Fractionated Coconut Oil Health Benefits – Nutritional Value

Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of coconut oil where the other fatty acids are separated from the oil for different uses. It is predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids, and it is rich in medium-chain fatty acids. Being rich in saturated fatty acids, it is highly stable. Human nature is such that it is never satisfied or contented. It is always looking for more. Therefore, we started looking for a more stable form of oil that would be more beneficial for health as well, in addition to having a very long shelf life and all the qualities of coconut oil. [rx]

Fractionated coconut oil is processed in a way that removes all the long-chain fatty acids, leaving only the healthy medium-chain fatty acids. This liquid form of coconut oil has miraculous skin benefits. It has a high concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, which gives it an amazing amount of antioxidant properties. It’s an excellent moisturizer and that is known to help with soothing skin rashes and irritations. Fractionated coconut oil helps with soothing chapped lips. It has a longer shelf life, is more stable and generally less is used compared to the other types of coconut oil. On its own, it’s a luxurious, non-greasy coconut hair oil, facial oil, skin moisturizer, and massage oils for massage therapy. Paired with essential oils, it makes the perfect starting point for your next DIY recipe. Best of all, it’s USDA certified organic, and free from any additives or fragrances. Whether coconut oil fractionated is already your beauty go-to, or you’re just starting to explore the benefits of natural skincare products, our liquid coconut oil for skin is a choice you can feel great about reaching for, every day.

Fractionated coconut oil facts and uses Quick Facts
Name: Fractionated coconut oil facts and uses
Origin It is originated in Asia.
Colors Colorless
Taste Tasteless
Health benefits Moisturize dry and cracked skin, Treat dandruff, Whiten teeth

The fraction of coconut oil in which the long-chain triglycerides are eliminated and making it absolutely saturated by remaining only medium-chain triglycerides. It is a fluid that is light and stable consisting of Capric and Caprylic acids that provide antioxidant and disinfectant properties. The oil is extracted through steam distillation or fractionation of virgin coconut oil in order to isolate Capric and Caprylic acids. This oil is odorless, tasteless, and much expensive in comparison to regular coconut oil. It is widely used in the preparation of medications, soaps, hair conditioners, massage oils, and other products. In aromatherapy, it is used as a carrier oil. It remains in a liquid state at room and low temperatures.

Health Benefits/Fractionated Coconut Oil Health Benefits

This leads to weight loss and reduced insulin resistance

Eating foods and oils with high levels of MCTs can help lead to weight loss at a greater rate than alternative oils. The MCTs in coconut oil can also help reduce insulin resistance in people with diabetes. They also help improve other risk factors in people with diabetes and excess weight.

Improves Exercise Performance

A 2018 study provides the first evidence that MCT oil as a food supplement, preserves impairment in exercise performance and muscle function. It also reveals the novel role of MCT in exercise and fitness, providing evidence for treating muscle dysfunction and exercise impairment in patients by taking MCT as a dietary supplement. [rx]

Effective in Epilepsy Treatment

According to a case study report in Neurological Medicine journal, it can be concluded that MCT oil supplementation to the regular diet provides better seizure control in selective patients. It is a more tolerable alternative to the standard ketogenic diet. [rx]

‌Improves brain function and increases good cholesterol

The MCTs in coconut oil are useful in helping improve brain function and in helping reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats that are good for your heart health. A diet enriched with MCTs can also be helpful to children with epilepsy. The MCTs found in coconut oil can alter their appetite and allow them to eat more protein and carbs.

Works for oil pulling

This is not some new fad. It’s been used in India as part of Ayurvedic medicine for some 3,000 years. Basically, it’s the practice of swishing around sesame oil or some other type in your mouth for an extended period of time, up to 20 minutes.

What is new about oil pulling is its resurgence, thanks to modern research suggesting oral health benefits. Helping to prevent or reduce gingivitis and Candida yeast infections (thrush) as well as freshening of breath are just a few of the uses being studied (7).

Can you use fractionated coconut oil for oil pulling? Yes and it arguably works even better. With regular coconut oil, when you first put it in your mouth, it will be solid until the temperature warms up to 76° F. When you use fractionated for pulling, it’s ready to go since it’s liquid.

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Not every type of fractionated will work. For pulling you will want to be sure you get the type that still has the lauric acid intact (sometimes it is removed). That’s because lauric forms a sodium laureate soup-like substance from its reactions with your saliva’s natural alkalis, like sodium hydroxide and bicarbonates. (8) (9) (10)

Healthier than other saturated fats

Most of the bad stuff you’ve heard about saturated fat is true, but it’s in reference to the long and very-long-chain forms.

