The Best Coconut Oil
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What is the Best Coconut Oil?
What’s the best coconut oil brand, and what makes great coconut oil in particular? In this article, we will discuss the various types of coconut oil and their benefits. We will also list the top brands and give our pick for the healthiest coconut oil on the market!
Refined “Virgin” Coconut Oil
Like other types of coconut oil, virgin coconut oil is obviously taken from coconuts, but there’s one exception: it’s extracted from the fruit without the use of heat, nor is it exposed to sunlight. As a result of this process, many consider virgin coconut oil superior to other types of coconut oil. Another reason people choose virgin coconut oil is because of its significantly higher moisture content.
There are several other differences between virgin coconut oil and other varieties:
- Appearance. Even though the difference is subtle, extra virgin olive oils are slightly clearer and look similar to water.
- Taste and smell. Since it has not been exposed to heat and sunlight, virgin coconut oil retains its original taste and smell while others see a reduction.
- Higher nutrient content. Virgin coconut oil has higher concentrations of fatty acids, good cholesterol, vitamin E and other minerals. It’s also lower in dangerous trans-fatty acids and higher in powerful antioxidants.
In addition to a higher amount of nutrients, virgin coconut oil has a higher shelf life and doesn’t turn rancid as quickly as the non-virgin varieties.
High-Alkaline Coconut Oil
On average, our bodies are slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.35 and 7.45. When in this range, our bodies is at their healthiest, performing functions at optimum levels. The lower the pH number, the more acidic a person is. This could lead to higher levels of uric acid in the body, which has been known to cause gout, which is a painful joint ailment.
There are many factors that cause the body to become acidic, including stress and a diet high in processed, refined foods. Reducing stress levels and eating healthier foods are both key to maintaining good health. An alkaline diet is a great first step to achieving that goal.
Studies indicate alkaline diets can help show improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass, protection from chronic illnesses, reduced tumor-cell invasion and metastasis, and effective excretion of toxins from the body. 1
It is also believed a high alkaline diet offers the following additional health benefits as well:
- Improved kidney health. A study on patients with chronic kidney disease found that those who followed a high alkaline diet slowed the progression of chronic kidney disease and occasionally improved renal function in some test subjects. 2
- Cancer prevention. In one particular study, researchers wanted to determine an association between alkaline diets and the growth of lung cancer cells in patients. Researchers concluded that an alkaline diet may enhance the effect of cancer treatment in lung cancer patients. 3
In another study, researchers note that both vegan and alkaline diets are “likely mediators of the protection from cancer, autoimmunity, obesity, and diabetes.” 4
- Decrease in back pain
- Increase growth hormone levels
- Improved muscle health
- Weight loss
- Treatment (and prevention) for heart disease
Virgin coconut oil is considered ideal for alkaline diets because it’s the only coconut oil that’s alkaline forming.
For those interested in an alkaline diet, here’s a brief list of foods to eat and foods to avoid:
Foods to Eat |
Foods to Avoid |
Fruits |
Dairy products |
Seeds |
Fish |
Tofu |
Coffee |
Vegetables |
Alcohol |
Legumes |
Soda |
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
In order to be listed as cold-pressed, the temperatures during the pressing process can’t go higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This process is usually performed on virgin and extra virgin coconut oils only.
Cold pressed coconut oil is considered one of the highest quality coconut oils, and has the following benefits:
- Higher antioxidant levels. Heated, refined coconut oils tend to lose many of their antioxidants and other nutrients. This is important for those seeking to maximize the health benefits of the foods they eat. Studies indicate antioxidants are instrumental in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. 5
- No additives or preservatives. Since it’s not refined, cold pressed coconut oil is devoid of additives and preservatives. Additives have been linked to digestive issues (diarrhea), skin problems (hives and itching), respiratory issues (asthma & sinusitis), and nervous systems issues (hyperactivity and insomnia). There are many studies that highlight the dangers of additives and preservatives:
- A recent study found evidence that Intake of food additives in early life may increase the risk of food allergies. 6
- Another study found that food preservatives with nitrates and nitrites, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame have all been studied as migraine triggers in the past. 7
- The continued consumption of the food additives Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, azorubine, and tartrazine over time increases the risk of developing several chronic diseases. 8
- Maintains flavor. Refined coconut oil loses some of its flavor during processing. Cold pressed coconut oil maintains its nutty, fruity flavor.
The Best Coconut Oil Brand
There are many coconut oil brands available on the market. Many of them are good products that have amazing health benefits. However, after much research and consideration, we chose Skinny & Co. as the best of them all.
Why Skinny & Co?
Skinny & Co. is a great product because it has all the items listed above and more. This makes it an excellent choice for health conscious individuals who are seeking alternatives for commercially advertised and manufactured products. Coconut oil offers the best of both worlds: it can be consumed and used on the skin. Since it is natural and has no additives, it is considered both safer and healthier than most coconut oil brands on the market.
There are several products available in the Skinny & Co. collection, and they offer many unique uses for coconut oil:
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo
- Sugar scrub
- Soap bars
- Whipped body butter<
- Facial oil
- Deodorant
In addition to these uses, there are many other benefits as well:
- Most virgin coconut oils are created at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to their patented Nutralock System, Skinny & Co. extracts their coconut oil at 87 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for an even higher level of medium chain fatty acids, which are absorbed into the body easier than other coconut oil products.
- Minimal ingredients are used. All products have 5 ingredients or less.
