I can’t think of a more versatile ingredient than the mighty coconut. It is a wondrous fruit (technically called a “drupe”) that provides us so many benefits for our health and beauty needs. Bad breath, underarm B.O., dry hair—coconut oil supposedly cures it all—and Starflower Essential’s high quality, certified organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil can be one of the most effective natural moisturizers and therapeutic skin treatments!

Extraction Process

Before we can start discussing why and how coconut oil is so loved, let’s discuss extraction processes and how it is produced. The more any food is processed and its nutrients isolated, the more controversial it becomes. Starflower Essential’s Extra Virgin Coconut Oil goes through an innovative process called “cold centrifuge”, which results in biologically pure coconut oil that has extraordinary stability and organoleptic properties. This is not just centrifuge, not just cold press and not just organic. It is an increase of accuracy and efficacy of the process before, during, and after the pressing of the coconuts. This process is practically an art, creating the ideal equation of moisture, design, and time rate to achieve our goal - purity of coconut oil at the molecular level. Nothing less than perfection!

The requirements for cold centrifuge are so rigid, delicate, and normally not achievable by “generic” virgin oil methods. This is the major reason why other suppliers of virgin coconut oil will not go for this process. The cold centrifuge extraction is only one factor in making excellent raw coconut oil. Selection and preparation of raw materials is another critical component. It dictates not only the taste and flavor but also the processing parameters. The protein, oil, and moisture content are the variables to be addressed in the selection of processing conditions. Processing stages have to be coordinated; from preparing white kernel to chemical-free washing, to particle size optimization, to hydraulic pressing, and to separation and purification without heating. This entire process needs a combined skill of art and mathematical calculation.

Coordination of moisture + time + environment + extraction methods = prime requirements to make an authentic raw coconut oil.

Conventional and generic coconut oil extraction goes through various levels of refining that include bleaching, deodorizing, solvents, hydrogenation, and fractionation. The less processing that is done to our food, the more nutritionally sound and beneficial it is. Therefore, to benefit from the most value, you want a coconut oil that is extra virgin and has gone through minimal processing to keep its molecular structure intact and as nutritional as possible. This coconut oil is processed within 90 minutes from opening the fresh coconut for optimum potency.

 

Nutrition

The minerals in coconut are involved in many functions in your body. Coconuts are especially high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. They’re also rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells. Much of the fat in coconut is in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Your body metabolizes MCTs differently than other types of fats, absorbing them directly from your small intestine and rapidly using them for energy. Coconut is also low in carbs and high in fiber and fat, so it may help stabilize your blood sugar. The high fiber content of coconut meat can also help slow digestion and improve insulin resistance, which can help regulate blood sugar levels as well. Furthermore, some studies have also shown that antioxidants found in coconut oil may help protect cells from damage and death caused by oxidative stress and chemotherapy.

 Uses & Benefits

  • Cooking: Coconut oil provides nutritional fuel quickly with fatty acids that have no opportunity to be stored as fat by the body. It is an excellent replacement for other traditional cooking oils, doesn’t break down easily at high temperatures like other oils do, and is more than enough to satisfy standard cooking needs such as sautéing, low-heat stir-frying, and light roasting.
  • Skin lotion/massage oil: Coconut oil makes an excellent moisturizer and infuses our skin with valuable nutrients. It makes the skin incredibly silky and has wonderful antibacterial/antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil typically absorbs very well if a thin layer is applied. It also makes a great tropical smelling massage oil, and if you want to get creative, add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.
  • Smoothies: It’s sweet and nutty taste makes coconut oil a great addition to smoothies. It creates a wonderfully creamy texture and makes smoothies rich and smooth. It also adds a bounty of nutrients and a big dose of healthy fats. 
  • Makeup remover: Coconut oil is an excellent makeup remover that has been reported to help remove wrinkles and help restore elasticity to the skin.
  • Dandruff remedy & hair conditioner: Coconut oil can effectively get rid of dandruff when massaged into the scalp a couple of times a week. It does make hair oily, of course, but we recommend massaging it into the scalp before bed and leaving it in overnight before rinsing out in the morning. It also helps strengthen hair and add shine.
  • Shaving: Using coconut oil in the shower as a replacement for the generic shaving cream gives a smooth shave with no irritation. It doesn’t wash off so you can get a clean shave while it moisturizes your legs to get them silky.
  • Oral care: Coconut oil has gained popularity in maintaining good oral hygiene in the form of oil pulling. It is believed to reduce harmful bacteria that can cause bad breath, keep your gums moisturized, reduce inflammation, prevent cavities, and generally improve overall oral health. Put a tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth, swish for anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, and spit out when done. 
  • Wound healing: To speed healing of minor cuts or scrapes, apply a little bit of coconut oil directly to the wound and cover it with a bandage.
  • Insect repellant: Using some essential oils can be a natural way to keep bugs away and avoid bites and stings. However, rather than applying these oils directly to your skin, they need to be combined with a carrier oil. In one study, combining essential oils with coconut oil provided over 98% protection from the bites of certain mosquitoes. Try Starflower Essential’s French Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Clary Sage, Rosemary, and Basil Organic Essential Oils.
  • Deodorant: While sweat itself has no smell, the bacteria living on your skin can produce undesirable odors. Coconut oil’s strong antibacterial properties make it a great natural deodorant that contains no harmful or questionable ingredients.
  • Nail care: Coconut oil can be used to improve your cuticles. Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to your cuticles and massage for a few moments. Do this several times a week for best results.
  • Lip moisturizer: Coconut oil makes an ideal natural lip balm. It glides on smoothly, leaves your lips moist for hours, and even provides some protection from the sun.
  • Cracked heels: Coconut oil makes a soothing overnight remedy for your feet. Apply in the evening and cover with a pair of socks.

With the seemingly endless amount of benefits that can be reaped from using coconut oil, one thing is certain: make sure to always have plenty of coconut oil on hand. You never know when you might need it!