Refined or Unrefined Coconut oil!

Used in the tropics for thousands of years, coconut oil is starting to get the positive attention it deserves. It was only recently ostracized in the latter 20th century because of its saturated fat content. Yet the stigma is being removed as its health benefits are coming to light. Coconut oil comes in two forms: unrefined and refined, both with their advantages and disadvantages.

Choose unrefined coconut oil if you desire the fullest coconut flavor and the most phytonutrients. Choose refined coconut oil when cooking at higher temperatures. Refined coconut oil has a smoking point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, while unrefined coconut oil has a smoking point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To get the most health benefits from a refined coconut oil, seek out varieties that are processed with the least amount of chemicals and that are not partially hydrogenated.