Storage methods
For cosmetic purposes, a cold-pressed product is used.
It does not require special storage. But if you need to save it for a long time, it is better to follow a few rules. The question of what temperature to store coconut oil at is very relevant. Some people immediately send the product to the refrigerator shelf, although this is not at all necessary. Since coconut oil should be stored in a temperature range from 4°C to 20°C, it can be stored:
- in the cellar,
- in a cool basement
- pantry,
- on an insulated balcony in winter, and in other places with suitable conditions.
In the room where coconut oil is stored, the temperature should not rise above 20°C, otherwise it will change its structure. When warm, this product begins to “melt” (becomes too liquid). Although this does not affect its beneficial properties in any way.
At temperatures below 4°C the product begins to harden and changes color to white. To return it to its original consistency, you will have to warm it up a little using a water bath or on a hot radiator.
For culinary purposes, only hot-pressed product is used. This coconut oil should be stored on the refrigerator shelf for a period not exceeding 6 months.
Store coconut oil in the refrigerator at a humidity level above 60%.
The container in which the product is located must be tightly closed, as it quickly oxidizes by interacting with oxygen molecules. You should also not allow it to be exposed to sunlight, which will destroy the vitamins present in the product. This is important to consider when deciding where and how to store coconut oil after opening.
In Asian countries, where coconuts cost mere pennies, oil production is carried out by small family factories and large industries. Many people mistakenly confuse it with the clear liquid found inside the nut. Others think that it is the liquid squeezed out of the pulp shavings. However, this is nothing more than milk from which butter is extracted.
Butter can be made in two ways:
- boiling;
- cold pressed.
In small factories where there is no special equipment, milk is boiled. As a result, the liquid coagulates, turning into a thick brown mass with a clear golden liquid. It is the liquid that is the valuable oil that you can extract at home.
However, a more useful product is obtained by cold pressing, because it cannot be heat treated and retains all trace elements and vitamins. When buying medicinal or cosmetic oil, pay attention to the packaging. It should indicate that the product is made by cold pressing.
Use in cooking
Many people know how to use coconut oil for cosmetic purposes, let’s look at how you can use it in cooking:
- coconut oil is used for preparing any hot dishes: meat, fish and vegetables, for soups, hot appetizers and sauces;
- Along with butter, coconut oil is suitable for side dishes: it can be added to mashed potatoes, pasta, rice or buckwheat porridge, and also used to dress salads;
- baked goods with coconut oil retain their fluffiness and freshness much longer;
- You can stew any vegetables in coconut oil and make a delicious stew;
- it is added to sweet milk porridges (for example, semolina, rice, millet or pumpkin);
- Coconut oil is ideal for deep-frying lovers - it does not go rancid, and therefore can be used in deep frying 5-7 times.
Source: depositphotos.com
Good news for baking lovers: recent scientific research has revealed that coconut oil is not stored in fat, but is completely absorbed. In addition, consuming coconut oil during a diet can significantly reduce the carbohydrate content in the body.
Coconut oil is a real find. Check out its beneficial properties and include it in your diet. By following simple storage rules, you can preserve its unique qualities for a long time.
Storing a Home Product
- The container in which coconut oil is stored must be clean. Anything that gets into a jar from the outside can become an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic organisms and bacteria.
- Coconut oil should be stored in tightly sealed jars and containers. In a sealed container, even high humidity will not harm the oil.
- Coconut oil should not be scooped with a wet spoon to prevent moisture from entering the jar.
- The spoon or knife for portioning coconut oil must be clean. Do not take the oil with your hands under any circumstances!
- If an unpleasant odor or sudden change in color occurs, the oil should be thrown away immediately.
- Coconut oil should be stored at room temperature in a dark place in a sealed container.
- Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated.
- You can only take a portion of oil from the jar with a clean spoon.
- After use, the jar of coconut oil should be closed immediately.
Making your own coconut oil is very easy.
- First you need to grind the fruit pulp so that you get small chips.
- Then such shavings are poured with cool water (1:1).
- The contents of the container are brought to a boil and boiled for 5 minutes, then cooled at room temperature and filtered.
- The oily, transparent product obtained as a result of straining is coconut oil. It is poured into opaque glass containers, closed tightly and sent into the cold.
