The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Use Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a long list of benefits and uses from cooking to skincare. You may be familiar with coconut oil’s use in Paleo or Keto diets, or as a substitute for butter in vegan dishes.
Coconut oil that is cold-pressed and unrefined is known as virgin coconut oil. This variant differs from processed coconut oil that is traditionally found on most grocery store shelves which undergo high-heat processing and may include additives. It’s for these reasons that virgin coconut oil is referred to as the “purest” form of coconut oil.
So why should you use virgin coconut oil? How do you use virgin coconut oil? Let’s take a look at a few of the top uses.
Top 5 uses for virgin coconut oil
Below are just a few of the many fantastic uses of coconut oil:
1. As a butter alternative
Coconut oil provides a rich and animal-free alternative to butter. Fats in coconut oil allow for a rich and hearty flavor without the need to rely on processed foods or animal products. The mild, but sweet coconutty-flavor retained in virgin coconut oil can be just the thing to elevate your favorite dish.
2. As an olive or canola alternative
Virgin coconut oil retains its fresh and sweet aroma and can be used as an alternative to other cooking and baking oils to infuse foods with a mild, sweet coconut flavor. Consider using coconut oil when preparing something sweet or to balance out other flavors in a recipe.
3. As a natural moisturizer for your skin
Its fats and enzymes make coconut oil a great moisturizer for repairing dry skin. It can also be used as a chemical-free and gentle make-up remover. Naturally occurring fats aid in coconut oil’s ability to be absorbed by the skin and help cleanse.
4. As an ingredient in sugar-free treats
Tasty treats like homemade, sugar-free dark chocolate are a delicious way to utilize coconut oil’s fragrant and fatty properties. Coconut oil is a key ingredient for any Keto or Paleo dieter looking for alternatives to sugary foods.
5. As a protectant from hair damage
Coconut oil has been shown to reduce protein loss in hair when used after the application of shampoo. Fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate deep into the roots of hair follicles and can repair damaged hair as well as maintain the look and feel of healthy hair.
Conclusion:
Virgin coconut oil is super versatile with its proven worth both in and out of the kitchen. Its fatty properties and unprocessed fragrance can provide a pure and untampered alternative to many traditional recipes and a natural solution to skin and hair care.
Fats are a necessary macro-nutrient in any diet and while coconut oil can add a light coconut flavor and help mix in variety to your diet. It should be noted that as a food high in saturated fat, it should be consumed in moderation.
Looking for something to spice up your favorite recipes? The Olive Bar is located in Downtown Campbell, CA, and carries a wide selection of olive oils, vinegar, hot sauces, jams, and more! Visit our online shop or stop by our store in person for free tastings!