Coconut oil may be the latest fad, but it's always been a favorite in many cultures especially in Asia and the Caribbean. But not all coconut oils are manufactured the same way and not all of them are equally beneficial for the skin. Visit : http://www.eveorganics.com.au

1. Understanding the Different Types of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil may be the latest fad, but it's always been a favorite in many cultures
especially in Asia and the Caribbean. But not all coconut oils are manufactured the same
way and not all of them are equally beneficial for the skin. Here’s a list of the different
kinds of coconut oils available:
a) Virgin Coconut Oil:
Oil extracted from fresh coconut is called virgin coconut oil. Some manufacturers sell
extra virgin coconut oil; but there’s not much difference in the quality and every brand
tends to have its own definition of these labels. This is oil in its purest form and without
additives. It has a sweet aroma and a nutty flavour. Virgin coconut oil is rich in poly-
phenols like Gallic acid. It is an excellent treatment for dry hair, helps to keep the scalp
free of dandruff and is a common ingredient in many natural body care products.
There are several methods used to extract virgin coconut oil. The most common method
is where oil is derived by pressing fresh coconut. The second method used is the wet
milling process. The first extract of coconut or coconut milk is used to extract oil either by
boiling, refrigeration, or fermentation.
b) Refined Coconut Oil:
Coconut extracted from dried coconut or copra is categorized as refined oil. Copra can
be derived from several methods including smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying.
Copra by itself is unsuitable for consumption and can only be used to extract oil. There
are several types of refined coconut oils; the most common among them is RBD oil.
RBD stands for refined, bleached and deodorized. This is done to remove impurities and
tone down its strong aroma. Refined coconut oil isn’t unhealthy, but it contains less
antioxidants and is less nutritious when compared to virgin oil.
A lot depends on the refining process. For example, chemical refining makes use of
chemicals like hexane. This isn’t healthy and oil produced in this way isn’t usually used
as edible oil. Coconut oil is often hydrogenated to ensure that it remains in the solid form

2. even at higher temperatures. This is then used in making mass produced food items like
candies, margarines and baked goods.
Resource Box: Eve Organics is an e-boutique selling organic hair care products and
natural beauty products online. Their articles aim to clear popular misconceptions
about natural products and their uses.