Hot pressed oil, which is obtained independently, can be used for culinary purposes and for the manufacture of cosmetics. The only drawback is the short shelf life (no more than 2 weeks).
The temperature at which coconut oil is stored will largely depend on its quality, composition and type of extraction. Cold-pressed products do not require special temperature conditions, even if they do not contain preservatives.
And finally, a little advice. It is not advisable to buy large quantities of coconut oil at once. It would be more correct to use it fresh, which is much healthier.
For most oils, the best option is to store them in a dark, dry place at a cool temperature. In the case of coconut oil, it can be stored at room temperature without any problems. But here it is important to remember one thing: the consistency of coconut oil will depend on the storage temperature.
Why does all this need to be taken into account? Well, firstly, from the point of view of convenience: if you use it often, then, of course, it is more convenient to keep it in liquid form. Secondly, in solid form it is not suitable for cosmetic purposes, particularly for application to the skin.
Not really, if we take equal conditions (of course, if you store it in outright heat, it will spoil faster). However, a dark, dry and cool place is still the best option. If the location is warm but humid, it will most likely shorten the shelf life of the coconut oil.
As mentioned earlier, it melts at room temperature and above.
This, again, will have a positive effect on its lifespan. Also, do not keep oil in the bathtub because... Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can significantly shorten its shelf life.
If you have it in the refrigerator when you take it out, don't keep it outside for too long, otherwise it will become unusable sooner. If you use it frequently, then simply store it in a dark and cool place.
If you store coconut oil incorrectly, it quickly deteriorates, becomes rancid and loses its beneficial properties, so you need to follow several rules for storing it.
It is best to immediately put the oil in the refrigerator after purchase. In the freezer it will quickly go rancid and lose quality because the temperature there is too low.
Rule 1. Container The best container to store coconut oil after opening is a hermetically sealed jar made of glass, ceramic or thick plastic. If you bought the oil in an unsealed thin plastic container, immediately pour it into another container. The main thing is that no air gets into the container, otherwise the oil will begin to sour and lose its beneficial properties. | |
Rule 2. Temperature Coconut oil can be stored at 20-23°C if stored in a locked cabinet. At room temperature, coconut oil from Thailand has a longer shelf life than Vietnamese oil. The most convenient place for long-term storage of coconut oil is the refrigerator, which maintains a temperature of 5–6 °C. Coconut oil, like other oils, does not tolerate heat or extreme cold, so it should not be stored in the freezer. | |
Rule 3. Light Like others, coconut oil deteriorates when exposed to light. This means you need to store it in a dark place, for example, in a refrigerator or in a cabinet with doors. | |
Rule 4. Expiration date Any package of quality oil must have an expiration date that must be observed. If the oil is kept in the refrigerator, its shelf life almost doubles |
The packaging of a professional skin or hair care product contains storage recommendations. If for some reason they are not listed, it is important to find out for yourself how to properly store coconut oil. A 100% ecological product without impurities or flavors can be stored for two years. Coconut oil is not difficult to store, does not oxidize and does not become bitter.
For storage, choose a glass bottle with a stopper. It will protect the product as much as possible from oxygen. Screw caps on jars and bottles allow air to pass through, which causes the coconut fat to oxidize.
Coconut oil hardens at temperatures below 24 degrees. If you open the jar and find that the product has thickened and the clear golden color has changed to milky white, don't worry. Useful components do not disappear from this.
Coconut fat can be stored in either solid or liquid form. This does not affect its quality in any way. The consistency of the product depends solely on temperature conditions. Up to 24 degrees it remains thick, and after 25 a slow melting process begins. The optimal storage temperature is from 4 to 20 degrees. The storage can be a kitchen cabinet, a pantry shelf, or a refrigerator.
If the butter has been stored in the refrigerator, be sure to melt it before using. It is advisable to do this in a water bath or by placing a cold bottle on a warm radiator. Only in liquid form is fat absorbed into the skin or hair. Indoor air humidity should not exceed 60 percent.
The container in which the product is stored must be dark. Direct sunlight inevitably leads to deterioration in quality. Jars should not be stored on a dressing table or shelf; hide them on the refrigerator door or inside a cabinet. You should not worry about the contents of the capsules; they are protected by a dense shell.
