12 Benefits of Wood-Pressed Coconut Oil

When you're trying to be healthier, the kind of cooking oil you use really matters, especially when it comes to taking care of your heart. These days, wood-pressed coconut oil is getting popular as a healthy alternative to regular refined oils.

The old-school way of making this oil involves slow pressing at low temperatures, which keeps the goodness of the oil intact and avoids any yucky chemical stuff. Unlike refined oils that lose their good stuff due to high heat and harsh processing, wood-pressed coconut oil keeps its helpful antioxidants, which fight inflammation and keep you healthy. 

Refined oils not only lose their taste but also lose their nutritional value because of the intense processing they go through. Choosing wood-pressed coconut oil means you're picking something that tastes good and is good for you too, for the long run.

What is Wood Pressed Coconut Oil?

Wood-pressed coconut oil is made by pressing dried coconut kernels (copra) with a wooden press at low temperatures to extract the oil. This traditional method is gentle and doesn't involve high heat or chemical additives, so the oil retains its natural nutrients, antioxidants, and flavour. Because of this, many people see wood-pressed coconut oil as a healthier and more authentic option compared to refined oils.

What is the Difference Between Cold Pressed Coconut Oil and Wood Pressed Coconut Oil?

Cold-pressed coconut oil is extracted without applying heat, which preserves its natural nutrients, flavour, and aroma.

Wood-pressed coconut oil is extracted using a traditional wooden press, which generates less heat and friction, possibly retaining more of the oil's natural qualities.

Both methods produce high-quality coconut oil, but wood-pressed oil is often seen as more traditional and may have a slightly higher level of purity.

 

12  Benefits of Wood-Pressed Coconut Oil

Packed with Nutrients:

Wood-pressed coconut oil is extracted without the use of high heat or chemicals, allowing it to retain a high concentration of beneficial nutrients. This process preserves essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. The oil’s natural composition includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and other nutrients that provide energy and support various bodily functions. By avoiding harsh processing methods, this oil delivers maximum nutritional benefits for a healthier lifestyle. 

Full of Antioxidants:

This oil is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which are great for protecting your cells from damage. These antioxidants help fight off free radicals, lowering the risk of chronic diseases and supporting your overall wellness. Adding wood-pressed coconut oil to your diet can help boost your body’s natural defense mechanisms and keep you healthier with its strong antioxidant properties. 

Good for Your Heart:

Wood-pressed coconut oil has this thing called lauric acid, which is a type of saturated fat that can actually be good for your heart. It can boost your HDL (good cholesterol) levels and might even lower your LDL (bad cholesterol), which is all about keeping your heart healthy. Plus, it helps with good blood circulation, which is super important for a strong heart and reducing the risk of heart disease. Using it regularly can really help keep your heart healthy and improve your overall cardiovascular well-being. 

Helps with Weight Control:

The MCTs in wood-pressed coconut oil are pretty awesome - they're known to rev up your metabolism and help burn fat. MCTs get absorbed super fast and are used for energy, which can actually help reduce fat storage. Plus, this oil can make you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to manage your appetite and control your weight. Adding this oil to your diet can really help keep your weight in check and maintain a balanced metabolism. 

Great for Skin and Hair:

Wood-pressed coconut oil is awesome for your skin and hair. It's a natural moisturiser that's packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, so it keeps your skin soft, smooth, and youthful. And it's not just for your skin – it adds shine, reduces frizz, and keeps your hair healthy. Using it regularly can really help with dryness, provide the nutrients you need, and enhance the natural beauty of your skin and hair, so it's a great addition to your beauty routine. 

Supports Digestion:

This oil is really good for digestion. It helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and minerals better, and its antimicrobial properties keep your gut healthy. By doing these things, wood-pressed coconut oil can really help with digestive issues and make your digestion work better overall. Adding it to your diet can lead to better digestion and help you get the most out of the nutrients you consume. 

Boosts Your Immune System:

Wood-pressed coconut oil has lauric acid, which is pretty amazing - it has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. These natural compounds can really help give your immune system a boost by protecting you against harmful pathogens and infections. Having this oil regularly can amp up your body’s ability to fight off illnesses and keep your immune system strong. By adding it to your diet, you can really boost your immune health and improve your overall resistance to diseases. 

