For a number of years, many experts thought that coconut oil was bad for your health, but it has been making a steady comeback in recent years, and is now thought to boost your metabolism, help to curb ageing, and increase the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Just like any other health product, there are good and bad options when it comes to buying the best oil. Below are some questions to ask when deciding on the right product to buy.
Is it organic?
Just saying on the bottle that it is an organic product is not enough. It should have an organic certification from the USDA, which means it was grown without pesticides, additives, or fertilizers not derived from natural products.
Are hydrogenated fats listed on the label?
There are no hydrogenated fats in virgin oil from the coconut, so if they are listed stay away from that product.
Is the oil deodorized, refined, or bleached?
These practices make for a lower quality oil. When the oil is heated or refined with chemical, it loses fatty acids that are really beneficial to your health.
Is it fresh coconut oil, or is it made from dried copra?
Dried copra has been sitting in the sun for days, which takes away from the quality of the oil. Many nutrients are lost during the drying process.
Is the oil derived from real coconut palms or genetically modified crops, or GMOs?
Genetically modified crops have different amounts of nutrients than their natural counterparts and should be avoided.
Is the Lauric acid in the oil over 50%?
More Lauric acid equals a better quality oil. Pure oil contains over 50% lauric acid. This will often be listed on the label, and if not make sure there are about 7 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon.
Is the oil clear?
A pure oil is clear when liquid, and looks like snow when solid. If there is a color to it, it might have come from old or moldy coconuts.
Does it have a natural coconut smell?
Barely any smell means it might not be pure, and could contain fillers and other chemicals. Too much smell means the same thing, with the difference being it is enhanced with artificial coconut scents.
Is the oil raw?
The heating process takes away some of the natural nutrients. Raw foods are always better for you than cooked ones. Cold pressed oil is the same as raw, so if the packaging makes this distinction you can go with it.
Follow the guidelines above to find the best oil for you. Buying a better quality coconut oil can make a huge difference in how much it benefits your health.