Making homemade butter is quite easy. From one medium-sized coconut you will get approximately 30 ml of finished product. The nut pulp should be grated on a fine grater and squeezed through cheesecloth. The white liquid is coconut milk, which is sometimes confused with the water inside the nut. The milk is boiled over low heat until it begins to darken.
Pour the squeezed oily liquid into darkened glass bottles. It is advisable that they be plugged with plugs that do not allow air to pass through. The use of plastic containers is strictly prohibited. Homemade oil should be used within 2 weeks after preparation.
The food product must be stored in the refrigerator. Only hot-pressed oil is used for food (you can prepare it yourself using the recipe described above).
Despite the long shelf life and unpretentious storage conditions, do not stock up on a huge number of vials overnight. The fresher the product, the healthier it is.
In order for the beneficial properties to fully manifest themselves, you need to ensure that the opened product remains fresh. Recommendations to help you properly store cold-pressed coconut oil:
- If the jar does not close well, you need to pour the oil into another container. It is better to choose thick plastic or glass;
- The product should not be exposed to direct ultraviolet rays. It should be placed in a separate place in the closet;
- Recommended temperature is 5-25 degrees. Do not refreeze it or store it in rooms with very high temperatures and humidity levels;
- Don't try to extend the shelf life. If you put the oil in the freezer, then if stored for a long time in such conditions, it will lose its properties;
- To prevent rancidity and oxidation, carefully close the lid of the container containing the product.
You should decide on a place where it will be safe to store coconut oil after opening:
- a well-closing cabinet in the bathroom;
- a small table away from the window;
- shelf in the kitchen or closet;
- fridge.
You should not purchase natural products in large quantities. So you may not have time to use it before the expiration date expires. The best option would be to buy some fresh oil - it is much safer.
When purchasing coconut oil in ampoules and capsules, there is a risk of purchasing a low-quality product or a counterfeit. To prevent this, the capsule should be broken. In a natural product, the liquid will have a slight golden tint or transparent. If it is bright yellow, then such fat cannot be used.
You should not throw away the cardboard pack, because it protects from ultraviolet rays. The question often arises whether coconut oil capsules can be stored in the refrigerator. Not necessary unless the shelf life is nearing the end (three months before). The packaging can be left in the closet or medicine cabinet. After opening the ampoule, you should use it immediately; the shelf life of coconut oil in this form is no more than 12 hours.
It is best to purchase the product in a small, convenient container.
Making your own oil at home is quite easy. One average fruit yields approximately 30 ml. To do this, you need to pass the pulp through a fine grater and squeeze it through a gauze bandage. The white liquid is milk. Some people confuse it with the water inside the coconut.
Air temperature and humidity
Coconut fat can be stored in either solid or liquid form. This does not affect its quality in any way. The consistency of the product depends solely on temperature conditions. Up to 24 degrees it remains thick, and after 25 a slow melting process begins. The optimal storage temperature is from 4 to 20 degrees. The storage can be a kitchen cabinet, a pantry shelf, or a refrigerator.
If the butter has been stored in the refrigerator, be sure to melt it before using. It is advisable to do this in a water bath or by placing a cold bottle on a warm radiator. Only in liquid form is fat absorbed into the skin or hair. Indoor air humidity should not exceed 60 percent.
The container in which the product is stored must be dark. Direct sunlight inevitably leads to deterioration in quality. Jars should not be stored on a dressing table or shelf; hide them on the refrigerator door or inside a cabinet. You should not worry about the contents of the capsules; they are protected by a dense shell.
For most oils, the best option is to store them in a dark, dry place at a cool temperature. In the case of coconut oil, it can be stored at room temperature without any problems. But here it is important to remember one thing: the consistency of coconut oil will depend on the storage temperature.
Why does all this need to be taken into account? Well, firstly, from the point of view of convenience: if you use it often, then, of course, it is more convenient to keep it in liquid form. Secondly, in solid form it is not suitable for cosmetic purposes, particularly for application to the skin.
Not really, if we take equal conditions (of course, if you store it in outright heat, it will spoil faster). However, a dark, dry and cool place is still the best option. If the location is warm but humid, it will most likely shorten the shelf life of the coconut oil.
