What are those properties of Coconut Oil that make it so special?
For proper utilization of anything, it is essential to have complete knowledge regarding that substance. Same is the case with Coconut Oil. Before you use Coconut Oil, it will be quite helpful if you get yourself acquainted with the properties of Coconut Oil. Broadly, the properties of Coconut Oil can be classified as under;
Physical Properties: These properties of coconut oil are known to almost everyone. Still, let us have a look at them;
- Colour: Colourless at or above 30o C. White when solid.
- Odour: Typical smell of Coconut (if not refined, bleached & deodorized).
- Melting Point: Melts at 25o C (76o Fahrenheit). Solid below this temperature.
- Smoking Point: 177o C (350o Fahrenheit).
- Solubility in Water: Forms a white homogenous mixture when beaten well in little water. Otherwise insoluble in water at room temperature.
- Density: 924.27 Kg/Meter3
Chemical Properties: Coconut Oil is predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids (about 94%), with a good percentage (above 62%) of Medium Chain Fatty Acids among them. The table showing the types of fatty acid in it is displayed as under;
- Chemical Composition: Among the chief constituents, it has;
I. Fatty Acids:
|
Name of Fatty Acid
|
Percentage
|
Remarks
|
Type of Fat
|
|
Lauric Acid
|
45% to 52%
|
Medium Chain Fatty Acid
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Myristic Acid
|
16% to 21%
|
Medium Chain Fatty Acid
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Caprylic Acid
|
5% to 10%
|
Medium Chain Fatty Acid
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Capric Acid
|
4% to 8%
|
Medium Chain Fatty Acid
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Caproic Acid
|
0.5% to 1%
|
Medium Chain Fatty Acid
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Palmitic Acid
|
7% to 10%
|
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Oleic Acid
|
5% to 8%
|
|
Unsaturated Fat
|
|
Palmitoleic Acid
|
In traces
|
|
Saturated Fat
|
|
Linoleic Acid
|
1% to 3%
|
|
Unsaturated Fat
|
|
Linolenic Acid
|
Up to 0.2%
|
|
Unsaturated Fat
|
|
Stearic Acid
|
2% to 4%
|
|
Saturated Fat
|
II. Vitamin-E: The thing which you always wanted for silky hair and a smooth and young skin.
III. Moisture: The amount of moisture present in Coconut Oil vary greatly depending upon the moisture content of the source, i.e. Copra or Fresh Coconut; method of extraction and also on the processing done on it. But obvious, coconut derived from well dried copra will have less moisture than that from less dried copra or from fresh coconuts (virgin coconut oil). Similarly, the oil subjected to heat will have less moisture than that which was not.
IV. Other Suspensions: In crude coconut oil, you will find suspensions of protein and other organic particles, which obscures its clarity. They are almost in refined coconut oil.
- Reactivity: Shows oxidation and reaction with acids and bases.
The proportion of various fatty acids, vitamin, moisture and other nutrient may vary with quality of coconuts, method of extraction, role of heat, pre processing and post processing etc.
Nutritional Properties: Among the properties of coconut oil, the one which is of our much interest and the one which we bother about is its nutritional properties. Let us have a look at them;
- Medium Chain Fatty Acids: These saturated fats are the best things coconut oil has to offer. I know, many of you will raise your eyebrows at the very notion of saturated fats, but believe me, not all saturated fats are bad. These saturated fats are actually medium chain fatty acids like Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Caproic Acid & Lauric Acid can do wonder for you. They increase the rate of metabolism in your body, thereby aiding weight loss, increase level of good cholesterol (High Density Lipoproteins) and lower the level of bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoproteins). They are great sources of energy.
- Vitamin-E: This keeps your hair & skin healthy, besides keeping your organic system functioning smoothly, as is done by all vitamins.
Medicinal Properties: Coconut Oil is useful in a number of medicinal complications, featured as under;
- Fatigue: The saturated fats present in coconut oil, being great source of energy, effectively cure fatigue and energy malnutrition.
- Oxidation/Ageing: The anti oxidizing properties of coconut oil come from its saturated fats like Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Caproic Acid and Myristic Acid. They counter adverse effects of ageing, macular degeneration, whitening of hair, sagging of skin etc.
- Infections/Microbial or Fungal Actions: The acids discussed above convert themselves to great anti microbial & anti fungal agents like monocaprin and monolaurin when acted upon by certain enzymes. These derivatives protect our body, internally and externally, from conditions like Athlete’s Foot, rashes, itches, ringworm, dermatitis etc.
- Hair Loss: This property of coconut oil is the most famous, at least in India and Indian Subcontinent. It keeps hair black, prevent whitening and hair fall.
- Candida: The anti microbial properties of coconut oil, discussed above, have been found effective against Candida.
- Vermifuge: Coconut oil can be used against intestinal round worms, tape worms etc.
- Dandruff: It prevents peeling away of skin on scalp and conditions like dandruff by keeping the skin moist and smooth.
- Digestive disorders: This oil, taken regularly in proper quantity, can help cure chronic digestive problems.
- Cancer: The saturated fatty acids, discussed above, help protect against many types of cancer. These are the same fatty acids that are found in Mother’s milk.
- HIV: Quite recently, some rays of hope have been seen while using Coconut Oil against HIV, again due to presence of those fatty acids.
- Blockage in Arteries: The Medium Chain Triglycerides present in Coconut Oil lowers the level of bad cholesterol; helps clear blockages and thus cut down the risk of heart attack. Thus, despite all odd comments against coconut oil due to its saturated fats, it is cardiac friendly.
- Cracking of Skin: Coconut oil is undoubtedly the best skin care agent you can have (very few people, those who are allergenic to coconut oil, can show irritations). Its stability, anti microbial properties, moisture retaining capacity and property to solidify below 24oC makes it an ideal protection against cracking of skin. Vitamin-E aids to it.
- Obesity: Coconut Oil speeds up metabolic activities and thus burning of fats in the body, resulting in weight loss.
Other Properties: Coconut Oil is found to help absorption of fat soluble vitamins, glucose etc. in the body, aids proper secretion of insulin, improves circulation and fight tumours, colitis, ulcers in stomach and food pipe, renal infections, reduce inflammations due to rashes or contact with foreign substances. It is also very effective in curing and relieving bruises and small cuts.
That was an overview of those properties of coconut oil which are useful in day-to-day life of a common man. If you still want more, let me contact a scientist and then I will tell you. Till then, bye!
This article is contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.
Sources of Information:
- Reports of Coconut Development Board of India,
- Reports of KERAFED.
- Text books of various courses of agriculture.
- Various other reports on internet.
