The key difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that coconut oil is extracted from sun-dried coconut kernels or copra, whereas virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat.
The coconut tree belongs to the Arecaceae group, which is the palm family. It is botanically a drupe and not a nut, though most assume coconuts are nuts. The oil is edible and taken from the kernel of mature coconuts, and it has many health benefits. Therefore, it is identified as a superfood.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Coconut Oil
3. What is Virgin Coconut Oil
4. Coconut Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Coconut Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is an edible oil taken from the meat and milk of the coconut palm fruit. It has fatty acids like capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid. 52% – 85% of coconut oil has specifically saturated fats, which are called medium-chain fatty acids. When applied, this oil gives hydration to the skin. There are two kinds of this named refined and unrefined.
Refined oils have no coconut flavour or aroma. They are made from dried copra. Unrefined coconut oil is called virgin coconut oil, and it has a coconut flavour and aroma.
What is Virgin Coconut Oil?
Virgin Coconut Oil is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that is not refined. It is also known as extra virgin coconut oil. Since it is unrefined, this variety of coconut oil is not bleached or deodorized and is also non-hydrogenated. Therefore, it is 100% natural.
People use virgin coconut oil for various purposes: oil pulling, drinking, and as a skin moisturizer. Due to its creaminess and tropical flavour, virgin coconut oil is used for baking and sautéing. it is also added to smoothies, coffees, and shakes.
Virgin coconut oil is made by cold-pressing the liquid from the coconut meat. Later, oil is extracted from the milk. This process is done without any heat exposure or chemicals, so the nutrients are protected. The oil has a soothing aroma, and pleasant taste, healthy fatty acids like lauric acid and myristic acid, essential vitamins like vitamins C and E, minerals, proteins, and powerful antioxidants.
There are various benefits to this oil. Virgin coconut oil promotes weight loss and HDL cholesterol levels. It also improves digestive health, dental health, bone health, and heart health. At the same time, it is good to treat fungus or yeast infections and diabetes since it stabilizes blood sugar and promotes insulin secretion. Virgin coconut oil provides moisture to hair and scalp and prevents hair fall and split ends. It soothes the skin, provides moisture, and relieves stress.
What is the Difference Between Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil?
The key difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that coconut oil is extracted from sun-dried coconut kernels or copra, while virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat. Moreover, while coconut oil is processed through heat exposure, virgin coconut oil is processed through the cold-pressed method.
The below infographic presents the differences between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Coconut Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil taken from the meat and milk of the coconut palm fruit. Coconut oil typically has a neutral taste and is used for frying since it can withstand high temperatures. Sometimes, it is also used as a substitute for butter. Virgin coconut oil is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that is not refined. It is taken from fresh coconut meat and has a pleasant, strong coconutty flavour. It is used for sautéing and has a high nutritional content. So, this is the summary of the difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil.
Reference:
1. “Is refined coconut oil a healthy choice? – Extension.” University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Coconut and oil“By Phu Thinh Co – Dầu dừa (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Virgin coconut oil” By NCCA Official (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr