of the newborn. One of these is coconut oil. When it is consumed while breastfeeding, a woman's body is saturated with a lot of nutrients that will be able to:

• Increase resistance to attacking viruses;
• improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract;
• increase physical activity of a young mother;
• form a good acquired immunity in the child;
• ensure the proper development of the baby's internal organs and systems;
• ease the psycho-emotional state of the mother in the postpartum period;
• improve the quality of breast milk.

When introducing this product in the daily diet of a nursing woman should take into account the fact that the daily rate of its consumption should not exceed 30 grams.

For children

Natural coconut oil can be used from the first days of life of the baby. This unique product will help to get rid of such problems:

1. Meconium. Coconut oil used to treat the skin of the newborn will help to quickly remove the meconium.
2. Restlessness. A massage using coconut oil will help your baby to relax, calm down and get ready for sleep.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis. Coconut oil will help to quickly soften and remove scales, which are a manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis, from the child's scalp.
4. Autism manifestations. Such a disorder as autism is accompanied by pronounced symptoms, which regular massages with coconut oil will help to suppress.
5. Diaper rash. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which allows it to be used as a remedy for diaper rash.
6. Dry skin. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil can eliminate the dryness of a newborn's skin.

Give up using coconut oil is not worth it even after the baby grows up a little. With regular use, the product will help:

• strengthen the immune system;
• Prevent thinning of tooth enamel;
• Strengthen bone tissues;
• Normalize the gastrointestinal tract;
• Increase physical and mental activity.

How to take coconut oil for weight loss

According to many nutritionists, you should not refuse coconut oil and during a diet whose goal is to lose weight. Despite the high caloric content, the product contributes to getting rid of extra pounds, but only if it is regularly consumed. For this purpose, coconut oil is used for a course of 21 to 28 days. After that, it is recommended to take a break for a few months and repeat the course.

To get rid of extra pounds, the oil can be used in two ways:

Consumption inside.

At the beginning of the diet, the oil is consumed by 5-10 ml. With a normal reaction of the body to the introduction of this product in the daily diet, the amount of consumed oil should be gradually increased to 40 ml per day. It should be drunk on an empty stomach, 60 minutes before a meal, first drinking 150 ml of purified warm water.

External use

External use of coconut oil will help warm the tissues and improve blood circulation, which helps to break down fat cells. One of the easiest ways to use this product is to apply it to the problem areas of the body using your hands and soak the oil for 10 minutes.

A wrap can enhance the effect of using the oil. For its success it is necessary to first steep the skin by taking a hot bath. After that, massage the product onto the skin and wrap these areas in clingfilm. Leave the remedy for at least 40 minutes, then rinse with running water at a comfortable temperature.

The effect of using this unique tool will be visible only after several procedures, subject to compliance with all recommendations and dosages.

Coconut oil in medicine

Coconut oil is widely used as a therapeutic and preventive agent since ancient times. With regular use and compliance with all the recommendations of the therapist, this product is able to:

• break down accumulations of fat;
• Get rid of inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the mouth;
• cope with some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalize the work of the thyroid gland;
• cope with cold symptoms at an early or late stage of the disease;
• get rid of skin fungus;
• cure candidiasis;
• cure herpes;
• Relieve inflammatory processes in internal organs;
• Strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
• To cope with inflammatory processes in the liver;
• To cope with diseases of the endocrine system;
• prevent the appearance of blood clots.

This amazing product is also valued by dermatologists. According to medics, it will help get rid of many diseases that develop on the top layer of the epidermis. This applies to such problems as eczema, dermatitis, lichen.

Medics note that coconut oil is able to improve the patient's condition during many diseases, but only if you follow the therapist's recommendations and do not refuse traditional medications.

For Diabetes Mellitus

With diabetes, physicians advise their patients to include this unique product in their daily menu. Such a diet will help the patient to protect against insulin resistance and stop the development of the disease. In addition, coconut oil will help diabetics get rid of extra pounds, prevent further accumulation of fat and lower the level of harmful cholesterol.

Important: The glycemic index of coconut oil is 20 units.

