Coconut/MCT

WHAT IS COCONUT OIL?

Coconut oil is the oil extracted from coconuts. The oil contains vitamin E, MCT (medium fatty acid chains), lauric acid and caprylic acid. Coconut oil retains its solid shape up to about 25 degrees. It only melts at higher temperatures. Because of its solid, fatty structure, coconut oil is also known as 'coconut fat'. Coconut oil is very popular for hair care, skin care and for cooking! Although it may seem difficult to use the oil in solid form, it quickly melts between your fingers or in the pan. For both cooking and care, you can simply buy a jar of extra virgin coconut oil.

WHAT IS MCT AND WHAT DO WE MEAN BY MCT FATS?

When coconut oil is melted and distilled, it is called fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil is liquid, odorless and consists almost exclusively of medium chain fatty acids: medium chain triglycerides. These are the so-called MCT fats. MCT from coconut oil is popular among athletes for cooking or as a supplement. The medium-chain fatty acids have a unique property: they quickly give your body energy. You also do not store MCT fatty acids as fat. People who want a fit lifestyle like to include MCT in their diet!

MCT OIL VS COCONUT OIL: WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU?

What exactly is the difference between coconut oil and MCT and which of the two is best? It is useful to know that coconut oil always contains MCT (medium chain triglycerides). The oil also contains caprylic acid and lauric acid. In fractionated coconut oil, only the MCT fats remain, which provide quick energy. That is why MCT oil is so efficient for athletes. If you want to cook with coconut oil and also benefit from the other beneficial substances it contains in addition to MCT (such as lauric acid), it is best to buy solid, pure coconut oil. The same applies if you want to use coconut oil as skin and hair care: extra virgin coconut oil contains the best active ingredients for this.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL FOR YOUR HAIR?

Coconut oil is one of the best oils for beautiful hair. You can use it for any hair type. The oil penetrates deep into the hair and forms a small layer around the hair shaft. This layer protects your hair and gives it a brilliant shine. What is special about coconut oil is that it can give dull or fine hair a real boost, giving it a healthy shine and feeling fuller. Other benefits of coconut oil for hair include:

• the oil prevents protein loss from the hair
• the layer of coconut oil around your hair gives a light volume effect
• Flabby, thin or dull hair can be revived with coconut oil
• The oil makes your hair soft and bouncy.

For these reasons, coconut oil is very suitable as a hair mask, and you can find the oil in all kinds of hair products.

COCONUT OIL FOR YOUR HAIR: HOW TO USE IT?

You can use coconut oil in different ways to strengthen your hair. Pure coconut oil is usually used as a hair mask before washing. You can leave the oil on all night, or massage it in shortly before washing. Of course, the oil must be liquid to apply it to your hair. For this you can heat up some coconut oil in a bain-marie (hot oil treatment), or let a small amount melt in your hands. After the coconut oil mask, wash your hair as you normally would. Preferably rinse the oil with warm (maximum 38 degrees) or lukewarm water. Do you have fine, straight hair? Do not use too much oil. Applying a mask to your ends and lengths once a week is sufficient. Another way to give your hair a boost is with a coconut oil shampoo, conditioner or hair serum!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL FOR THE SKIN?

Coconut oil is found in many cosmetics as a nourishing ingredient. In terms of moisture, the oil has a slightly different function than other natural oils. While some ingredients penetrate deep into your skin, coconut oil provides a protective layer. This layer on your skin ensures that other products (such as day cream) are properly retained by your skin.