- Skinny & Co. is all natural and cruelty free. This makes it ideal for those who are concerned about what they are putting into their bodies as well as the environment.
Types of Coconut Oil Products
Skinny & Co. has set the standard for coconut oil. Here is a brief description of each product and their benefits.
Skinny & Co. Deodorant - 100% Raw Coconut Oil with Lavender
Most commercial deodorants are made with chemicals that many consider to be harmful to our health. Skinny & Co. Deodorant is all natural, fast absorbing and smells great. This vegan deodorant is aluminum free and made with the following products:
- 100% raw coconut oil
- Carnauba wax
- Baking soda
- Lavender essential oil
This product is suitable for everyone, and has no known side effects.
Skinny & Co. Deodorant - 100% Raw Coconut Oil with Cedarwood
This deodorant contains cedarwood instead of lavender. All other ingredients are identical. In addition to being used to eliminate body odor, this great smelling product can also be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
Skinny Coconut Oil
This Skinny Coconut Oil product can be consumed. It has many great benefits, including weight loss, gut healing, energizes the body, and anti-aging. This product is great in vegetable and fruit smoothies.
Skinny Oil Pulling - Peppermint
In addition to peppermint, Skinny Oil Pulling also contains essential oils. This product can be used for weight loss and shedding body fat, as well as a natural way to get a cleaner, healthier mouth.
Skinny Whipped Body Butter
This coconut oil product contains Roman chamomile, lavender and sweet basil. Skinny Whipped Body Butter is applied to the skin, and is great for a healthy complexion and anti-aging. This product is suitable for people of all ages.
Skinny Sugar Scrub
Skinny Sugar Scrub consists of whipped coconut sugar and vanilla bean. This unique combination makes it a great exfoliate that also soothes the skin.
Skinny & Co. has something for everyone. They offer a wide range of amazing products to suit a variety of needs.
Summary
Even though coconuts and coconut oil have been used in South America, Africa, India, Central America, and Asia for thousands of years, it’s seeing a resurgence in popularity today. The use of artificial additives, preservatives, and other manufactured ingredients can be detrimental to a person’s health. As a result, many are seeking natural sources like coconut oil for their health and nutritional needs.
To reap even more health benefits, many are opting for the virgin coconut oil varieties, which are higher in antioxidants and other vital nutrients. One of the best products on the market is Skinny & Co. By taking advantage of their full assortment of products, a person can be one step closer to obtaining the good health they seek.
The typical western diet of today consists of too many unhealthy fats, additives, preservatives, and other unhealthy foods. Over time, consumption of these foods can lead to a variety of health issues, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders.
For many, the first line of defense against these ailments is medicine purchased over the counter or received from a doctor. This is a mistake. The first line of defense against sickness and disease is a strong immune system. The key is to be proactive and make an effort to eat healthy foods while you are well. This helps to decrease the likelihood of becoming ill as we age.
Incorporating virgin coconut oil is an excellent way to help the body ward off disease. It has many of the nutrients and antioxidants needed to keep the body healthy both inside and out. Start using virgin coconut oil today. Your body will thank you.
References
1. Mousa HA. Health Effects of Alkaline Diet and Water, Reduction of Digestive-tract Bacterial Load, and Earthing. Altern Ther Health Med. Published 2016 Apr;22 Suppl 1:24-33. [PMID: 27089527] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27089527
2. Passey C. Reducing the Dietary Acid Load: How a More Alkaline Diet Benefits Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease. J Ren Nutr. Published 2017 May;27(3):151-160. [doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2016.11.006.] Epub 2017 Jan 20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28117137
3. Hamaguchi R, Okamoto T, Sato M Effects of an Alkaline Diet on EGFR-TKI Therapy in EGFR Mutation-positive NSCLC. Anticancer Res. Published 2017 Sep;37(9):5141-5145. [PMID: 28870946] DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.11934 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28870946
4. McCarty MF GCN2 And FGF21 Are Likely Mediators Of The Protection From Cancer, Autoimmunity, Obesity, And Diabetes Afforded By Vegan Diets. Med Hypotheses. Published 2014 Sep;83(3):365-71. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.06.014. Epub 2014 Jun 24. [PMID: 25015767] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25015767
5. Zhang YJ, Gan RY, Li S. (et al.) Antioxidant Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Molecules. Published 2015 Nov 27;20(12):21138-56. doi: 10.3390/molecules201219753. [PMID: 26633317] PMCID: PMC6331972 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26633317
6. Yamashita H, Matsuhara H, Miotani S Artificial Sweeteners And Mixture Of Food Additives Cause To Break Oral Tolerance And Induce Food Allergy In Murine Oral Tolerance Model For Food Allergy. Clin Exp Allergy. Published 2017 Sep;47(9):1204-1213. doi: 10.1111/cea.12928. Epub 2017 May 8. [PMID: 28370609] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28370609
7. Zaeem Z, Zhou L, Dilli E Headaches: a Review of the Role of Dietary Factors. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2016 Nov;16(11):101. [PMID: 27714637] DOI: 10.1007/s11910-016-0702 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27714637
8. Raposa B, Pónusz R, Gerencsér G, (et al.) Food Additives: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Azorubine, And Tartrazine Modify The Expression Of Nfκb, GADD45α, And MAPK8 Genes. Physiol Int. Published 2016 Sep;103(3):334-343. doi: 10.1556/2060.103.2016.3.6. [PMID: 28229641] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28229641