Thursday, September 2, 2010

Coconut Oil: Expeller Pressed Virgin Organic

I got a tip from a friend to put coconut oil in my hair and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing it out.  It is now my newest beauty treatment.  My hair is in good shape but this gave it extra softness and shine.  I was told she got this tip from an Indian lady who says they use it all the time and when I think of their hair I think long, black, shiny and not frizzy.  What a hidden secret they had but now it's out.

One great thing about the coconut oil is you don't have to refrigerate it which is nice because the last thing I need is another condiment in my fridge.  It's solid at room temperature but liquid over 70 degrees so you just warm it up in your hands and rub it in your hair. 

I purchased mine from Whole Foods, on sale for $7.99 since I didn't know the difference between the varieties they carry. The brand is 365 which I believe is the Whole Foods brand.  It is Expeller Pressed Virgin Organic Coconut Oil.  Per a post on the Whole Foods website "I like Jarrow’s and Spectrum’s, but you should try a few and find the one that suits you best… taste is pretty subjective!"  I would think you will notice a difference only if your cooking with it.  For beauty the one I bought was just fine.  I also read to use it as a lotion after you get out of the shower I'll try this next.

Just like olive oil, look for cold or expeller pressed.  The extra virgin is better for cooking or dressing dishes at lower heat temperatures, while the naturally refined can be used for frying and other high heat activities because it is going to have a bit higher of a smoke point. If you want to pan-fry with it.

Although I use it for my hair it is a food product so I read up on other things you can do with it.  You can fry eggs and potatoes, use it in place of butter on toast or a baked potato, when making popcorn, or toss it in cooked vegetables just before serving.  Once I try cooking with it I'll let you know how that goes.  If it's good for me I'm willing to give it a try.

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