In pancreatitis

Medics recommend the use of coconut fat and in pancreatitis. Thanks to its unique composition, which contains many fatty acids, coconut oil will help improve the patient's well-being and stop or slow down the development of the disease.

For gastritis

Coconut oil is one of the natural antioxidants. This allows it to be used to treat such a disease as gastritis. In combination with medication, this product will help relieve the acute symptoms of the disease, reduce and stop the development of inflammation and get rid of the bacteria that causes the development of this pathology.

For the intestines

When consumed regularly, coconut oil is able to:

• improve intestinal peristalsis;
• normalize microflora;
• Combat pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms;
• Remove toxins and toxins.

This helps prevent the development of dysbacteriosis and other intestinal disorders, which reduces the risk of diseases that can be very dangerous for a person.

For constipation

There is a lot of controversy about the appropriateness of using coconut oil as a laxative. Some physicians claim its effectiveness, while others assure that the effect of its use is not observed. Therefore, before using this product for such purposes should consult with your doctor. Only a qualified specialist will be able to confirm the appropriateness of treatment or offer an alternative remedy, based on the characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the situation.

For the liver

Thanks to its unique composition, coconut oil is able to protect the liver and remove harmful substances from the body, which negatively affect the work of this organ. By replacing the usual fats with this product, a person can support the liver and prevent the destruction of its cells.

The fats in this product do not accumulate in the body. They are almost instantly converted into energy, which allows you to speed up metabolic processes and normalize the liver.

In hemorrhoids.

According to many therapists, coconut oil will help to solve such a problem as hemorrhoids, especially in the initial stage of the disease. With the external application of this remedy, a reduction is noted:

• hemorrhoidal nodes;
• itching;
• pain syndrome;
• inflammatory processes;
• edema;
• irritation.

Thanks to the substances contained in the oil, cell regeneration is improved, which allows you to speed up the healing process.

In cholecystitis

In acute cholecystitis, medics recommend refusing to use coconut oil. Introduce this product to the daily diet can be only after the onset of a stable remission. And about the frequency of use and permitted dosages can only say the treating doctor.

From herpes

Herpes is a disease that is caused by a virus. Coconut fat is able to relieve inflammation and kill the virus, completely eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of herpes, redness and prevent the spread and recurrence of the disease.

If you have a cold.

Cope with the manifestations of colds and coconut oil, which is possible thanks to its antiviral properties. However, physicians draw the attention of their patients to the fact that only unrefined coconut oil can be used for this purpose.

From varicose veins

Coconut fat is also useful for such a disease as varicose veins of varying degrees of intensity. For patients suffering from varicose veins, physicians recommend using this remedy as compresses, baths and massage oil. Such manipulations will help to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the disease and accelerate the healing process.

From thrush

Medics confirm that coconut fat is an excellent antifungal agent, so it can be used to treat thrush. When used systematically, coconut oil stops the reproduction and removes from the body of pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida, which allows you to get rid of this disease completely.

Coconut oil in cosmetology

Coconut oil is widely used in cosmetology because of its unique properties. The cosmetics it contains are able to improve the skin's condition and appearance:

• skin;
• hair;
• nails;
• eyelashes;
• eyebrows.

For Face

Coconut oil is ideal for the care of dry skin. It is able to nourish, moisturize and regenerate the skin, preventing the formation of small cracks, rashes and peeling. It is no less useful for other skin types. For example, coconut oil can completely remove acne from problematic skin and improve the elasticity of aging skin.

There are many recipes for making home care cosmetics, but some of the most effective options are considered.

Cream .
To prepare this cosmetic you need the following components:

• 30 g of coconut fat.
• 5 ml of olive oil.
• 1 drop of benzoin.
• 5 drops of rose essence.

Melt the said amount of fat and mix the resulting liquid with the rest of the ingredients. Pour the resulting mixture into a glass container suitable for storage, and use as a regular cream.

Store the mixture in a cool place, out of sunlight, for no more than 14 days.

Acne remedy
One of the most effective remedies for acne is a mixture made of such ingredients:

• 10 ml of honey.
• 10 g of dark sugar.
• 10 g of sea salt.
• 3 drops of coconut oil.

