Virgin Coconut Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Isn't coconut oil mostly saturated fat, which is bad?

A. The saturated fat found in virgin coconut oil, lauric acid, is a Medium Chain Fatty Acid. It is easily broken down by the body and is converted to energy, not body fat.For more information as to why saturated fats are not the bad guys as we've been led to believe, read Eat Fat Lose Fat.

Q. When I received my coconut oil it was solid, but now it's liquid! Why?

A. Virgin coconut oil has a melting point of around 78-80 degrees F. It is perfectly normal for it to melt and it is fine for it to go back and forth between liquid and solid states.

Q. How is coconut oil different from coconut butter?

A. Coconut oil and coconut butter are basically synonymous.There are products on the market made by blending the coconut meat with the oil resulting in a different product known as coconut spread. Another product, coconut cream, is made by juicing raw coconut.

Q. Should I refrigerate it?

A. NO!Refrigerating coconut oil is not necessary for its stability. It can actually lead to mold growth in the oil due to the repeated condensation of moisture from the air into the jar.

Q. What does it taste like?

A. Some virgin coconut oils taste very strong - so strong that it overpowers the food you are cooking.Ours has a lovely mild coconut taste and aroma.

Q. Why should I take coconut oil?

A. Important nutrients like lauric acid have been reported to support the immune system, provide energy, support ideal weight and can have a positive effect on the thyroid.

Q. Is it true that coconut oil is great for sun protection? I have heard putting on coconut oil is the same as putting on sunscreen. if it's true then ..... can i wear my normal lotion then put on coconut oil on top for protection?

A. Many people do report that coconut oil provides some level of protection from the sun without introducing toxic chemicals like PABA found is the majority of sunscreens. Though the beneficial moisturizing effects of coconut oil on the skin are well documented, we would not recommend that coconut oil alone be used as sun protection but instead be combined with wearing a hat and other protective clothing. This is particularly important during the summer months and during peak daylight hours. With that said, there are those who do rely solely on coconut oil and their skin is very healthy. According to Dr Bruce Fife from his book, The Coconut Oil Miracle…

"The Polynesians, who traditionally wear very little clothing, have for generations been exposed to the hot blistering sun, yet have beautiful healthy skin without blemishes and without cancer. The reason is they eat coconuts and use the oil on their bodies as a lotion. The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause. Their skin remains undamaged even when exposed to long hours in the hot sun."

Q. What does the centrifuge process involve?

A. Coconuts are shelled, crushed and ground into a slurry. The slurry is sent through a large centrifuge which spins moisture out leaving the oil behind, with very little moisture.

Q.Why buy Coconut oil from Radiant Life when I can find it cheaper elsewhere?

A. Not all coconut oil is alike. Our oil is selected with you in mind... Certified organic - Made without introducing heat, solvents, deodorizers, bleach, and refining. Our coconut oil is cold pressed and centrifuged to eliminate water.Coconut oil with high water content has limited shelf life as moisture destroys coconut oil causing it to go rancid. The only reason coconut oil gets processed at all is to separate it from the meat and the water.All other methods of processing have negative consequences on the quality, taste and feel of the oil.

Please note that if the coconut oil doesn't smell or taste like coconut, it's not a high quality oil and it's probably been refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD).Some products labeled as coconut oil are not even made from coconut oil but instead from copra which is a dried coconut by-product.

Q. What type of container will my coconut oil arrive in?

A. We prefer to supply our coconut oil in glass jars. This is practical for our pint and quart sizes.For our one gallon container, a medical grade plastic is used.This is the only safe way it can ship.We have tested this plastic and it's extremely inert.

Q. Can coconut oil be heated?

A. While many enjoy it in an uncooked state, coconut oil can be cooked safely up to 400*F. Many also find that it acts as a great natural moisturizer for skin and hair, even being absorbed by the body on a nutrient level through the skin!