Balances Blood Sugar:

Wood-pressed coconut oil has MCTs that are really good for your brain. These fats can boost cognitive function, improve memory, and keep your mind clear. By giving your brain a steady source of energy, this oil might actually help improve your focus and cognitive performance. Using wood-pressed coconut oil regularly can really support your brain health and might even offer protective benefits against neurodegenerative conditions. 

Boosts Brain Health:

Wood-pressed coconut oil has MCTs that are really good for your brain. These fats can boost cognitive function, improve memory, and keep your mind clear. By giving your brain a steady source of energy, this oil might actually help improve your focus and cognitive performance. Using wood-pressed coconut oil regularly can really support your brain health and might even offer protective benefits against neurodegenerative conditions. 

Adds a Natural Flavour:

Wood-pressed coconut oil has this awesome mild and pleasant coconut flavour that can really enhance the taste of your dishes without any artificial additives. It goes well with lots of recipes, adding a subtle coconut essence that really amps up the flavour of your meals. Whether you're cooking, baking, or adding a finishing touch, this oil gives a delicious natural flavour to your culinary creations. 

Reduces Inflammation:

The anti-inflammatory properties of wood pressed coconut oil can really help calm down inflammation in your body. This effect can ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and support overall joint health. By calming down inflammation, the oil helps improve your comfort and mobility, which can make a big difference in your quality of life. Regular use can support your body’s natural inflammatory response and promote a more balanced, healthy state. 

Safe for Cooking:

Wood-pressed coconut oil is great for cooking at higher temperatures because it has a high smoke point of around 350°F (177°C). Unlike some oils that can break down and release harmful compounds when they get too hot, this oil keeps its integrity during high-heat cooking. This means it's safe and effective for frying, sautéing, and baking, all while keeping its nutritional benefits and flavour. 

FAQs

Is wood-pressed coconut oil safe for high-temperature cooking?

Wood-pressed coconut oil is totally safe for high-heat cooking. It can handle high temperatures without breaking down or creating any harmful compounds because it has a high smoke point of about 350°F (177°C). This means you can use it for frying, sautéing, and baking without any worries.

Can people with nut allergies use wood-pressed coconut oil?

For sure! People with nut allergies can usually use wood-pressed coconut oil because coconut is actually a fruit, not a nut. So it's usually safe for those with nut allergies. But if you have any specific concerns about allergies, it's always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider.

Is wood-pressed coconut oil suitable for oil pulling?

Totally! Wood-pressed coconut oil is great for oil pulling. Its natural, unprocessed form makes it perfect for this oral health practice. Oil pulling with coconut oil can really help freshen up your oral hygiene and kick out harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Does wood-pressed coconut oil have a coconut taste?

Absolutely! Wood-pressed coconut oil has a mild coconut taste that can jazz up the flavour of dishes and baked goods with a hint of coconut. If you're more into a neutral flavour, you might want to go for refined coconut oil, which has a less prominent coconut taste. 

Is wood-pressed coconut oil vegan-friendly?

You bet! Wood-pressed coconut oil is totally vegan-friendly. It's made from coconuts, which are a plant-based ingredient, so it doesn't have any animal products or by-products. It's a great pick for anyone following a vegan diet.

Is wood-pressed coconut oil healthy?

Totally! Wood-pressed coconut oil is considered healthy. It holds onto its natural nutrients and antioxidants due to the gentle extraction process. Plus, it's got some good fats, like medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), that help out with things like metabolism, heart health, and brain function.

What are the benefits of cooking with coconut oil?

Cooking with coconut oil has a bunch of benefits. It can handle high temperatures because of its high smoke point, making it stable for high-temperature cooking. It's got healthy fats, including MCTs, that can rev up metabolism and help with weight management. And hey, it also adds a natural, enjoyable flavour to dishes and packs in some antioxidants that contribute to overall health. 

Conclusion

Wood-pressed coconut oil is a great choice for both cooking and for your health. It's produced using a traditional extraction method that helps preserve a lot of nutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds, making it a valuable addition to your diet. Whether you're aiming to improve your heart health, aid digestion, or simply enjoy the natural flavour in your cooking, wood pressed coconut oil has a range of benefits to offer. It's suitable for high-temperature cooking, caters to various dietary needs, and contributes to overall wellness. Embracing wood pressed coconut oil can be a smart and flavorful choice for a healthier lifestyle.