COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is an oil obtained from the fruit of the coconut tree.

CAS number:61788-47-4
EC number:262-978-7

Although it is a solid fat at room temperature, it differs from other saturated fats with the medium chain fatty acids it contains.
Coconut oil, which has become popular in recent years, is used especially for skin health and slimming purposes.
Coconut oil has become a frequently consumed product, especially among healthy eating trends.
Coconut, which we mostly see in powder form as dessert decorations in Turkish cuisine, is actually a highly nutritious tropical fruit.
Coconut oil is an oil obtained from this fruit with a high rate of saturated fat.

Coconut oil is a edible oil obtained from the mature kernel harvested from the coconut palm, it has a variety of applications.
Because it contains high amounts of saturated fat, it is slow to oxidize and therefore can last up to six months at 24 °C without deterioration.
Coconut is a plant of tropical regions; it is mostly found in Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, Thailand and Malaysia.
The tree lives for approximately 100 to 120 years and begins to bear coconut fruit when it is 10 years old.
This fruit, which is frequently used both in the medical world and in the cosmetic world due to its benefits, is effective from strengthening the immune system to weight loss.
However, research on coconut oil is still a matter of debate.

Coconut, which is used in many areas of life from hair loss to skin care, has become more popular recently with its oil.
Coconut, which is as effective as its oil, has become the first choice of women in skin care.
Coconut oil is becoming increasingly popular as a 'superfood'.
The first miracle of coconut oil is that it is not easily stored in the body.
Moreover, it balances blood sugar by increasing insulin production, accelerates metabolism and provides quality energy.
Thanks to all these features, it becomes indispensable for diets.
You can use it in all kinds of dishes and desserts, especially those cooked at high temperatures.
Moreover, it increases mental energy as it positively affects the production of glucose, the main nutrient of the brain.
If the idea of ​​cooking with coconut oil does not appeal to you, you can add a teaspoon to your morning coffee and consume it daily.
This recipe is very popular, especially among office workers and people engaged in mental work.

Coconut oil has antioxidants like vitamin E and A that can help reduce sun damage.
At the same time, coconut oil, rich in fatty acids, plays a supportive role in increasing skin elasticity and accelerating collagen production.
Pure coconut oil, which is considered an antioxidant because it contains phenolic compounds, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Thanks to its antibacterial content, it can be effective in reducing oral infections when used as a mouthwash.
Coconut oil is used to eliminate plaque formation and bad breath.

The benefits of coconut for the skin as an anti-inflammatory are noteworthy.
When applied topically, it moisturizes the skin, especially helping to reduce dryness and maintaining the skin's moisture.
Coconut oil acts as a barrier and protects the skin from environmental toxins and dirt, and may be beneficial for the healing of damaged tissues.
Coconut oil softens with its moisturizing properties and gives a smooth feeling.
While it helps reduce temporary redness, it draws attention with its soothing and calming properties.
Coconut oil is nourishing against nail breakage and cuticles (cuticle).
Mixing coconut oil with different products and applying it to the face like a peeling creates a moisturizing effect.
However, Coconut oil may cause problems for oily skin as it may cause excessive oiliness.

Coconut oil, containing antioxidants, makes it easier to fight against environmental stress factors.
You often hear about the benefits of coconut oil for hair health.
Conditioners may also contain coconut oil.
Because this oil can easily penetrate the hair and help prevent protein loss.
This oil, which contains saturated fat, iron and vitamin K, contains vitamin E, which helps hair grow faster.
Coconut oil is claimed to moisturize the scalp, nourish the hair, kill bacteria such as dandruff and fungi, and accelerate blood circulation.
Coconut oil is stated to help reduce hair fungi that cause inflammation, flaking and itching associated with dandruff.
However, more evidence is needed regarding its antibacterial properties.
Coconut oil can prevent frizz by giving shine and volume to the hair.

