Virgin Coconut Oil is extract from farm-fresh raw coconuts retaining its pureness and naturality without the application of heat. It is not refine, bleach or deodorize and it is cold-press which has medicinal powers and use as a food supplement, cosmetics and increases immunity.
The popularity of coconut oil has sky-rocketed in recent years. However, there are lots of different kinds of coconut oil, so sometimes it’s hard to understand exactly what you’re getting.
When you walk through the aisles of a grocery store and scan the shelves reviewing each brand of coconut oil, every jar will have slightly different descriptions on the labels. Some brands have chosen to highlight the fact that the oil inside is unrefine, sometimes that it is a superfood, or perhaps that it is cold-press. Some are organic and some are not.
There is one big difference between the types of coconut oils, and this one you will see over and over again on the labels: whether is the oil is “virgin” or not.
It is richer in medium-chain fatty acids, good cholesterol, and has almost no trans fatty acids. Polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to the taste, fragrance, and goodness of coconut oil are found more in VCO than its ordinary counterpart.
Did you know?
Virgin Coconut Oil (usually found as organic, but the non-organic version does exist too) has the following properties:
- Unrefined (not refined, bleached or deodorized)
- Expeller pressed (mechanically produced, no chemicals used)
- Made from fresh or dried coconut meat instead of copra
- Antioxidant nutrition is maintain
- Often cold-pressed (but that doesn’t necessarily mean better nutrition)
- Strong coconut flavor
- 76-degree melt point
- Contains healthy MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) & lauric acid
Some References: http://www.centrafoods.com/blog/virgin-vs-extra-virgin-coconut-oil-whats-the-difference