Coconut Oil – Refined vs. Unrefined…which is better?

Happy Friday my friends!

When I first started using coconut oil all I heard about was unrefined extra virgin coconut oil…so that’s what I bought. “everyone” said it was the healthiest.

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I recently received a tub of coconut oil..the refined version…and I was like “Oh…this isn’t unrefined…I won’t use it.” Then I started thinking…what really is the difference and is it worse or not as healthy?

Here’s what I found:

Unrefined –

• Has the coconut scent and flavor
• Can only be used in cooking and baking up to 350 degrees
• Made from fresh coconuts and may still have coconut solids in it
• It’s unrefined, meaning it’s extracted from the meat of the coconut using either wet processing or dry processing

Refined –

• Has neutral scent and flavor (good for those who don’t like coconut scent or flavor)
• Can be used in cooking and baking up to 450 degrees
• Made from dried coconuts
• Steam refined and sometimes use chemicals for the extraction process (this is important to find a refined version that is the highest quality without using chemicals)

At the end of the day they both have the same healthy fats in it. It’s just whether or not you like the coconuty scent and flavor and whether or not you need an oil with a high smoking point for cooking and baking.

Otherwise, it doesn’t really matter if you get the refined or the unrefined.

Oh…one other thing I learned is that if you have food allergies or sensitivities it’s best to start out with 1 teaspoon a day (or less) then eventually work your way up to 1-3 tablespoons a day in your food or coffee if you choose so. Sometimes people get an upset belly after eating coconut oil and that may be caused either by the unrefined version causing digestive issues because you are sensitive or have a food allergy to coconut…Or you ate too much too fast.

So, you can decide which version you love best. I personally will continue using the Unrefined because I do love the taste and the scent of it. It’s also fabulous for using as a skin moisturizer (it’s got amazing anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and smells good on your body and face).

If you choose to buy a refined version, just make sure it’s one that doesn’t use any chemicals in the process to refine it.

Do you use coconut oil? Which one do you prefer?

Stay Healthy my Friends!

XO,

Carrie A Groff

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