Coconut Oil Good for Hair Nourishes and Strengthens
Virgin coconut oil is the purest coconut oil since it does not involve any refining or processing. It takes the colour of almost pure water and has a mild aroma of fresh, tropical coconut scent. Virgin coconut oil is the highest grade of coconut oil.
The fresh and mature coconut kernel or meat is the source of virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil production is done through the cold-pressed method or wet-processing method. None of the two processes use the copra or sun-dried coconut in the process. Therefore it avoids any doubts that may arise with the sun-drying method due to exposure to harsh sunlight or about cleanliness.
The virgin coconut oil extraction process does not involve exposure to high temperature or chemicals. Despite using the sun-dried coconut or copra, the use of fresh kernels creates many benefits. As a result, the virgin coconut oil does not lose its nutrients or the natural flavour and the aroma.
Coconut oil is one of the most frequently used cooking oil in Sri Lanka and also in India basically since it is healthy for frequent use. Coconut oil is also popular for external applications for skin care and hair care.
Coconut Oil - Health Benefits
01. Improves good cholesterol (HDL)
Coconut oil is a rich source of fatty acids that the human body needs. Coconut oil improves good cholesterol (HDL) which is good for heart health. The research work has revealed that the countries like Sri Lanka which have a high rate of coconut oil usage record a less number of heart diseases than that of the other countries who do not use coconut oil.
02. Boosts immunity
The lauric acid in coconut oil improves the digestive system. Lauric Acid includes antimicrobial effects and antifungal effects that protect the human body against many diseases.
03. A quick source of energy
Coconut oil is known as a quick source of energy which the body can absorb fast and use equally fast. Therefore, it does not result in building up of fat in your body. Due to this reason, coconut oil is a popular supplement among athletes.
04. Supports Weight Loss
Further, the researchers are of the concern that the coconut oil may help fat burn while it is also high in calories. They also suggest that coconut oil may reduce appetite and help reduce weight prompting less intake of food.
05. Improved Dental Health
It is said that coconut oil can be used as a mouthwash to improve dental health due to its antibacterial properties.
06. Boosts Skin Health - External use
Coconut oil is a very popular cosmetic to boost skin health. In fact, coconut oil is considered a very effective moisturizer for dry skin.
07. Nourishes you hair - External use
Traditionally people from the Eastern world are used to applying coconut oil in hair since it nourishes and strengthens hair strands.
08. A mental stress reliever - External use
Due to the antioxidant properties of coconut oil, it is also a very effective oil used for head massaging to ease mental stress.
09. Types of Coconut Oils
There are two main types of coconut oils; Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Refined Coconut Oil (RBD) refers to the process of refining, bleaching, and deodorizing of coconut oil. Virgin coconut is the purest, most healthy and most expensive out of the two.
Industrial usage of Virgin Coconut Oil.
When it comes to industrial or large-scale usage, coconut oil is a most required raw material for production of all types of soap such as laundry soap, toilet soap etc. It is also widely used as a raw material for cosmetics and other health care products worldwide. Therefore, there is a huge demand for virgin coconut oil from the cosmetics and healthcare industries. There is a huge demand in the pharmaceutical industry as well. Hence, the export market potential is very high.
Production of Virgin Coconut Oil in Sri Lanka
With regard to the production of virgin coconut oil, the process can be fully automated while semi-automation is also possible. Virgin Coconut oil production is possible in small scale as well as large scale. In Sri Lanka most of the factories or mills are located within the coconut triangle; Puttalam, Kurunegala and Gampaha where coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka is concentrated.
The cultivation from the Coconut Triangle in Sri Lanka is recognized for its quality due to the appropriate soil and the climate condition prevails there. Most of the smallholders in Sri Lanka supply to traders and there are very few large players.
Virgin Coconut Oil Production Process
- Taking off the husk of the mature coconuts - dehusking
- Sorting - Selecting only the fresh ones
- Taking off the hard shell - deshelling
- Peeling off of the brown fibrous thin coat around the whole kernel
- Cutting the kernel to remove the water
- Washing the coconut flesh / white kernel
- Crushing or Grating of the coconut flesh
- Drying and reducing the moisture level
- Leaving the dried desiccated coconut for the heat to settle
- Expelling the oil using the expeller within the suitable temperature levels.
- Filtration using filtering machines
- Storing, filling and bottling.