What Is Unrefined Coconut Oil + Why Should You Put It In Your Coffee?

July 15, 2021

Coconut is a fun way to add tropical flair to snacks, drinks, meals, and more. Not only does it offer a delicious flavor, it’s full of nutrients, as well! Don’t feel like going through the process of breaking open and scraping out a raw coconut yourself? Luckily, there’s an easier way to add the flavor and health benefits of coconut to your cooking, baking, and beverages: unrefined coconut oil. This kitchen must-have is easy to use and full of benefits. What exactly is unrefined coconut oil? How can you use it? Here’s what you should know.

What is unrefined coconut oil?

If you go shopping for coconut oil, you’ll likely see two options: unrefined coconut oil and refined coconut oil. What’s the difference? Unrefined coconut oil is made by pressing fresh coconut meat to extract its oil. This process is usually done by cold pressing, meaning no heat is used. Unrefined coconut oil maintains the delightful, tropical flavor of a regular coconut, making it a great option when you want your cooking and baking to have a hint of coconut taste.

On the other hand, refined coconut oil is more highly processed. It’s made by pressing dried coconut meat to extract its oil. The oil is washed, then neutralized using sodium hydroxide to remove free fatty acids and help the oil stay usable for a longer amount of time. The coconut oil is then “bleached” by running it through activated clay to remove impurities and then deodorized by using heat. The result is coconut oil that doesn’t taste or smell like coconut.

What are the benefits of unrefined coconut oil?

While unrefined and refined coconut oils have similar nutritional values, unrefined coconut oil is a great option if you’re trying to keep highly processed foods to a minimum, as unrefined coconut oil is minimally processed. If you’re a fan of coconut flavor, unrefined coconut oil adds a bit of that taste and scent to your food and beverages, while refined coconut oil does not. Unrefined coconut oil is also a great alternative to MCT oil, which is sometimes used to make bulletproof coffee.

Other benefits of unrefined coconut oil include:

Fats: Unrefined coconut oil is a great source of beneficial fats that may help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), increase levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind), fight inflammation, reduce risk of cognitive decline, support immune function, boost metabolism, and help you burn fat in the abdominal area.
MCT: Coconut oil is naturally high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide cognitive benefits by supporting brain function and focus. MCTs are also easily digested, allowing the body to use them for energy rather than storing them as fat. This creates a thermogenic effect that may positively affect metabolism.
Lauric acid: Unrefined coconut oil contains high levels of lauric acid, which helps control infections (bacterial and fungal). When ingested, lauric acid is converted into monolauric acid, which can help control system viral infections.
Immune boost: Unrefined coconut oil helps fights inflammation, harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi to boost the immune system.

How can I add coconut oil to my day?

Unrefined coconut oil is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. By using it in food, drinks, and even cosmetics, you can take advantage of its many benefits.

Use it when cooking and baking

Coconut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil, olive oil, and other oils when sautéing, searing, and sometimes frying. It can also be used in place of butter when baking.[i] The next time you’re in the kitchen, give unrefined coconut oil a try!

Add it to your beauty routine

Unrefined coconut oil doesn’t have to be consumed to reap the benefits. When applied to dry skin, coconut oil may improve your skin’s moisture content and may slightly help protect your skin from sunburn. You can also swish coconut oil around in your mouth to help remove harmful bacteria and apply coconut oil to your hair to help protect against damage.[ii]

Add it to your coffee

Start the morning on a healthy note by adding unrefined coconut oil to your coffee or tea. You can begin your day with healthy fats that help boost your immune system. You’ll also benefit from the MCTs and lauric acid content of coconut oil, which help with cognitive function and controlling infections. You can make your morning coffee even better by adding a Coffee Bomb® or Dry Bomb® from Ladybird Provisions®. They’re made with unrefined coconut oil and other good-for-you ingredients to transform boring coffee into a delicious, creamy, and flavorful beverage.

Drop function into beverage

At Ladybird Provisions, we’re on a mission to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Want to know a great way to make a healthy beverage without much effort? Add a Coffee Bomb or Dry Bomb!

Coffee Bombs

Coffee Bombs are our take on butter coffee. Each Bomb is intentionally crafted with organic virgin (unrefined) coconut oil, grass-fed butter, grass-fed bovine collagen peptides or hemp protein, and medicinal spices. This combination of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals can help boost metabolism, help support focus and brain function, improve your mood, and help keep you feeling full. We offer a wide range of flavors, including Vanilla Thunder, Holy Cacao, Pumpkin Spice, and more. To use a Coffee Bomb, simply drop it into a blender with 8-12 ounces of hot coffee, water, or milk, and blend for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can drop a Coffee Bomb into a travel mug, add 8-12 ounces of hot liquid, attach the lid, and shake for 20-25 seconds.

Dry Bombs

Dry Bombs are dairy-free collagen creamers made with organic virgin (unrefined) coconut oil, grass-fed collagen protein, L-Tryptophan, organic coconut milk powder, and medicinal spices. They contain 7-9 grams of protein per serving and are designed to support energy and immune health. By adding L-Tryptophan – an essential amino acid that’s naturally missing from collagen – we created the only collagen supplement that’s a complete protein. Dry Bombs come in several flavors, including Chai Latte, Vanilla Cinnamon, and more. To use a Dry Bomb, simply pour it into your hot beverage, stir or blend, and enjoy!

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[i] https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/cooking-with-coconut-oil

[ii] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9