Difference Between Coconut Oil & Virgin Coconut Oil

The key difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that coconut oil is extracted from sun-dried coconut kernels or copra, whereas virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat.

Key Takeaways

• Coconut oil is edible oil taken from the meat and milk of the coconut palm fruit and has two types: refined and unrefined.
• Virgin coconut oil is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that is not refined and has a pleasant, strong coconutty flavor.
• Coconut oil is processed through heat exposure, while virgin coconut oil is processed through the cold-pressed method.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is an edible oil taken from the meat and milk of the coconut palm fruit. It has fatty acids like capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid. 52% – 85% of coconut oil has specifically saturated fats, which are called medium-chain fatty acids. When applied, this oil gives hydration to the skin. There are two kinds of this named refined and unrefined.

Refined oils have no coconut flavor or aroma. They are made from dried copra. Unrefined coconut oil is called virgin coconut oil, and it has a coconut flavor and aroma.

What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

Virgin Coconut Oil is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that is not refined. It is also known as extra virgin coconut oil. Since it is unrefined, this variety of coconut oil is not bleached or deodorized and is also non-hydrogenated. Therefore, it is 100% natural.
People use virgin coconut oil for various purposes: oil pulling, drinking, and as a skin moisturizer. Due to its creaminess and tropical flavor, virgin coconut oil is used for baking and sautéing. it is also added to smoothies, coffees, and shakes.

Virgin coconut oil is made by cold-pressing the liquid from the coconut meat. Later, oil is extracted from the milk. This process is done without any heat exposure or chemicals, so the nutrients are protected. The oil has a soothing aroma, and pleasant taste, healthy fatty acids like lauric acid and myristic acid,  essential vitamins like vitamins C and E, minerals, proteins, and powerful antioxidants.
There are various benefits to this oil. Virgin coconut oil promotes weight loss and HDL cholesterol levels. It also improves digestive health, dental health, bone health, and heart health. At the same time, it is good to treat fungus or yeast infections and diabetes since it stabilizes blood sugar and promotes insulin secretion. Virgin coconut oil provides moisture to hair and scalp and prevents hair fall and split ends. It soothes the skin, provides moisture, and relieves stress.

What is the Difference Between Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil?

The key difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that coconut oil is extracted from sun-dried coconut kernels or copra, while virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat. Moreover, while coconut oil is processed through heat exposure, virgin coconut oil is processed through the cold-pressed method.

Summary – Coconut Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil taken from the meat and milk of the coconut palm fruit. Coconut oil typically has a neutral taste and is used for frying since it can withstand high temperatures. Sometimes, it is also used as a substitute for butter.  Virgin coconut oil is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that is not refined. It is taken from fresh coconut meat and has a pleasant, strong coconutty flavor. It is used for sautéing and has a high nutritional content. So, this is the summary of the difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil.