What Is The Difference Between Virgin Coconut Oil & Coconut Oil?

Dubbed the world's healthiest oil by Dr Bruce Fife, a physician and the author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle," coconut oil has become increasingly popular. Considered by some to be a tonic for cardiovascular disease, fat burning and even fungal infections, the oil remains a tasty but healthy addition to the diet. When you buy coconut oil, you must decide between virgin coconut oil and that simply labeled coconut oil, a refined product.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil manufacturers do not yet have an industrywide standard attached to the virgin tag. The website Tropical Traditions defines virgin coconut oil as a product that comes from the physical pressing of fresh coconut meat, otherwise known as copra, to release the oil. The oil makes up 60 percent of the edible parts of the coconut.

Refined Coconut Oil

Other coconut oils come from lower-grade dried copra, which has often sat in unsanitary conditions for extended periods of time. As a consequence, manufacturers use chemicals to extract the oil and then bleach it, using high heat to remove the taste of chemicals. This process removes the coconut flavor from the oil, although the concentration of medium-chain fats remains similar.

Medium-Chain Fats

The medium-chain fats, so-called because of the length of their carbon backbone, can have a number of useful effects in the human body. According to researchers from the Weston A Price Foundation, these unique fatty acids demonstrate a powerful antimicrobial effect, can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve fat burning.

Antioxidants

Although refined oils and virgin oils have a similar content of medium-chain fats, other benefits may not remain after processing. According to Fife, the high heat and chemical processes can destroy the antioxidant compounds naturally present in the oil. This change can compromise the ability of the coconut oil to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Choosing an Oil

Virgin coconut oils offer more taste, purity and antioxidant content, but refined coconut oils provide the same amount medium-chain fats for a lower cost. Tropical Traditions warn against the purchase of coconut oils labeled "extra virgin", explaining that this phrase has been borrowed from the olive oil industry and means nothing in reference to coconut products.