Can I Eat Refined Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is widely used in cooking by populations in the Pacific Islands, India, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and West Africa. Coconut oil is a saturated fat reputed to have numerous health benefits and its usage is increasing in the western world. Advocates claim it benefits the cardiovascular system, exhibits antimicrobial properties and provides the body with a readily usable source of energy. Some critics suggest refined coconut oil may not be as beneficial as virgin coconut oil.

Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil is the most commonly available form of coconut oil worldwide says OrganicFacts.net. It is derived from the copra or dried kernel of the coconut by a process which involves high heat, bleaching and deodorizing, and is commonly known as RBD oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached and deodorized. The refining process is necessary as the copra may be dried in unsanitary conditions.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is obtained from fresh coconut meat or non-copra without the chemicals and high heat used in RBD coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil retains the taste and flavor of coconuts.

Considerations

Virgin coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids or MCTs and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is particularly high in lauric acid, which can enhance the immune system, according to the Coconut Development Board of India. Such properties may be lacking in refined coconut oil says OrganicFacts.net. The use of extreme heat and chemicals such as sodium hydroxide in the refining process removes most of the nutrients. A study by the University Putra, Malaysia, published in the December 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Food Science Nutrition," found virgin coconut oil exhibits better antioxidant properties than RBD coconut oil.

Health Benefits

Coconut oil helps increase levels of high density lipoprotein or HDL and reduces levels of low density lipoprotein or LDL according to a report in the "Philippine Journal of Cardiology" in September 2003. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol and LDL as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of HDL in comparison to LDL lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease. The MCTs in coconut oil also help suppress accumulation of body fat and can aid weight loss, reports a study by Kanagawa Nutrition University Japan in the November 2001 issue of Human Nutrition and Metabolism.