Fractionated Coconut Oil: What It Is, How to Use It, And Why It’s Good For You!

fractionated coconut oil

What is fractionated coconut oil?

Fractionated coconut oil is a refined version of coconut oil that results in a more saturated, stable product that can be used in a variety of ways.

The long-chain triglycerides are removed to produce a medium-chain, saturated fatty version of coconut oil with a longer shelf life. Fractionation also results in a higher concentration of capric and caprylic acid, which increases the antioxidant and antibacterial value.

While regular coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil have a lot in common, their fatty acid composition is vastly different and is absorbed and digested differently by the body.

How is fractionated coconut oil made?

Fractionated coconut oil is created by heating regular coconut oil above its melting point, which separates the different types of fats. Once cooled, the solid fraction is separated from the remaining liquid oil and sold as a much more concentrated, expensive version of regular coconut oil.

It takes several hours to create fractionated oil, which is why it is considered a luxury item.

How to use it?

Fractionated coconut oil can be used as a cooking oil, a dietary supplement, a base in cosmetic products, a natural lubricant, a hair moisturizer, a shaving lotion, and in aromatherapy.

It is lighter in consistency than regular coconut oil and is odorless, which is why therapists prefer to use it for massages and skin care treatments.

It can also be used as an antibacterial ointment to treat wounds, acne, and injuries due to its naturally antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds.

What are the health benefits of fractionated coconut oil?

1. Weight Loss

Studies have shown that a diet including a range of medium-chain fatty acids, like fractionated coconut oil, helps to reduce cravings, increase fat burn, and promote natural weight loss. One study found that participants lost an average of 0.5kgs over 21 days when supplementing with 1-3 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil per day, whether incorporating it into salad dressings, cooking with it, or simply eating it in its raw form.

2. Improved Energy and Performance

Coconut oil is a dense source of calories, containing 130 calories per tablespoon, which makes it a great supplement to naturally increase energy and exercise performance. Studies have associated fractionated coconut oil with an increase in cognitive function, which could help to reduce or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related memory loss.

3. Better Blood Sugar Management

Medium-chain triglycerides have been shown to balance blood sugar levels, which can help to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes or can reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes and dips in diabetic patients. By reducing insulin resistance and naturally promoting weight loss, this oil can help to prevent diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

4. Anti-Aging

Being incredibly moisturizing, hydrating, and containing plenty of antioxidants, fractionated coconut oil helps to keep skin young, supple, toned, and free from wrinkles and stretch marks. It also helps hair to stay strong and healthy, nourishing cells from the inside out, which helps to promote vitality.

Sources:

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19521402418

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02545736

https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/10948851

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1984.tb04919.x/abstract

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02679040

https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM196905082801906

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/337472

DMCA.com Protection Status