What is Organic Coconut Oil?

Like all other organic products, organic coconut oil is free of chemicals and is therefore claimed to be healthier. It has enhanced benefits over coconut oil. It is not surprising that the favorite for an organic product is increasing among consumers while purchasing coconut oil as well.

What are Organic Coconuts?

For some reason, many people believe that chemicals are not used in growing coconuts. That all coconuts they see in the market are organic coconuts.

Not all coconuts are organic coconuts. Inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are used in growing coconuts as well. The number one pest in India is the rhinoceros beetle and is treated with pesticides.

Virgin Coconut Oil: How It Has Changed People's Lives, and How It Can Change Yours!

The coconuts used for extraction of oil are produced using organic means without the use of any chemicals.

Six STEPS of producing organic coconut and organic coconut oil.

1. Extraction of the oil organically is done at low temperatures and only through mechanical means. Chemicals (solvents) are not used for this purpose.
2. No chemical refining is carried out.
3. No bleaching is done.
4. Organic coconut oil is rarely de-odorized.
5. Heating to high temperatures results in loss of properties of the oil. Hence manufacturers of organic coconut oil ensure that the entire extraction, processing and packaging of the oil is done at low temperatures.
6. Many manufacturers get certifications from different bodies that grant organic seals.

Many countries have guidelines and standards for producing organic foods. Workers in companies manufacturing certified organic coconut oil follow these guidelines and thus ensure stringent cleanliness and hygiene standards.

What is Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?

We often hear people asking about extra virgin coconut oil.

How is the "extra" virgin coconut oil different from virgin coconut oil?

As a result manufacturers make their own definitions and sell their products. Virgin coconut oil is normally referred to coconut oil that is prepared using mechanical means without the addition of any chemicals, other words, organically.

According to the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) virgin coconut oil is obtained from the fresh and mature kernel of coconut by mechanical or natural means with or without the application of heat, which does not lead to alteration of the oil.

When one refers to coconut oil as extra virgin coconut oil, the word 'extra' is indeed extra. The APCC does not mention anything about extra virgin coconut oil. Hence for practical purposes, extra virgin coconut oil, in my opinion, should be considered as just virgin coconut oil.

When one refers to coconut oil as extra virgin coconut oil, the word 'extra' is indeed extra. The APCC does not mention anything about extra virgin coconut oil. Hence for practical purposes, extra virgin coconut oil, in my opinion, should be considered as just virgin coconut oil.

The coconut oil industry is seriously lagging behind in this matter. There are no detailed definitions and standards for the different types of coconut oils.

The Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), however, have developed some standards for virgin coconut oil. But these standards are not followed in the US, which is one of the largest markets for organic coconut oil. We definitely need better standards for organic coconut oil.

The Philippines government has taken a step towards this. Philippine is one of the largest exporters of virgin coconut oil. Hence, the Philippines Coconut Authority is planning to provide standards and guidelines for virgin coconut oil to the manufacturers to safeguard the interest of these manufacturers and coconut farmers as better quality standards will further boost the exports.

Organic Coconut Oil Pills

Can you buy organic coconut oil pills? The answer is - yes.

Organic coconut oil is available in soft-gel form. There are some companies that sell coconut oil soft-gel pills, and a few of them sell virgin coconut oil pills as well.

"Should I take Coconut Oil Pills Instead of the Real Stuff?"

Coconut is tasty and it also has a good aroma. In fact its taste and odor are the important reasons for coconut oil being used in making cookies throughout the world!

Then, why should one take coconut oil pills?

People have become accustomed to pills these days. Taking drugs in the form of pills is convenient and time-saving.

"But does that mean coconut oil should also be consumed in the form of pills?

NO, these capsules are made from animal gelatin and preparing softgel capsules also involves usage of mineral oil which is not permitted in organic foods.

Furthermore, pills are very costly. So consuming coconut oil pills does not make any sense.

A daily consumption of about 3 tablespoons is recommended by experts. That means about 50g of coconut oil. Even if you consumed one tablespoon, it is about 15 grams. Now if you take coconut oil softgel capsules, which generally contain about 500-1000 mg coconut oil, you will have to consume at least 15 capsules daily to equal one 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. That is too many. These capsules are also very costly when compared to regular coconut oil.