Millions of people around the world have discovered and are now enjoying the wonderful benefits of coconut oil. This latest trend in health and wellness products is actually already centuries old—many traditional cultures and societies in tropical countries have long been using coconut oil on their bodies and consuming it as a natural antidote for numerous health conditions and illnesses.
With such strong demand for coconut oil in the market, there are a lot of manufacturers and suppliers who are now offering coconut oil products especially on the Internet. The important thing to consider these days is making sure that the coconut oil you are using is of top quality. First of all, virgin coconut oil is generally synonymous to quality coconut oil, so always make sure to go for this type.
Compared to ordinary coconut oil which is processed from coconut copra, virgin coconut oil is raw and taken straight from the white, pulpy meat of the coconut fruit. Ordinary coconut oil is also called refined coconut oil because it goes through a number of processes in order to deodorize, bleach, and purify the oil. Virgin coconut oil, meanwhile, undergoes less or no processing at all, making it more similar to fresh coconuts in terms of flavor and aroma.
Quality sources
In order to make sure that you get excellent and genuine virgin coconut oil, check the label to determine its source. Virgin coconut oil suppliers in the Philippines are considered as one of the best sources because the coconut tree is endemic to the tropical archipelago. Coconut produce is in high abundance all-year round, so manufacturers enjoy a steady and reliable supply of the fruit to meet high global demand.
With the health trend toward everything organic, you might also want to consider patronizing virgin coconut oil that is certified organic. This means no pesticides or harmful chemicals were used in cultivating the trees and the fruit. Especially if you intend to consume virgin coconut oil as foodstuff, going organic may be a good idea. Again, just check the label to make sure you are getting the good stuff.
Product quality
Genuine and good quality virgin coconut oil can also be evaluated by its appearance and physical qualities. When buying virgin coconut oil, make sure there are no visible impurities floating in the oil. It should be clear, pure, and colorless. Virgin coconut oil should have a strong and discernable coconut aroma and flavor. It should not smell bad or moldy. Coconut oil that is not fresh will tend to smell off or rancid.
Don’t be alarmed if your virgin coconut oil suddenly turns white and opaque even if it was just sitting on your table or cupboard. Coconut oil has a high melting point and as such, it solidifies quite easily especially in cool environments. At around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, coconut oil starts to look like lard. If you need to consume it, a good way is to dip the container into a bowl of warm water so that the oil starts to melt slowly.
Price
Finally, if a product is too cheap, it may be too good to be true. Especially for specialty products such as virgin coconut oil, you usually get what you pay for. This means that products that are too much of a bargain may not be good in quality. Conversely, good-quality coconut oil usually does come at a premium. You would need to shell out a bit more in order to enjoy excellent virgin coconut oil that is truly beneficial.
Coconut oil for you
If you haven’t discovered the benefits of virgin coconut oil, why don’t you give it a try? Aside from being a great moisturizer and hair conditioner, when consumed, virgin coconut oil provides an antioxidant boost that works to strengthen your immune system against a host of diseases and illnesses. There’s good reason why virgin coconut oil is considered a valuable plant-based medicinal substance. Just make sure to learn how to choose the best virgin coconut oil so that you enjoy its optimum benefits.