Those are what is most prevalent in the Western diet.

Is extra virgin olive oil vs. fractionated coconut oil better for you? Despite what the Mediterranean diet may falsely evoke, the saturated fats in MCT are no worse for your metabolic profile than the “heart-healthy” monounsaturated in olive.

At least that’s according to a 16-week weight loss study, where some used fractionated coconut and others used olive. Lipid profiles, glucose readings, and blood pressure were comparable among both groups. (11)

Longer shelf life

At stores like Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart, and Target, these are not high turnover items. Still for sale, this virgin oil was already expired by 6 months! Whether it’s an oil or solid fat, as time goes on, more AGEs will be created. Even before the expiration date on the bottle, you can bet there will be more than what it had on day one of production.

Organic extra virgin coconut generally has a stamped expiration date which is 18 months after the date of manufacture. Unofficially, some say it will remain stable and not go rancid for 3 or even 5 years. Even if it doesn’t smell bad, eating it long after the expiration date is probably not good for you because of the increased degradation and AGEs.

The shelf life of fractionated coconut oil is reported by some manufacturers as being “indefinite” so long as it is stored in an air-tight container at room temperature away from light. This is because it has been purified, removing more of the unstable compounds. The saturated fats left can be stable for decades. To be safe though, most therapeutic grade fractionated products stamp a date 3 to 5 years out. Food grade (i.e. MCT) may list shorter, such as 18 to 24 months.

If it’s unavailable, the best alternative to fractionated coconut would be jojoba oil. It too has a 5-year shelf life. However, that’s a liquid wax that is not edible – it’s only a substitute for topical applications. With all of these shelf life estimates, they will go rancid much quicker if not stored properly.

Less likely to cause an allergic reaction

Just like almonds, cashews, and walnuts, did you know coconuts are tree nuts? In Europe, they have labeled it as such on food ingredients and nutrition facts for many years. In the US, the FDA adopted that more recently. (4)

An allergy to fractionated coconut oil is possible, but much less likely when compared to non-fractionated. That’s because it’s not the fatty acids people are allergic to in foods, but the proteins and pollens. In refined oil, the amounts of those are virtually non-existent (parts per million).

That’s why in Canada, food labels don’t even need to put an allergy warning for highly refined oils made from peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or soy. However, unrefined, they are required to have the warning. (rx)

Treat Dry Heels And Elbows

Many people struggle with dry, tough skin on their knees, elbows, and heels. But you can soften and moisturize that tough skin with the help of a little fractionated coconut oil

Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to a tablespoon of FCO, then apply the oil to dry, tough skin for all-day hydration. Or better yet, apply it at night before climbing in bed and soak in all that moisture while you sleep!

Better for acne and pores

For any type of facial skincare or hair treatment, using the regular virgin cold-pressed can have consequences.

Some skincare companies claim it has a comedogenic rating of 4. That would mean there’s a high chance it will clog pores and may worsen not just pimples and blackheads, but also diseases like eczema. That being said, other research suggests its rating is lower (rx).

The comedogenic rating of fractionated coconut oil is excellent since it has a melting point of around 40° F. Anything above that means it’s a liquid and that’s less likely to clog your skin pores.

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With the raw, it has to be spread very thin to ensure it stays liquid (since that will depend on your body heat). For hair applications, you definitely want to stick with the refined, since it will be further away from your 98° skin.

Some men use it as a natural one-ingredient product to add sheen to their beard or facial hair (rumors that it helps with hair growth of beards are exactly that, not backed by science).

Remove Makeup

Fractionated coconut oil makes an effective makeup remover, and it does double-duty by moisturizing while it cleans! Just add a few drops of FCO onto a makeup remover cloth, tissue, cotton pad, or cotton swab to wipe away lipstick, mascara, and foundation effortlessly!

Clean Makeup Brushes

Dirty makeup brushes can harbor all kinds of germs and bacteria that can wreak havoc on your skin. Keep your complexion clear by cleaning your makeup brushes regularly, which you can do with the help of FCO!

Just combine a small amount of fractionated coconut oil with a few drops of lemon essential oil (both of which have cleansing and antibacterial properties) in a shallow bowl to make your brush cleaning solution. Swish your brushes around in the oils and gently massage the bristles to “scrub” them clean. When your brushes are clean, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely before using them again.