Mix the ingredients in the indicated quantities and use the resulting mixture as a scrub.

Rejuvenating mask
A mixture of equal amounts of these ingredients will help to prevent premature aging of the skin:

• Grape seed oil.
• Olive oil.
• Coconut fat.

Apply the mixture to face and neck and leave for 2-3 hours. After the specified time, wash off the mask with cool water.

For Hair

Coconut oil can have a unique effect on the hair as well:

• return them to their attractive appearance;
• Make it smooth and shiny;
• Increase its elasticity;
• awaken dormant hair follicles;
• reduce hair breakage;
• Get rid of dandruff.

The oil can be used as an independent means for the care of curly hair, applying a small amount of it to the entire length and keeping it no longer than 30 minutes, or as part of the following masks.

Oil mask
To prepare the remedy, mix the following ingredients:

• 5 ml of coconut oil.
• 5 ml of peach oil.
• 5 ml of burdock oil.

Heat the mixture and apply it to the whole length of hair. Withstand mask for 60 minutes, then wash out with your usual shampoo.

Remedy that strengthens the hair
One of the most effective remedies for hair is a mixture of the following components:

• 2.5 g glycerin.
• 40 g of coconut oil.
• Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in the bag.

Apply the product to the hair and leave it for 60 minutes. Rinse with warm water, using regular shampoo.

Masks for hair, prepared on the basis of coconut oil, have a cumulative effect. Therefore, the expected result can be seen only after several procedures.

For the body

Coconut oil perfectly moisturizes the skin, which allows you to use it as a moisturizer.

Moisturizing Lotion
A lotion made from the following ingredients will help moisturize your skin after showering:

• 5 ml of melted coconut fat.
• 1-2 drops of any essential oil.

Spread the mixture over your skin after showering and enjoy its softness all day long.

Bath remedy
If the skin is too dry, cosmetologists recommend adding a mixture of these ingredients to the bath:

• 10 ml of coconut oil.
• 10 g of sea salt.

This remedy will help moisturize the skin and relieve nervous tension. With regular use, coconut oil will make the skin all over the body radiant and soft.

For Nails

Masters of manicure have long used coconut oil to strengthen and nourish the nail plate. The regular use of this remedy will give the nails a healthy shine, they will become much stronger and will delight their owner with fast growth. There are many ways to use oil to strengthen the nails, but the most popular are the following options.

Massage with coconut oil
Take a small amount of oil and heat it in a water bath. Rub the warm oil into the nail plate and leave it for 15-20 minutes. After the stated time remove the remnants of the remedy from the nail with a paper towel.

Baths
Baths with coconut oil will help to strengthen the nails, preventing brittleness and splitting. Warm coconut oil in any convenient way, pour it into any suitable container and dip your fingers in it. Keep your fingers in oil for at least 10 minutes, then wipe them with a paper napkin.

Lemon and coconut baths
Mix 10 ml. of coconut oil with 30 ml. of castor oil, warm the mixture and add 10 ml. of lemon juice. Soak your fingers for at least 15 minutes and then pat dry.

For eyelashes and eyebrows

Coconut oil is often used by beauty industry masters to care for eyebrows and eyelashes:

1. Growth Boosting. To prepare a remedy that can accelerate the growth of eyebrows and eyelashes, mix 5 ml of coconut oil and the same amount of castor oil. Warm the oil mixture and apply it to your eyebrows and eyelashes. Leave the composition to work overnight.
2. Increase volume. The heated mixture of 5 ml of coconut oil and 2,5 ml of burdock oil will help to increase the volume of your eyelashes. It's better to apply the ready remedy to the eyelashes several times a day, within 60 days.
3. Strengthening. To strengthen eyelashes and eyebrows, you should regularly apply a mixture of 5 ml of warm coconut oil and 1 ampoule of vitamin E.

You can use any cosmetic product only after checking for allergic reactions. Make sure of their absence by applying the product to the inner side of the elbow bend and leave it for 5-7 minutes. If, after the specified time on the skin did not reveal any redness, rash or other symptoms of allergy, such a tool can be used without fear.

