Best virgin coconut oils: 6 top choices for health benefits

Coconut oil is known for its many health benefits. From reducing hunger, improving your oral health to encouraging healthy weight management, this oil may provide a positive effect on your overall health. If you are planning to include this oil in your diet, consider using virgin coconut oil. This oil contains the goodness of the coconut milk as it doesn’t get harmed by the heating process. It is extracted from the fresh coconut milk with the help of cold-pressed or centrifuge processes. Unlike the regular coconut oils, the virgin ones retain their fresh aroma, flavour and nutrients. Virgin coconut oil may help reduce inflammation, enhance the metabolic rate of your body, repair damaged hair and treat skin conditions like eczema. We have compiled a list of the best virgin coconut oils that you may try!

6 best virgin coconut oils

Check out this list of the best virgin coconut oils in India:

1. Earthen Story Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Earth Story promises that their organic extra virgin coconut oil is 100 percent natural, unbleached and cold-pressed. This virgin coconut oil for health is traditionally extracted from coconut milk.The brand claims that their certified oil can help improve your skin health, hair health and can also be used for cooking.

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2. Dabur 100% Natural Virgin Coconut Oil

Enhance the flavour of your dish by adding the Dabur 100% Virgin Coconut Oil. It is made from the best quality coconuts. Unlike heat-processed and refined oils, this virgin coconut oil for skin retains all its natural nutrients and goodness. The brand states that this oil can help boost immunity and manage weight. It comes in anti-spill packaging to avoid the risk of spillage. This oil is unrefined, contains no trans fat and is free from gluten.

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3. Coco Soul Cold Pressed Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil

Coco Soul Cold Pressed Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil contains lauric acid, which may help boost immunity. It is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides and antibacterial properties, which can help manage weight and improve your metabolism. Drizzle this oil on salads to add a rich flavour and aroma. The brand claims that their product is free from gluten, preservatives and is vegan.

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4. Merit VCO Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Merit VCO Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is extracted using the cold-pressed technology that helps retain maximum nutrients. This oil is made from pure coconut oil, which makes it rich in flavour and aroma. The brand claims that their product is 100 percent pure, unrefined, keto-friendly and vegan. It contains healthy antioxidants and other nutrients, which may help improve your immunity, fat burning capacity and boost energy. This virgin coconut oil for hair may also help reduce hair fall, prevent dandruff and fight dryness. Free from cruelty, GMO and preservatives, this oil may help to keep your skin moisturised and soft.

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5. Indic Organics Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Indic Organics Raw Extra Virgin Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut’s first pressed milk. This oil contains rich vitamin, mineral and other essential nutrient content. Unlike heat processed oils, this one contains natural aroma and flavour. Made from the wet-centrifuge process, this oil is easy to digest, light on the stomach and can be easily absorbed by your skin and hair.

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6. Pure & Sure Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Add a distinct aroma and flavour to your food by using the Pure & Sure Organic Extra Virgin Oil. It is extracted from the fresh mature coconuts, which contain high concentration of vitamins, protein, antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids. The product also claims to help fight several diseases because of the presence of the lauric acid.

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Also Read: 5 best coconut oils for skin: Top picks for your skincare routine

What are the benefits of virgin coconut oil?

• Rich in nutrients: Virgin coconut oil has a rich nutrient profile. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. This helps boost immunity, energy, metabolic rate and more.
• Promotes heart health: The saturated fats present in the virgin coconut oil can help increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which helps improve the cardiovascular health. Accoridng to the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that daily consumption of 30 millilitre virgin coconut oil can increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in healthy adults.
• Boosts immunity: The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the coconut oil can help improve the body’s immune system functioning. This helps fight viruses, bacterias, fungi and more. According to a study published in Processes, virgin coconut oil has higher lauric and lactic acid bacteria and it can help kill pathogens.
• Improves skin and hair health: These oils can penetrate deep into the skin and hair follicles, leaving them moisturised, nourished and healthy.
• Aids in digestion: They contain fatty acids that help with digestion and nutrient absorption. These oils may help promote gut health, alleviate digestive discomfort and more.

How to choose the best virgin coconut oil?

• Look for oils that are labelled as “virgin coconut” oil as they ensure that the product contains all its nutrients, flavour and aroma.
• Check for third-party certifications like USDA Organic. This ensures that the oil is pure and ethically sourced.
• Pay attention to the aroma and flavour of the oil as organic virgin oil has a cloudy appearance, fresh and mildly-sweet flavour.
• Check the texture and consistency of the oil. Make sure that it has a creamy and smooth texture.
• Look for oils that are extracted from the pure coconut milks using cold-pressed or centrifuge processes.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• What is the difference between regular coconut oil and virgin coconut oil?

Unlike regular coconut oil, virgin coconut oil is not made from dried coconut kernels. This oil is extracted from the fresh coconut milk by using the cold process, which ensures that it contains all the essential nutrients, flavour and aroma. Regular coconut oils are pressed, refined, decolourised and bleached.

• Is virgin coconut oil good for health?

A study published in ResearchGate states that virgin coconut oil has several health benefits like it can help boost immunity and protect you from cardiovascular diseases. This oil contains low-calorie fat, stimulates metabolism, prevents obesity, and restores the antioxidant balance in your body. The virgin coconut oil can also provide protection against fungal infections, supports wound-healing and has anti-diabetic effects.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)