Coconut Oil!

Haffiana

Buy the refined (and that means hot pressed, that is the only refining it undergoes) oil and save yourself a LOT of money. Any additional 'health benefits' will be equalled by eating the odd piece of fresh coconut. Seriously, use your noddles about this!

As Shrimply says, the only reason that 'virgin' coconut oil is believed to be healthier is from the blurb on all the websites selling the stuff at exorbitant prices. The real benefits from coconut oil are in the medium-chain fatty acids that ALL coconut oil contains, refined or unrefined. The virgin oil has exactly the same fatty acid composition as the refined oil. Refined oil (eg KTC brand) is available in almost all Asian and Afro-Caribbean shops for a couple of quid for a huge jar.

robin58

This stuff is beginning to become hot property. I was in a major supermarket recently, can't remember which one just now, they are now putting security tabs on the jars so security at the door now know if you are trying to nick it.

Pollycat

A bit off-topic but I was looking for coconut oil (not for cooking) a while ago after reading about it on a website and came across this link which is pretty interesting:
http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

I buy mine from Tesco.

robin58

Pollycat wrote: »

A bit off-topic but I was looking for coconut oil (not for cooking) a while ago after reading about it on a website and came across this link which is pretty interesting:
http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

I buy mine from Tesco.

My mother used to use as a sun tan lotion. That was in the late 80,s early 90's, well before the internet and the hipster label.

Sharon87

robin58 wrote: »

My mother used to use as a sun tan lotion. That was in the late 80,s early 90's, well before the internet and the hipster label.

Coconut oil as sun tan lotion has the opposite effect. It burns you to a crisp instead of protecting you!

Pollycat

Sharon87 wrote: »

Coconut oil as sun tan lotion has the opposite effect. It burns you to a crisp instead of protecting you!

In the '101 uses' list in my earlier post it says this:

As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen

but I'd never use it as that.
Not sure where the SPF4 comes from.

ktjackson

I got a jar of the Tesco stuff for £1.50 this weekend so I'll see what that is like. Thanks!

jon81uk

If you have a Costco membership (or know someone who does) you can get huge quantities quite cheap in their stores.

Its £19.99 on website, including delivery (plus 5% if not a member), but usually cheaper in store (as you are collecting) http://www.costco.co.uk/view/p/kirkland-signature-organic-virgin-coconut-oil-238kg-1033070

DigForVictory

I buy socking great cans from the Indian wholesaler - I find it easier to handle on Scout camp, doesn't upset the vegetarians & so far everyone's happy.
I do need to ask the lad with the peanut allergy's mum if they've tried coconut oil.

sexki11en

DigForVictory wrote: »

I do need to ask the lad with the peanut allergy's mum if they've tried coconut oil.

Coconut is not a nut so although he wouldn't be allergic as part of his nut allergy, it's still wise to ask as he could have a separate allergy to it.

SK X