Harms and contraindications

Despite the many useful properties, coconut oil can harm the human body. It is extremely undesirable to consume in the case of:

• the presence of an allergic reaction;
• acute food poisoning;
• the presence of a history of certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Doctors recommend using this product with caution in the presence of cancer. Provide its positive impact of coconut oil can not all cases. Therefore, you can start treatment with this product only after consulting with your doctor.

However, even if there are no contraindications, using this unique product in excessive quantities is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, there is a risk of an allergic reaction, which will be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Edema of the skin;
• redness;
• severe rash;
• itching;
• peeling of the skin.

In addition, excessive consumption of coconut oil can provoke symptoms of food poisoning. Possible attacks of nausea and vomiting, pain syndrome localized in the abdomen.

Coconut oil may also have undesirable effects when applied externally. If the recommended dosages are not observed, there is a risk of clogging pores and developing inflammatory processes on the upper layer of the epidermis.

Experts also note that poor-quality coconut oil can also harm human health. Therefore, when buying it, it is important to understand how to choose a quality product and not to buy a fake.

How to choose and store coconut oil

To choose quality coconut oil, you should pay attention to the following nuances when buying it:

1. Color. Quality coconut oil can be colored in a light shade of yellow or have no color at all and be completely transparent. The presence of other shades indicates a low quality product.
2. Flavor. A high quality product should have a pleasant, coconut aroma, without any extraneous impurities. But it is worth considering the fact that this applies only to unrefined oil. Refined product does not have such an aroma.
3. Consistency. The melting temperature of coconut oil is 25 degrees Celsius. If the oil has a liquid consistency in a room with an air temperature below this mark, it can only indicate a low quality of the product.
4. Price. Quality coconut oil cannot be too cheap. A low price may indicate a violation of the recipe or the use of unnatural raw materials.

It is also worth noting that it is strictly forbidden to buy coconut oil at illegal markets. Such a product does not pass the proper certification, and its consumption can cause food poisoning.

For coconut oil to retain all its useful properties, taste and pleasant aroma, you should follow the rules of storage of this product.

1. The first and most important rule is that coconut oil should not be exposed to direct sunlight or the light of electric lamps. Otherwise its shelf life will be greatly reduced, and the flavor and aroma can quickly deteriorate.
2. It is equally important to observe the temperature regime. This product must not be stored below 5 degrees Celsius and above 18 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the coconut oil will be spoiled, and its consumption can cause severe food poisoning.
3. When storing coconut oil, it is recommended to leave it in its original packaging. If necessary, it can be transferred to a glass container, which can be closed with a tight lid that prevents the penetration of oxygen into the container. If oxygen penetrates, the taste of the oil will deteriorate considerably and it will be impossible to use it as food.

According to experts, you should not store coconut oil for more than 12 months. Expired product can cause severe food poisoning and have a negative impact on human health.

How to distinguish it from the fake

To date, on the shelves of stores you can find a large number of low quality products and fakes that have absolutely nothing to do with the natural product. This also applies to coconut oil.

In order not to buy a fake, it is important to know how it differs from natural oil:

1. Fake coconut oil remains dense at high temperatures. While natural coconut oil melts already at 25 degrees.
2. Fake coconut oil often has a pronounced yellow hue, the presence of which is not characteristic of real coconut oil.
3. Unnatural oil has a strong, pungent aroma. This can indicate either that the product is of low quality or that you are faced with a fake. In both cases, it is better to refuse to buy it.
4. Fake coconut oil does not wash out well from the skin and hair.
5. The presence of condensation on the container with the oil in it tells you that it is a fake, because natural coconut oil contains very little water.

By remembering these simple rules, the consumer will be able to buy quality coconut oil and not buy a fake.

Can I freeze it?

Many hostesses are interested in the question - can I freeze coconut oil? The answer is unambiguous - no. When frozen, this product loses all its useful properties, and the expediency of its use is lost. To store coconut oil, it is better to choose the upper shelves of the refrigerator, where the temperature does not reach critical marks.

