Vegetable Oil Database

There is a growing trend in to process vegetable oils with less refining and without hexane. This is also partially in recognition of the increasing perception that the molecules in pressed oils are nutritionally valuable.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin Coconut Oil is a nutriceutical with properties that help solve a number of health problems - substantiated by the extensive research that has been carried out on it. Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D (Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University) had this to say about the value of lauric oils (contained in virgin coconut oil). "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical effects.

Coconut oil has been used throughout Asia and the Pacific for thousands of years as both a food and a medicine. Even today it holds a highly respected position in the Ayurvedic medicine of India. Only recently has modern medical research confirmed the many health benefits traditionally attributed to this remarkable oil.

Another incredible fact about coconut oil is that even though it is a fat, it actually promotes weight loss!! The reason is again because of the healthy medium chain fatty acids. These fatty acids do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy, just like carbohydrates. So the body uses the fat in coconut oil to produce energy, rather than be stored as body fat.

Medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also speed up the bodys metabolism, burning more calories and promoting weight loss. The weight-loss effects of coconut oil have been clearly demonstrated by many researchers. They offer wonderful health benefits and are nowhere found more abundantly in nature outside coconut oil. For the hypothyroid sufferer the medium chain fats rev up the body's sluggish metabolism and promote weight loss as well.

So how much coconut oil should one consume? A good therapeutic dosage is 3 to 4 tablespoons a day. This provides enough lauric acid to build the immune system. Also, look for unrefined coconut oil. Stay away from all hydrogenated oils, as they are oils with trans fatty acids, which have been altered from their original chemical composition, and have been shown to raise serum cholesterol levels that can lead to heart disease. Also look for unrefined coconut oils, like Virgin Coconut Oil. Most commercial coconut oils are RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized). While these RBD oils do in many cases maintain the beneficial chemical structures of the medium chain fatty acids, they also contain chemicals used in processing.

Virgin coconut oil has a long shelf life because of its natural anti-oxidant properties. It has the longest shelf life of any plant oil. It maintains its original fragrance and smells just like fresh coconuts. It is a very light oil, highly valued for its conditioning of the skin. This grade of coconut oil can be applied directly to the skin for conditioning. It can even be used for the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.

Coconut oil has been called "the healthiest dietary oil on earth". If you're not using coconut oil for your daily cooking and body care needs you're missing out on one of nature's most amazing health products.