Coconut is a tropical fruit with a very high fat content.
Coconut oil is a edible oil obtained by extracting the oil from the inner parts of mature coconuts through some methods.
Coconut oil, which is included in some diets and cosmetic products today, contains a high percentage of natural fat, unlike many vegetable oils.
The saturated fat content is approximately 80%, which is similar to animal fats.
Coconut oil contains 65% medium chain fatty acids known as MCT oils.
Some of the fatty acids it contains are; lauric acid (47%), caprylic acid (7%) and capric acid (5%).
Apart from fatty acids, it contains some bioactive components such as vitamin E and polyphenols.
Thanks to its rich content and positive studies on MCT oils, it can be preferred as a healthy alternative by many individuals who do not consume animal fat.

TYPES OF COCONUT OIL

-RAW
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) can be produced from fresh coconut milk, pulp or residue.
Producing it from fresh meat involves wet grinding or drying the residue and using a screw press to remove the fat.
VCO can also be extracted from fresh meat by grating it and drying it to 10-12% moisture content, then using a manual press to remove the fat.
Producing coconut milk involves grating the coconut, mixing it with water, and then squeezing out the oil.
The milk can also be fermented for 36-48 hours, the fat removed and the cream heated to remove any remaining fat.
A third option involves using a centrifuge to separate oil from other liquids.
Coconut oil can also be obtained from dry residues left over from coconut milk production.

-REFINED
Refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) oil is usually made from copra and dried coconut kernels pressed in a heated hydraulic press to extract the oil.
This yields almost all of the oil available, accounting for more than 60% of the dry weight of the coconut.
This crude coconut oil is unfit for consumption as it contains contaminants and needs to be refined through further heating and filtering.
Another method for the extraction of coconut oil involves the enzymatic action of alpha-amylase, polygalacturonases and proteases on diluted coconut paste.
Unlike virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil does not have a coconut taste or aroma.
RBD oil is used in home cooking, commercial food processing, and for cosmetic, industrial, and pharmaceutical purposes.

-HYDROGENERATION
RBD coconut oil can be converted into partially or fully hydrogenated oil to increase its melting point.
Since virgin and RBD coconut oils melt at 24 °C (75 °F), foods containing coconut oil tend to melt in hot climates.
In these hot climates a higher melting point is desired, so the oil is hydrogenated.
The melting point of hydrogenated coconut oil is 36–40 °C (97–104 °F).
During the hydrogenation process, unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids) combine with hydrogen through a catalytic process, making them more saturated.
Coconut oil contains only 6% monounsaturated and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
In the partial hydrogenation process, some of them are converted into trans fatty acids.

-FRACTIONATION
Fractionated coconut oil provides fractions of the entire oil so different fatty acids can be separated for specific uses.
Lauric acid, a 12-carbon chain fatty acid, is frequently extracted for industrial and medical purposes due to its high value.
Fractionation of coconut oil can also be used to isolate caprylic acid and capric acid, which are medium-chain triglycerides.
They are used for medical applications, special diets, and cosmetics, and are sometimes also used as carrier oils for fragrances.

Lauric acid, the primary fatty acid of coconut, is known to have antimicrobial effects.
Thanks to this feature, some studies have been conducted on Coconut oils effects on oral health.
One study found that lauric acid reacts with oral secretion and has a soap-like effect, which can help reduce dental plaque formation and treat inflammation in the mouth.
In Turkish cuisine, coconut powder is generally preferred as a sweetener in the preparation of some desserts.
Coconut, which has been preferred in grated and dried form for years, has started to take its place in Turkish cuisine as oil in recent years.
Coconut oil is frequently preferred by many individuals who follow specific diet types such as the ketogenic diet and want to acquire healthy eating habits.

Coconut is a sweet fruit and is often preferred as an alternative to refined sugar.
Coconut oil can be added as a sweetener to beverages such as tea and coffee.
Coconut oil is frequently used as the fat source of vegan dishes and desserts.
In addition, coconut oil can be preferred along with other vegetable oils for individuals who cannot consume milk and dairy products due to reasons such as lactose or who want to follow a plant-based diet.
Since coconut oil is an oil with a high moisture content, its moisturizing effect can be benefited by applying it to a clean face.
Coconut oil can be preferred to support the treatment of stretch marks on the body.