Condition Leather

If your leather furniture is looking a little weathered, bring it back to life with fractionated coconut oil! Just apply a bit of the oil to a soft, clean cloth and gently rub it onto leather to give it a clean and revitalized look.

Tame Frizz And Flyaways

Dry hair is no match against the moisturizing power of coconut oil! Just put a couple of drops in the palm of your hand, rub it between your palms, then apply lightly to your hair, focusing your attention on dry ends and flyaways

If you have thin, fine hair, apply FCO sparingly as it could weigh your hair down. For those of you with coarse or dry hair, feel free to use it a bit more liberally to add moisture and shine and to tame those unruly flyaways.

Polish Stainless Steel

Anyone with stainless steel appliances knows how easily they can be smudged and smeared by greasy fingers! To combat smudge marks, just squirt a small amount of FCO onto a paper towel and wipe them away. Afterward, use a microfiber cloth to buff stainless steel appliances and fixtures to a high shine.

Use As A Massage Oil

Does anyone else suffer from super tight shoulders after spending hours working on a computer? Fractionated coconut oil makes a perfect massage oil for tense, stiff muscles!

Start with about 2 tablespoons of FCO, then add 5 drops of lavender oil for a relaxing massage treatment (and a drop of peppermint oil can give it a cooling, slightly tingly effect!) For best results, recruit your spouse or significant other to administer the shoulder rub! 😉

Make DIY Beauty Products

Fractionated coconut oil is one of the key ingredients in many of my favorite DIYs! It’s an ideal carrier oil for diluting essential oils, plus it’s hydrating and has a very mild scent.

Fractionated coconut oil may help you lose weight

A diet high in MCTs, the main component of fractionated coconut oil, may aid weight loss. Most studies on this effect replaced other fats in the diet with MCTs.

MCTs may help you lose weight because they:

  • reduce hunger and calorie intake (rx, rx)
  • help you burn more fat and calories (rx, rx, rx, rx)
  • are less likely to be stored as fat (rx)

However, the amount of weight lost is generally quite modest.

One review of 13 studies found that MCTs reduced body weight by an average of 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) over three weeks, compared with other fats (rx). The authors also noted that about half of these studies were funded by MCT oil producers. Therefore, there is a high risk of bias.

Eating a diet rich in MCTs may lead to modest weight loss by helping you eat less and burn more fat. MCTs are also less likely to be stored as fat.

Other potential health benefits

The MCTs in fractionated coconut oil has been associated with several other health benefits, including:

  • Reduced insulin resistance: One small study found that taking MCTs may reduce insulin resistance and improve other risk factors in people with diabetes and excess weight. More studies are needed to confirm this effect (x).
  • Epilepsy treatment: Children with epilepsy may benefit from a ketogenic diet enriched with MCTs. Adding the MCTs may allow them to eat more carbs and protein, making the diet easier to stick to (rx, rx).
  • Improved brain function: One study reported that in some people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, MCTs may improve brain function. However, further studies are needed (rx ).  
  • It is used in cosmetics, skincare products as well as beauty applications, and personal care uses.
  • It is used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil.
  • Topically it is used for massage therapy.
  • It is also used to moisturize dry and cracked skin.
  • It is used as a body oil after a bath or shower.
  • For frizzy hair, rub a dime-size amount to the hair tips.
  • It could be used as a substitute for deodorants.
  • Massage from the root to the tip for treating dandruff.
  • Use this oil with baking soda as a teeth whitener.
  • Massage with the mixture of Fractionated coconut oil and calming oils to the shoulders and neck. It helps to provide relaxation.
  • It treats malabsorption problems.
  • The conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, chapped lips, dry skin, and diaper rash are also cured.
  • It helps to prevent acne.

The MCTs in fractionated coconut oil have been suggested to enhance exercise performance and improve various health conditions. However, more research is needed.

Most fractionated coconut oils don’t contain lauric acid

Lauric acid is a major component of coconut oil. In fact, the oil comprises about 50% lauric acid and is one of the world’s richest dietary sources of this saturated fat.

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Lauric acid has been linked to many health benefits. It may kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi while protecting against various infections (rx, rx, rx).

Most fractionated coconut oils do not contain any lauric acid, or only very small amounts of it.

Thus, fractionated coconut oil doesn’t offer all of the health effects that regular coconut oil does.

Fractionated coconut oil is able to stay in liquid form because its lauric acid has been removed. Thus, the oil does not offer lauric acid’s many health benefits.

How is it used?

Fractionated coconut oil has been marketed under three different names.