How to make coconut oil at home

Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil can also be made at home. In this case, the preparation process will not take too much time and will not take a lot of effort.

To prepare this amazing product, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 fresh coconuts.
• 100 ml of water.

The preparation consists of the following steps:

1. Punch a few holes in the coconut and drain the coconut milk into a clean container of suitable size.
2. Peel the coconut, pre-split it into two parts.
3. Take a grater and shred the coconut pulp.
4. Heat the coconut milk to 40 degrees Celsius.
5. Pour the heated milk into the grated coconut pulp and beat the resulting mixture with a household blender. After beating, the mixture should have the consistency of sour cream. If it is too thick, add the specified amount of water and whisk again. Keep in mind that the water temperature should also be 40 degrees.
6. Leave the mixture for 5 hours.
7. After that time squeeze the oil with gauze folded in several layers.
8. Leave the liquid in the fridge for 6-8 hours. During this time the coconut oil will peel off.
9. After peeling, drain the liquid by making a few holes in the top layer.

The coconut oil is ready to use. Store it for no more than 21 days by putting it in a clean container and covering it with a tight lid.

How to use coconut oil in food

Coconut oil is widely used in cooking. It can replace any vegetable or animal fats such as butter, olive oil or sunflower oil.

Coconut oil can perfectly complement the taste of mashed potatoes, a variety of fish and meat dishes. It is excellent for dressing vegetable salads and making sweet baked goods. In addition, coconut oil is often used as a flavoring agent for different kinds of tea, coffee drinks and even milkshakes. In this case, the dishes, the recipe of which includes coconut oil, will please not only with their taste characteristics, but can protect against colds and other diseases.

Can I fry in coconut oil

One of the unique properties of coconut oil is its ability to retain its unique properties even after exposure to high temperatures. In addition, it is one of the healthiest oils, because even when fried for a long time, it is not able to release harmful substances. Based on this, it is safe to say that coconut oil is not only suitable for frying, but also perfect for such purposes. This type of fat will improve the flavor characteristics of any fried dish and make it as healthy as possible.

Why coconut oil has thickened and turned white

Coconut oil can change its color and consistency when stored for a long time. If the product has turned a white hue and has become thick, it indicates that you have purchased natural coconut oil. A counterfeit or a product made from low-quality raw materials will remain transparent even after several weeks of storage in the refrigerator.

What can replace coconut oil in cooking

Coconut oil is one of the varieties of vegetable fats. Therefore, replacing it in a culinary recipe is not difficult. An excellent substitute for this product can be olive oil mixed with a small amount of dried coconut shavings. However, to use the resulting mixture, it should be infused for 12 hours. Only then will it acquire the characteristic aroma of coconut.

Can I sunbathe with coconut oil?

Can I tan with coconut oil? When going to the beach, don't forget to take a small bottle of coconut oil with you. This natural product will protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, help prevent skin burns and give you a nice, even tan. In addition, it is less likely to cause allergic reactions than conventional sunscreen, allowing it to be used even to protect children's skin.

Interesting facts about coconut oil

Oil prepared from the pulp of coconut is a unique product, about the useful properties of which we can talk for a long time. However, not everyone is aware of such facts:

1. The product contains a large amount of fatty acids, which have unique healing properties.
2. The fats contained in this oil do not act on the human body in the way many people are used to thinking. They are instantly converted into a lot of energy, speeding up the metabolism and preventing the accumulation of fat cells. In addition, the fatty acids contained in such oil can prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and other diseases associated with impaired brain function.
3. The product will help keep you healthy for many years.
4. Residents of Tokelau, who regularly consume coconut and its derivatives, suffer almost no cardiovascular diseases and are distinguished by their enviable health.
5. This oil helps burn fat cells.
6. Coconut oil contains fats that are not quite common. They are called MTS and are able not to increase total weight, but to decrease it by accelerating the breakdown of fat cells.
7. The product reduces the feeling of hunger.
8. The fats in coconut oil can quickly satiate the body and reduce hunger.

Coconut oil is a unique product that will not only help diversify your daily diet, but also keep you healthy for many years.

Coconut oil photo