Unprocessed coconut oil contains high amounts of bioactive compounds such as vitamin E, sterols and polyphenols.
Thanks to this content, it can reduce oxidative stress that causes atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
However, studies show that increased consumption of saturated fat may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, the evidence that coconut oil can reduce cardiovascular diseases is not sufficient.

Coconut oil is thought that the medium-chain fatty acids it contains help lose weight by increasing the feeling of fullness.
However, only 20% of coconut oil consists of medium chain fatty acids.
For this reason, its effect on weight loss has not been scientifically proven.
Studies conducted on animals have shown that coconut oil increases "HDL" cholesterol, called good cholesterol, and reduces "LDL" cholesterol, called bad cholesterol.
However, this effect has been found much less frequently in human studies.
Coconut oil has been observed that coconut oil has an antimicrobial effect thanks to the monolaurin it contains.
Studies have shown that it can be especially effective in Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Coconut oil is considered an antioxidant thanks to the phenolic compounds it contains and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
When used as a mouthwash, it is thought to be effective in reducing oral infections and may help eliminate plaque buildup and bad breath.

Although there are claims that MCTs improve the language and cognitive abilities of Alzheimer's patients, it should be noted that this is an area that requires more clinical and scientific evidence.
Coconut oil is thought that pure coconut oil may have a blood sugar balancing role.
Coconut oil can help manage diabetes by supporting the balanced secretion of insulin.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it can delay skin aging and reduce wrinkles.

Although there are many different products that can be used for hair care, coconut oil is among the natural and effective options.
Coconut oil, which has many benefits for your circulation, digestion, immune system and skin, is also very beneficial for your hair.
First of all, coconut oil contains fatty acids that help maintain the natural balance of the hair, these fatty acids penetrate the hair strands.
Coconut oil can also be effective in reducing hair loss and keeps the hair moist and shiny.
The lauric acid it contains nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, thus preventing hair loss and breakage.
You can prevent hair loss by massaging coconut oil into your scalp and nourishing your hair follicles.

The most widely known benefit of coconut oil to the skin is its intense moisturizing properties.
Coconut oil is a great option for the skin as a natural moisturizer.
Coconut oil maintains the moisture balance in the skin and softens dry, flaky skin by moisturizing it.
The oil penetrates the upper layer of the skin and locks in moisture, providing long-term moisturization.
Coconut oil helps your skin look smoother, more flexible and younger.
Coconut oil contains significant amounts of vitamins and antioxidant substances.
Coconut oil helps delay the signs of aging on the skin and make the skin look younger and healthier.

In addition, coconut oil has ingredients that can be effective in treating acne.
You can also use the product by applying it directly to skin problems or adding it to skin cleansing products.
Coconut oil maintains the pH balance of the skin and balances the oil production in the skin.
This oil is also very effective in relieving skin inflammations.
Coconut oil can provide relief especially for people with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Coconut oil is also known for its ability to even out skin tone.
Coconut oil can reduce skin tone differences caused by pigmentation problems, blemishes or sunburns.
By applying coconut oil to the skin regularly, you can make your skin look more balanced and bright.
This oil is often preferred by pregnant people to prevent stretch marks.
Regular use of coconut oil during pregnancy can prevent the formation of stretch marks on the skin.

Since it increases your energy level, this beneficial oil also accelerates your metabolism.
MCTs in oil have the ability to accelerate metabolism.
MCTs are quickly digested and converted into energy in the liver.
By increasing the metabolic rate, it can help control weight and support fat burning.
Eating or drinking coconut oil can also be used as a daily supplement to support the immune system.

The saturated fat content of coconut is risky for those with cardiovascular disease.
Although it is claimed that this oil increases good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), this is information that needs to be proven.
Consuming too much saturated fat increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Do not take coconut oil as every oil you need to consume in your diet. Although it is vegetable, this oil is rich in saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation.
Although pure coconut oil has many benefits, the amount of oral consumption is associated with the risk of chronic metabolic diseases in the long term.
Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil contains not only medium-chain fatty acids but also long-chain fatty acids.

SYNONYMS

coconut.
Coconut water.
edible hazelnuts
coconut oil.
Coconut palm.
Coconut tree.
Coconut milk.