As mentioned earlier, it melts at room temperature and above.
After purchasing, place the bottle in a cool, dark place with humidity above 60%. Temperatures up to 20 degrees are allowed.
Unrefined oil is a very capricious product in terms of storage. The shelf life is about a year at a temperature of no more than 7 degrees, so it is correct to keep it in the refrigerator. Before use, heat the required amount in a water bath so that after hardening the product becomes liquid and transparent again.
Second-press oil intended for use in cooking should be stored in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator, for no more than six months.
Signs of spoiled coconut oil
- Strange smell, like smoked sausage. Most likely it went rancid due to non-compliance with the shelf life.
- Bright yellow color. The natural color of solid oil is white, while that of liquid oil is slightly whitish.
- A bitter taste indicates oxidation of the product.
- At temperatures below 25 degrees the liquid begins to harden.
- Storing in the freezer will not extend the shelf life.
- Close the lid tightly after use to prevent rancidity.
- To increase shelf life, store the product in the refrigerator.
- A jar of coconut oil is an inexpensive but very valuable souvenir that you can bring from Thailand.
A jar of coconut oil will help strengthen your immune system and improve the condition of your skin and hair. If you follow a few simple rules, you can easily preserve the product at home for a long period.
Your brownie.
Now it's time to learn how to store oil (coconut), and the first thing you should understand is the fact that the product should always be kept in a dark and dry place at room temperature. The consistency of the oil directly depends on the storage temperature. So, at 24 degrees or more it will become liquid, and in colder conditions it will take on a jelly-like form or even harden.
It is necessary to take into account all these nuances in order to make the oil more convenient to use. After all, with regular use, it is best to keep it in liquid form. In addition, we should also not forget that, having acquired a solid form, the oil will be unsuitable for use even for cosmetic purposes.
Temperature does not particularly affect the shelf life of the product, but you should not keep it in hot conditions either, because in this case it will spoil much faster. The best option is a dark, cool and dry place.
It is recommended to store coconut oil at a constant temperature, which will keep it in good condition for a long time. The product should not be stored in the bathroom, as temperature fluctuations occur there, which shortens the shelf life.
If the oil is stored in the refrigerator, it should not be kept outside for too long when used. If the oil is used quite often, then it will be most beneficial to place it in a dark and cool place.
Direct sunlight significantly accelerates the process of product deterioration. Therefore, it must be kept exclusively in a dark place.
Package
Many people buy coconut oil in bulk. This method of sales is practiced in Asian countries, where the product is sold in every store. After purchase, it must be poured into a container suitable for storage.
- The container should be made of dark glass (plastic jars are not suitable).
- The lid should close tightly (ideally, there should be a plug on the thread instead of a lid).
- Make sure that the bottle into which you pour the oil is clean and dry.
It is advisable to follow these rules for storing an environmentally friendly product obtained by cold pressing. Follow the ingredients on the package. If the product contains preservatives, the shelf life cannot be extended by transferring it to another container.
What do GOSTs say?
GOST 10766-64 “Coconut Oil”, which is still in force as an interstate standard of the Customs Union, does not mention the shelf life of coconut oil.
The only requirement regarding the shelf life of coconut oil is the need to indicate the bottling date on the transport label.
Therefore, establishing the expiration date of oil made from coconut copra is the prerogative of the manufacturer; the expiration date must be indicated on the packaging.
As a rule, it is:
- 1 year for refined oil, 6 months for food grade refined oil;
- 6 months - for unrefined.
Capsules and ampoules
Sometimes you can find coconut oil on sale packaged in plastic capsules or ampoules. You should not purchase such a product: it may turn out to be fake or damaged.
It is impossible to understand the quality of the product without opening the ampoule. If its contents are not too thick, and also have transparency and a golden hue, the product is real and not spoiled. But when its color is bright yellow, the use of such content is undesirable.
Coconut oil capsules are most often sold in cardboard boxes. Once opened, the packaging must not be thrown away. It will be convenient to store the remaining product, which will be reliably protected from bright light.
Coconut oil should be stored in capsules (ampoules) in a cool, shaded place. But you shouldn’t put them in the refrigerator right away. This should be done when the product expires (about 3 months before).
When buying coconut fat in capsules or ampoules, you risk purchasing a fake or low-quality product. To ensure quality, break one capsule. The leaked liquid should be transparent and have a golden hue. If the color is bright yellow, it means the product is not suitable for further use.
Do not throw away the cardboard packaging, it protects the contents from sunlight. Ampoules should not be stored in the refrigerator. This can only be done at the end of the shelf life (three months before). Packs of capsules can be stored in a medicine cabinet or in a dark place (closets). After opening, the ampoule must be used; it can be stored for no more than 12 hours.
Storing in the refrigerator
When thinking about where and how to store coconut oil, you should consider its main characteristics. It is necessary to preserve all useful properties. Several factors influence quality. The fresh natural product, located in a jar with a tight lid, after opening, allows it to be kept outside of the refrigeration chamber. But oil that is approaching the end of its shelf life is best kept in capsules or plastic containers on the side shelves of the refrigerator door.
The specificity of storing coconut oil in the refrigerator is that after cooling it will be too dense and the required portion will have to be picked out from the total mass each time. The disadvantage of this storage method is that condensation forms on the cooled wall of the jar. High humidity is the best environment for the development of harmful microorganisms; to prevent this from happening, it should be stored not just in a jar, but also in a box.
It is contraindicated to place coconut oil in the freezer.
- the first to appear is an unpleasant smell of bitterness, which indicates that irreversible reactions are already occurring in the oil, as a result of which it becomes toxic to humans;
- gradually the color changes from light to bright yellow, which indicates that it has completely deteriorated;
- If you don't pay attention to the smell and try it, you can feel the bitter taste.
In what container and how to store coconut oil
Well, this is kind of obvious. In addition, the oil container must be tightly closed. Also remember that you also need to take a portion of oil from the “common cauldron” only with a dry and clean spoon or fork (or whatever).
If liquid or food particles get into the oil, it may become moldy.
If you bought it in large quantities, it may be more convenient to melt it in a large saucepan so that it has a uniform consistency, and then pour it into small containers.
Unfortunately, not all people understand even basic storage rules. Coconut oil should be kept exclusively in dry containers that should be tightly closed with a lid. In addition, you also need to separate some of the oil for use from the total amount with a clean spoon, knife, fork, and so on.
If liquid gets into the product, you can soon expect mold to appear on its surface, after which there will be no desire to use it for medicinal purposes.
If the butter is purchased in large quantities, it should be melted immediately to obtain a uniform consistency. Then this mixture must be poured into several containers and stored at different temperatures.
Spoiled oil
Obviously, if the product has already disappeared, then no storage recommendations will help restore it. First of all, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the oil. If it appears somehow discolored or there are traces of mold on its surface, then this means that the product is completely unsuitable for use.
Many people think that you can simply remove the mold and the product will be fresh, but this is actually not the case. It will not be possible to determine how deeply the mold has penetrated into the oil without special examination, so it is better not to take risks. Otherwise, instead of the healing effect, you can end up with a bunch of other problems.
Best before date
Refined and unrefined oil is now produced by many manufacturers, each of which guarantees its own shelf life. As a rule, for the first option the period of use is set to up to two years, for the second - up to four. Although it is worth noting that if you follow the storage rules, you can even slightly increase this period.
Most brands claim a shelf life of up to 2 years for refined oil, and up to 4 years for unrefined (Extra Virgin). True, if you know how to store it correctly (as we discussed above), then its shelf life can even be increased.
How can you tell if coconut oil has gone bad?
First, just take a close look at it: if it appears “discolored” or shows signs of mold on its surface, it means that
already Khan
it is unusable.
Of course, sometimes they say that you can just remove the mold and everything will be fine. The problem here is that it is difficult to determine how deep the mold has penetrated into the oil.
If the oil is all lumpy on the outside, smell it first, then taste it. If the smell is bad, throw it away! If it smells normal, then it’s a matter of taste - if it’s normal, then the oil is still good!
Now you know how to store coconut oil at home. Moreover, this applies to all brands, be they from India or Thailand.
Oil selection
How to store coconut oil will be described in detail below, but before that you need to understand the basic rules for choosing a product.
