From time immemorial, coconut oil has been one of the most used products in every household. Whether for cooking or body care, this oil has served several purposes. There is an array of benefits provided to us. But the confusion is plentiful when it comes to the labels, types, and packaging of the product. Our best friend for nutritious foodstuff and good health, let's break down the difference between extra virgin coconut oil and regular coconut oil.
Coconut comes from the coconut kernel family. Thus it brings all the virtue of freshness packed within the oil. However, the fragrant and refined tropical oils destroy the essence of the real and natural coconut oil as it gets processed in tough environments.
The difference between extra virgin coconut oil and regular coconut oil lies in the quality, purity of the oil, and extraction process.
Understanding Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Though the words extra virgin coconut oil and the regular coconut oil sound almost same, people have puzzles in their minds while buying them. Most people are not well educated about the information related to these two oils. The virgin coconut oil meaning might sound familiar to the regular coconut oil, but the difference lies in many aspects.
Virgin coconut oil tends to preserve the virtue of fresh coconut milk. While extracting the virgin coconut oil, one does not process it by heating. Therefore the benefits of fresh coconut milk stay with virgin coconut oil. This is possible due to cold-pressed technology, which does not need heating elements to extract the oil. The coconut oil's cold pressed factor ensures the natural goodness of the oil and gives maximum benefits.
What is regular coconut oil?
On the other hand, the famous regular coconut oil is extracted from the dried coconut kernel, commonly known as copra. After the copra is pressed, the oil gets extracted, bleached, and decolourized. This process extracts almost all the oil's natural benefits and values, leaving it fit for our consumption but less nutrient than virgin coconut oil.
Major Differences
As a consumer whenever we hear about coconut oil, we ignore any other detailings associated with oil. But we must understand that there is a vast difference between the coconut oil that is extra virgin and the regular one.
Generally, the regular coconut oil comes from the dried kernel when it is subjected to extreme heat. This oil is yellowish and smells different. After putting a lot of heat into the oil, we get the clear white colour of the oil. But one should understand that due to the extreme heating process, the natural benefits and the vital nutrients of the oil get lost partially
Whenever one tries to heat the regular coconut oil, the natural fragrance of the oil magically changes. If you do not preserve the oil properly, then it will start to smell.
On the other hand, extra virgin coconut oil is extracted using cold-pressed technology. In this process, the coconut oil is pressed from the coconut milk. This makes the extra virgin coconut oil much more preferable. After the coconut oil is obtained, it tends to look whitish or milky in colour. When one applies heat to this extra virgin coconut oil, it becomes clear. Since the extra virgin coconut oil is extracted using a special cold-pressed Technology, the nutrition value of the oil is retained.
But recently, there are certain methods of extraction which leave us with maximum benefits of coconut oil. The centrifuge coconut oil is the most expensive and the purest form of coconut oil. During this process, coconut meat is shredded and crushed. Once they are done with the crushing, it is grounded into a slurry. The slurry provides the milk of the coconut.
The milk is then kept aside, whereas the remaining parts of the coconut are spun in a high-speed centrifuge. It separates the oil from the raw materials of the coconut. The process of centrifugation provides a mild smell and taste of the coconut.
Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil comes with a high amount of lauric acid. It helps in reducing cholesterol and helps the heart to increase good cholesterol. The medium-changed fatty acid present in extra virgin coconut oil boosts energy by accelerating metabolism. It also helps in stimulating thyroid function.
Coconut oil is also known for its beauty benefits. Extra virgin coconut oil tends to nourish and moisturizes the scalp and repairs the damage of hair. Its essential protein provides radiance and shines to the hair.
To all buddies out there struggling with weight loss, extra virgin coconut oil is a healthy option you can opt for. Since it increases the metabolic rate of the body, it helps in reducing weight.
Facts about Virgin Coconut Oil v/s Regular Coconut Oil
While buying coconut oil, one should know these facts to get the best option according to one's preference.
Composition
The normal coconut oil or the regular one is hydrogenated. Therefore it contains trans fat but the extra virgin oil is full of MCF acids which helps to reduce bad cholesterol. However, the energy content of both regular oil and extra virgin coconut oil is almost the same.
Appearance
There is no difference in the appearance of extra virgin coconut oil and regular coconut oil. Both of them look similar. However, the extra virgin coconut oil has a colour that is a light whitish milky colour. The extra virgin coconut oil has lighter viscosity and is non-greasy in texture. Consequently, it has multiple benefits.
Purity
As you know, we get the extra virgin coconut oil from the coconut milk; therefore, the taste and the Aroma are different from the regular ones. The tropical coconut scent and the flavour of the coconut oil are very rich with a vicious texture. At the same time, regular coconut oil has an artificial flavour and scent.
We hope the above differences help you make a better choice for your next purchase. Treat yourself to Coconutty Extra Virgin Coconut Oil & experience the difference.