Characteristics of coconut oil

Characteristics of coconut oil

Broadly speaking, the characteristics of coconut oil can be classified as follows.

Physical properties

Almost everyone knows these properties of coconut oil. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with refreshing your memory.

• Color: Coconut oil is colorless at 30°C or above. It is white in solid state.
• Odor: The typical smell of coconut oil is that of coconut (if not refined, bleached and deodorized).
• Melting point: Coconut oil melts at 25 °C (76 degrees Fahrenheit). It is solid below this temperature.
• Smoke point: 177 °C (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Solubility in water: Coconut oil will form a white homogeneous mixture after being thoroughly stirred with a small amount of water. Otherwise, it is insoluble in water at room temperature.
• Density: 924.27 kg/m3

Chemical nature

Coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fatty acids (about 94%), of which a considerable proportion (over 62%) of medium chain fatty acids. The following table shows the types of fatty acids.

Chemical composition: Among the main ingredients, coconut oil also has:

Vitamin E

You have always wanted silky hair and smooth, youthful skin .

Moisture

The moisture content of coconut oil varies depending on the moisture content of the source (for example, copra or fresh coconut); it includes the extraction method and the treatment it is subjected to. But obviously, copra extracted from the coconut water points less than water from the fresh coconut or copra (virgin coconut oil) extracted. Likewise, heated oil contains less water than unheated oil.

fatty acid

Other suspensions: In crude coconut oil, you will find suspensions of protein and other organic particles, which obscures its clarity. They rarely appear in refined coconut oil .

Reactivity: Coconut oil shows oxidation and reactivity with acids and alkalis.

The ratio of various fatty acids, vitamins, water and other nutrients may vary with the quality of coconut, extraction method, the presence of calories, and the difference between pre-processing and post-processing.

Nutritional properties

Among the properties of coconut oil, one of the most interesting and we care about is its nutritional properties. Let's take a look at these.

Medium chain fatty acids

These saturated fats are the best thing coconut oil can provide. Many of you will raise your eyebrows on the concept of saturated fat, but believe me, not all saturated fats are bad. These saturated fats are actually medium-chain fatty acids, such as capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid and lauric acid. They can do wonders for you. They increase your metabolic rate in your body , thereby helping to reduce weight. In addition, they increase the level of high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol , and reduce the level of high-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol, thereby maintaining heart health.

Vitamin E: According to the United States Department of Agriculture, coconut oil contains vitamin E that helps improve skin. This keeps your hair and skin healthy, while keeping your organs functioning smoothly, just like all vitamins.

Medicinal properties

Coconut oil can be used to treat many diseases, some of which will be explained in more detail below.

• Treatment of fatigue: The saturated fat in coconut oil is an important source of energy, which can effectively treat fatigue and energy malnutrition .
• Antioxidant and anti-aging properties: The antioxidant properties of coconut oil come from its saturated fats, such as capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid and myristic acid. They combat the adverse effects of aging, macular degeneration, whitening of hair and sagging skin.
• Antibacterial properties: The acids discussed above can be converted into good antibacterial and antifungal agents when they are acted on by certain enzymes , such as glycerol monocaprate and glycerol monolaurate. These derivatives can protect our body from athlete's foot, skin rash, itching, ringworm and dermatitis both internally and externally.
• Reduce hair loss: This property of coconut oil is the most famous, at least in the Indian subcontinent . It keeps the hair black and prevents whitening and hair loss .
• Candida: The antibacterial properties of coconut oil discussed above have been found to be effective against Candida.
• Insect repellent: Coconut oil can be used to combat intestinal roundworms and tapeworms.
• Dandruff: It prevents skin peeling and dandruff on the scalp by keeping the skin moist and smooth.
• Digestive system diseases: This oil, when taken in moderation on a regular basis, can help treat chronic digestive problems.
• Arterial blockage: The medium-chain triglycerides present in coconut oil can reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol and help clear the blockage, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack. Therefore, despite all the negative reviews about coconut oil, it is actually heart-friendly due to its saturated fat.
• Cracked skin: Coconut oil is undoubtedly the best skin care agent you can use. Having said that, some people are allergic to coconut oil and may show irritation. Its stability, antibacterial properties, moisturizing ability and ability to cure below 240 degrees Celsius make it an ideal protective agent to prevent skin cracking. Vitamin E greatly increases this property.
• Obesity: Coconut oil accelerates metabolic activity, thereby burning body fat, leading to weight loss.
• Other properties: Coconut oil helps the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and glucose in the body and the proper secretion of insulin. It also helps to improve blood circulation , fight tumors, colitis, stomach and esophageal ulcers, correct kidney infections, and reduce inflammation caused by skin rashes or contact with foreign bodies. It is also very effective in treating and relieving bruises and small wounds.