You may know it as:

  • Fractionated coconut oil: This oil is mainly used for various household and personal care purposes, such as a moisturizer, hair conditioner, and massage oil.
  • MCT oil: It’s often used as a dietary supplement, with 1–3 tablespoons per day being a common dosage recommendation.
  • Liquid coconut oil: This oil is advertised as an edible cooking oil.

Ultimately, these are the same product that has been marketed for different consumer uses.

Fractionated coconut oil is also marketed as MCT oil and liquid coconut oil, but fundamentally, these are all the same product. Its uses include skin care and cooking.

Safety and side effects

Consuming fractionated coconut oil appears to be safe for most people.

However, there have been reports of people experiencing digestive symptoms.

These include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, and they seem particularly common in children on an MCT-enriched ketogenic diet (rx).

Although extremely rare, there have been a few cases of people with coconut and coconut oil allergies (rx, rx, rx, rx).

These people may experience adverse reactions when consuming fractionated coconut oil.

SUMMARYFractionated coconut oil is well tolerated by most people. However, it may cause digestive problems in some cases, as well as adverse symptoms in people who are allergic to coconut products

Precautions                                                                                                 

  • Lactation or pregnant women should consult the doctor for use.
  • Avoid using in ears, eyes, and sensitive areas of the body.
  • Use it in moderate amounts.

From Where To Buy

Amazon Best Seller
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil - Relaxing Massage Oil, Liquid Carrier Oil for Diluting Essential Oils - Skin, Lip, Body & Hair Oil Moisturizer & Softener - 16 fl oz
28,527 Reviews
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil - Relaxing Massage Oil, Liquid Carrier Oil for Diluting Essential Oils - Skin, Lip, Body & Hair Oil Moisturizer & Softener - 16 fl oz
  • Premium Quality Fractionated Coconut Oil - It is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium chain triglycerides and making it a great MCT oil. It is odorless, clear to yellow tint and No greasy feelings, does not stain and easily washes out of clothing and sheets. Does not become solid like regular coconut oil but keeps all the great properties. It has very long shelf life
  • Other Uses: Coconut oil one of the most versatile oils. It's used as moisturizer, in recipes for tooth paste, as lip balm and in coconut shampoo. It's also used as a natural deodorant, for face wash, as hair conditioner, as eye makeup remover, as shaving cream, in sunburn remedies, for massage, aromatherapy and many other household uses and benefits
  • Safety Warning: For external use only. Rub a very small amount on the inside of your elbow area to test for any allergic reaction before use. Avoid contact with eyes, keep out of the reach of children. If pregnant, consult with your health care provider before use
  • Fractionated Coconut Oil is also a great carrier for blending with essential oils. It can be mixed with other more expensive carrier oils. It's excellent as a massage oil and used in aromatherapy recipes
  • Guarantee - Purchase risk free today with complete peace of mind, if you are not completely satisfied with MAJESTIC PURE Fractionated Coconut Oil, contact us within 60 days and we will refund your entire purchase

or

Amazon Best Seller
Viva Naturals Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil 16oz- Moisturizing Hair & Body Oil, Carrier Oil
10,899 Reviews
Viva Naturals Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil 16oz- Moisturizing Hair & Body Oil, Carrier Oil
  • Leaves Skin Feeling Soft - Ultra-hydrating and easily absorbed, fractionated coconut oil will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and nourished. Our liquid coconut oil for skin has no greasy residue, making it the perfect coconut body oil. Apply it after a shower as a coconut oil moisturizer, or use it as a coconut massage oil.
  • Carrier Oil For Essential Oils Mixing - Looking for the perfect coconut carrier oil for essential oils blends? Our fractionated coconut oil organic is an ideal base for all your DIY beauty recipes, from hair serums to moisturizers and massage oils. Mix 3-6 drops of your favorite essential oil with a tablespoon of oil.
  • Nourishing Hair Moisturizer - This multi-tasking must-have is the perfect lightweight coconut hair oil to nourish luscious hair. Mix a few drops of our organic coconut oil for hair in your shampoo for extra hydration, or use it as a leave-in conditioner for shiny, healthy-looking hair.
  • Versatile Plant-Based Beauty - This light and nourishing plant-based oil is the perfect addition to any beauty routine. Use it alone as a moisturizing body oil, or blend it into your homemade lotions, aftershave, lip balms, make up remover and more.
  • 100% Pure Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil - Unlike almost every other fractionated coconut oil on the market, ours is 100% pure and certified organic. With no added fragrances or preservatives, our fractionated coconut oil organic is hexane free and Non-GMO. Just pure, coconut goodness!

 

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