Fractionated coconut oil is made from the regular coconut palm tree oil but here the 'lauric' acid is removed. Also, 'fractionated' means heat is used to separate some fatty acids from the oil.
This oil is often found in markets as MCT oil (medium chain fatty acids), meaning oil with medium chain fatty acids. It's used for many health and other purposes which we will learn about together in this article.
• Nutritional value of fractionated coconut oil:-
The following nutrition info is from the US Department of Agriculture, for each tablespoon (14 ml) of coconut oil
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Calories = 120
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Fat = 14 g.
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Carbs = 0 g.
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Sodium = 0 g.
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Fiber = 0 g.
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Protein = 0 g.
• The fats in fractionated coconut oil :-
Most of the fats in regular and fractionated coconut oil are saturated fats, which health experts usually don’t recommend. It's better to eat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats because they are better for your heart.
Still, many people following healthy diets choose fats from regular or fractionated coconut oil. They think the saturated fats in it are healthier than others, especially those in coconut oil. Most of its fats come from lauric acid that raises total cholesterol (HDL), the good high-density lipoprotein fat.
But basically, lauric acid is removed from fractionated coconut oil, leaving medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) that give greater health benefits than regular coconut oil.
• What are the health benefits of fractionated coconut oil :-
Fractionated coconut oil is widely promoted for its benefits and has been found effective for :-
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Muscle and fat loss in cancer patients.
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Treating digestive system disorders (disease and addiction).
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Treating seizures.
Many who follow high-fat diets find fractionated coconut oil appealing because it has no taste, letting them eat more to meet their macronutrient goals.
• Common uses of fractionated coconut oil :-
There are many common uses of fractionated coconut oil since it is more liquid and easier to use than regular coconut oil like :-
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Hair conditioner.
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Skin cream.
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Massage oil.
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Skin moisturizer.
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Wood polish.
• How much shredded coconut oil should you use :-
The amount of shredded coconut oil used depends on the type of use as follows :-
1- With coffee :-
You can use one teaspoon to two tablespoons of shredded coconut oil. You can blend it until it becomes creamy instead of a greasy layer on your face.
2- In food :-
You can use fractionated coconut oil in the same amounts as other oils, and you can also drizzle it over salads and grilled veggies.
3- In smoothies :-
Fitness fans add a tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil to the blender when adding stuff like protein powder or fruit and veggies.
4- For hair :-
Mix fractionated coconut oil in a 2:1 ratio with your favorite conditioner for softer, shinier hair.
5- For skin :-
Rub fractionated coconut oil on dry skin spots to moisturize and nourish.
6- You can drink the oil directly:-
You can also drink fractionated coconut oil directly, but to avoid digestive issues start with half a teaspoon at a time. If no problems occur after 45 minutes, you can increase the amount to a full teaspoon.
