Coconut oil: extra virgin coconut oil

Coconut oil, also known as coconut butter, is a tropical oil with many applications. It is extracted from copra (derived from the word "kopra" which means dried coconut). Coconut oil constitutes seven percent of the total export income of the Philippines, the world's largest exporter of the product.

Coconut oil was developed as a commercial product by merchants in the South Seas and South Asia in the 1860s.

Physical properties

Coconut oil is a fat consisting of about 90% saturated fat. The oil contains predominantly medium chain triglycerides,^[1] with roughly 92% saturated fatty acids, 6% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Of the saturated fatty acids, coconut oil is primarily 44.6% lauric acid, 16.8% myristic acid a 8.2% palmitic acid and 8% caprylic acid, although it contains seven different saturated fatty acids in total. Its only monounsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid while its only polyunsaturated fatty acid is linoleic acid.^[2]

Unrefined coconut oil melts at 24-25°C (76°F) and smokes at 170°C (350°F),^[3] while refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 232°C (450°F).

Among the most stable of all oils, coconut oil is slow to oxidize and thus resistant to rancidity, lasting up to two years due to its high saturated fat content.^{[citation needed]} In order to extend shelf life, it is best stored in solid form (i.e. below 24.5°C [76°F]).

Types of oil available

Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is derived from fresh coconuts (rather than dried, as in copra). Most oils marketed as "virgin" are produced one of three ways:

Unlike olive oil, there is no world or governing body that sets a standard definition or set of guidelines to classify coconut oil as "virgin". The Philippines has established a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) governmental standard.^[4]

Refined oil

Refined coconut oil is referred to in the coconut industry as RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized) coconut oil. The starting point is "copra", the dried coconut meat. Copra can be made by smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying. The unrefined coconut oil extracted from copra (called "crude coconut oil") is not suitable for consumption^{[citation needed]} and must be refined.

Hydrogenated oil

Coconut oil is often partially or fully hydrogenated to increase their melting point in warmer temperatures. This increases the amount of saturated fat present in the oil, and may produce trans fats.

Fractionated oil

"Fractionated coconut oil" is a fraction of the whole oil, in which most of the long-chain triglycerides are removed so that only saturated fats remain. It may also referred to as "caprylic/capric triglyceride" or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil because mostly the medium-chain triglycerides caprylic and capric acid are left in the oil.

Because it is completely saturated, fractionated oil is even more heat stable than other forms of coconut oil and has a nearly indefinite shelf life.^{[citation needed]}

Health effects

Heart disease

Coconuts are high in saturated fats, and consumption of coconut oil is associated with hypertension, although consumption of coconut flesh itself is inversely related to hypertension.^[5] Blood tests performed on rats showed improved measures of heart disease (lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein and raising high-density lipoprotein) when compared to rats fed copra; uprocessed coconut oil also prevented in vitro oxidation of low-density lipoproteins.^[6] A study of Polynesian populations that consumed mainly coconut meat found that increased consumption of coconut was associated with significantly higher levels of serum cholesterol but this was not associated with higher rates of death due to heart attacks and other forms of cardiovascular disease.^[7]

Reducing the consumption of coconut oil and replacing a portion of it with polyunsaturated fats resulted in changes to blood cholesterol levels that are associated with a reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases.^[8]

Antimicrobial effects

Coconut oil has been found effective against certain strains of the Candida yeast, though it is ineffective against others.^[9]

Applications

Cooking

Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking, especially when frying. In communities where coconut oil is widely used in cooking, the refined oil is the one most commonly used. Coconut oil is commonly used to flavor many South Asian curries.

Manufacturing

Coconut oil is used in volume quantities for making margarine, soap and cosmetics.

Coconut oil is an important component of many industrial lubricants, for example in the cold rolling of steel strip.

Cosmetics and skin treatments

Coconut oil is excellent as a skin moisturizer and softener. A study shows that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer, with absence of adverse reactions.^[10] Although not suitable for use with condoms, coconut oil may be used as a lubricant for sexual intercourse,^[11] though it may cause an allergic reaction in some.

In India and Sri Lanka, coconut oil is commonly used for styling hair, and cooling or soothing the head. People of Tamil Nadu and other coastal areas such as Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa bathe in warm water after applying coconut oil all over the body and leaving it as is for an hour to keep body, skin, and hair healthy.

Industrial and commercial uses

Traditional use

In diesel engines

Coconut oil has been tested for use as a feedstock for biodiesel to be used as a diesel engine fuel. In this manner it can be applied to power generators and transport using diesel engines. Since straight coconut oil has a high gelling temperature (22-25°C), a high viscosity, and a minimum combustion chamber temperature of 500 °C (932 °F) (to avoid polymerization of the fuel), coconut oil is typically blended to make biodiesel. B100 biodiesel blends are only possible in temperate climates as the gel point is approximately 10°C (50 degrees Fahrenheit). The oil needs to meet the Weihenstephan standard^[12] for pure vegetable oil used as a fuel since otherwise moderate to severe damage from carbonisation and clogging will occur in an unmodified engine.

Coconut oil is currently used as a fuel for transport in the Philippines.^[13] Further research into the oil's potential as a fuel for electricity generation is being carried out in the islands of the Pacific.^[14]^[15] In the 1990s Bougainville conflict, islanders cut off from supplies due to a blockade used it to fuel their vehicles.^[16]

Aircraft fuel

During February 2008, a mixture of coconut oil and babassu oil was used to partially power one engine of a Boeing 747, in a biofuel trial sponsored by Virgin Atlantic.^[17]

Engine lubricant

Coconut oil has been tested for use as an engine lubricant; the company producing the oil claims the oil reduces fuel consumption, smoke emissions and allows the engine to run at a cooler temperature.^[18]

Coconut oil

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