First of all, you should know that oil can be either refined or unrefined. Almost everyone knows how to store and use coconut oil of the first type, because it helps to cope with hair problems. The second option is more preferable as a skin care product.
Really high-quality refined oil is transparent and does not have a particularly pronounced aroma. If the product is unprocessed, it will have a golden hue and the smell of fresh coconut. And if the product has a poisonous yellow tint, the oil is considered unsuitable for use.
How to choose coconut oil
To choose a quality product in the store, you need to know what coconut oil looks like when it is suitable for use. After all, in stores it is forbidden to open jars, and you have to navigate only by appearance.
- Refined oil:
- Thick, viscous and translucent. Usually white with a slight yellowish tint.
- The sweetish smell, similar to the smell of a nut, is very rich, so you can feel it even without opening the package.
- Usually more expensive than unrefined, and sold in small volumes - from 100 to 700 ml.
- Unrefined oil:
- Thick, but not viscous, almost transparent. The color is slightly yellowish, with white pieces.
- Unrefined coconut oil with a very light, unobtrusive odor, so you can’t feel it through the packaging.
- Usually more expensive than refined oil and can be sold in volumes of up to 5 liters.
Coconut oil is highly valued in East Asia - it is used to care for the body, nails, hair... There is also edible oil - it is added to salads
Criterion 1. Color Good coconut oil should be almost transparent, straw-like or light yellowish in color. Refined oil is slightly darker than unrefined oil, but liquid coconut oil, if natural, should not be completely clear or white. There is also a difference in color between cold-pressed and hot-pressed coconut oil. | |
Criterion 2. Country of origin Coconut oil is made in many countries, but the best oil is considered to be Vietnamese or Thai. Vietnamese coconut oil is often almost clear, straw-colored, unrefined, and made from large green coconuts. Coconut oil from Thailand is more varied. It is produced using cold or hot pressing. In Thailand the oil is made from small brown coconuts, but sometimes green coconuts can also be used | |
Criterion 3. Store It is best to buy coconut oil in large stores or pharmacies - there it will cost a little more, but the quality will definitely be good. You can easily be deceived in the market by slipping cheap raw materials under the guise of a good product. | |
Criterion 4. Consistency Coconut oil can be liquid or solid. The reason why coconut oil thickens may be due to the temperature in which it is stored. Therefore, if the oil is white, uneven and with lumps, this does not mean that it has gone bad. Coconut oil melts at 23°C |
- Coconut oil should be purchased from trusted sellers: in large stores, pharmacies, and at specially designated points.
- When vacationing in countries where coconut grows, you should not buy coconut oil from street vendors who specialize in selling national souvenirs, as well as this oil, packaged in eye-catching, beautiful containers. Most often, the price is set for the container, and the quality of the oil may be far from the standard.
- When purchasing, you should pay attention to the color of the oil. It can be light, almost transparent, or have a light yellow straw tint. This depends on the method of its production, since coconut oil is produced by cold pressing (pressing) or hot. That is, it can be either refined or unrefined.
- Unrefined oil is produced by pressing the inner flesh of the coconut. This produces very little raw material. But it is rich in all the beneficial microelements that make up coconut, and also has a pleasant aroma characteristic of fresh coconut. Of course, it is expensive.
- Refined coconut oil is produced using the hot process. The same amount of coconuts yields much more. It does not have the same smell that unrefined oil has, and it contains slightly less nutrients. That's why it costs less.
- You need to pay attention to the consistency of the oil, while taking into account the temperature in the room in which it was located immediately before purchase.
- The fact is that the melting point of coconut oil is 25°. Therefore, the cooled oil will have a thick, possibly uneven consistency, consisting of lumps of different sizes. And warm oil is liquid and transparent.
After purchasing coconut oil, many people wonder whether they need to put it in the refrigerator or whether it can be left at room temperature.
What to look for when choosing?
To purchase a truly high-quality product, you need to take into account a number of features. Coconut oil comes in two types:
- unrefined - pure and natural, obtained from fresh pulp by quick drying;
- refined - heat-treated, obtained from pulp cake.
During refining, it loses most of its beneficial properties. However, such a product is stored for 1-2 years longer.
Unrefined is considered to be of higher quality. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
It is also important to pay attention to other traits. Qualitative:
- quickly absorbed into the skin;
- does not leave a greasy film;
- has a sweetish aroma;
- has a light yellow or transparent tint in liquid form;
- frozen white;
- sweet to taste;
- melts in your mouth.
Thus, preference should be given to unrefined. It is considered completely natural because it has not been subjected to additional processing.
Useful composition
Before you learn how to store coconut oil, you should understand its composition and properties. The product is obtained from copra, that is, the dried pulp of nuts. The oil contains the following acids:
- lauric;
- nylon;
- myristic;
- oleic;
- capric;
- palmitic;
- stearic
Every person should definitely know how to store coconut oil at home, because it can be useful in various situations and help solve even those problems that expensive pharmaceutical products cannot solve.
The product is obtained by cold or hot pressing. With the first method, almost all useful substances are preserved, although it is worth noting that the yield of the product is not so great. The second method makes it possible to achieve complete extraction of fats, which significantly reduces the cost and, consequently, efficiency.
- Coconut oil contains polyunsaturated acids: oleic, linolenic, arachidonic, capric, stearic, myristic, palmitoic, which the body needs for its normal functioning.
- This oil is rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamins E, A, C.
- The oil normalizes cholesterol levels in the blood.
- It has antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It is used to treat dermatitis and eczema.
- Coconut masks make hair soft and manageable.
- Coconut oil improves dry skin. It increases its firmness and elasticity.
- Consuming coconut oil helps in weight loss.
- There are no special contraindications for its use, but if you are individually intolerant, you should avoid it.
What are the beneficial properties of coconut oil:
- Treats eczema. Coconut oil very well moisturizes and restores damaged skin, so it is often used to treat skin diseases.
- Reduces excess weight. Edible coconut oil can replace other vegetable oils during diets - it promotes weight loss.
- Reduces cholesterol in the blood. Coconut oil normalizes blood cholesterol levels.
- Saturates the body with vitamins. Coconut oil contains many vitamins, such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E and C.
- Heals wounds. Coconut oil is an excellent remedy against fungus, inflammation and skin damage.
If mold appears on coconut oil, it is unfit for consumption and, moreover, dangerous to health.
Mold means the product has spoiled and should be thrown away. The benefits are as follows:
- The composition contains polyunsaturated acids, namely capric, myristic, oleic, palmitic, stearic, linolenic. They are necessary for the proper functioning of the body;
- The oil contains a lot of vitamins (A, C, E), phosphorus, calcium;
- Normalizes blood cholesterol;
- Has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties;
- Treats eczema and dermatitis;
- Gives hair softness and manageability;
- Improves the condition of dry skin;
- Affects weight loss.
Coconut oil perfectly protects hair from the scorching rays of the sun.
Adding it to dishes leads to the following results:
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases;
- strengthening and maintaining immunity;
- restoration of water balance in the body;
- acceleration of metabolism, reducing the risk of obesity;
- reducing the likelihood of dental and musculoskeletal diseases;
- increased calcium absorption.
What is so amazingly healing contained in the product? This is a source of healthy fats that fill the body with energy and do not accumulate under the skin. Lauric acid has an antimicrobial effect. In addition, the product contains hyaluronic, palmitic, caprylic, oleic, capric, and stearic acids, which nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin and hair.
It can smell differently: refined has a less pronounced coconut smell than unrefined. Liquid and hardened also do not smell the same.
The product may contain a preservative. This ingredient cannot be called healthy, but it helps to increase shelf life, and you don’t need to be too sophisticated and look for special ways to store it after opening: the oil will remain in perfect condition exactly as long as it is written on the packaging.
Remember
- Choose natural coconut oil. It will last longer and will definitely be of high quality. Better is refined oil, which smells nice and lasts longer, but is more expensive.
- Do not melt butter in the microwave. If you need to melt frozen coconut oil, it is better to use a water bath to preserve its properties.
- Do not buy oil at the market. Sellers can deceive you and give you low-quality raw materials instead of a natural product.
- Follow the rules for storing oil. So that it does not lose important properties and does not deteriorate for a long time.
- Throw away spoiled oil. If you see mold and the expiration date on the package has not expired, do not consume the product. Moldy or rancid oil is hazardous to health!