What is MCT Oil? How is it made? And why we don’t sell it?

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What is MCT Oil:

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is typically made by extracting MCTs from coconut or palm kernel oil through a process called fractionation.  Specifically with Coconut Oil it is the removal of Lauric Acid from the Coconut Oil.  Lauric acid is then used in the pharmaceutical industry as an antimicrobial product.  So the best part is removed form the Coconut Kernel to produce MCT oil.  Here are the basic steps involved in making MCT oil:

  1. Extraction: Coconut or palm kernel oil is extracted from the fruit or kernel using a mechanical or chemical process.
  2. Fractionation: The oil is then subjected to fractionation, a process that separates the different types of fatty acids based on their chain length. MCTs, which have 6-12 carbon atoms, are separated from the other fatty acids that have longer chain lengths.
  3. Distillation and purification: The MCTs are then distilled and purified to remove any impurities and unwanted compounds.
  4. Packaging: Finally, the MCT oil is packaged and distributed for sale.

Some manufacturers may also use a process called esterification to produce synthetic MCTs. In this process, MCTs are chemically modified to create a pure form of the fatty acid that is easier to digest and absorbs more quickly into the body. However, synthetic MCTs are less common and may not have the same health benefits as natural MCTs.

 

HOW IS IT MADE:

Coconut oil is typically fractionated using a process called steam distillation or solvent extraction. Here are the basic steps involved in fractionating coconut oil:

  1. Extraction: The coconut meat is first dried and then pressed to extract the oil.
  2. Heating: The coconut oil is then heated to a specific temperature, typically around 100-110°F (38-43°C), which causes the oil to melt.
  3. Fractionation: The melted coconut oil is then passed through a series of filters or centrifuges that separate the different types of fatty acids based on their melting points. MCTs, which have lower melting points than other fatty acids, are separated from the other fatty acids that have higher melting points.
  4. Cooling: The separated MCTs are then cooled to solidify and separate them from the other fatty acids.
  5. Filtration: The solidified MCTs are then filtered to remove any impurities and unwanted compounds.
  6. Packaging: Finally, the MCT oil is packaged and distributed for sale.

It’s worth noting that different manufacturers may use slightly different processes for fractionating coconut oil. For example, some manufacturers may use chemical solvents to extract the MCTs, while others may use a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. However, the basic steps involved in fractionation are generally similar across different methods.

WHY WE DON’T SELL IT:

As we are a certified Organic Facility, and we only sell REAL Organic Coconut Oil the landscape of MCT manufacturing is very different for us.

Regardless of the use of chemical processes in the manufacture of MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil it can still be labelled organic if the coconut or palm kernel oil from which it is derived is certified organic.  It is for this reason we believ it to be an area that can have some grey areas, and as such we have made a business decision not to sell it.

Beware Coconut Oil Adulteration

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Did you know there is a scientific study in Sri Lanka showing that 60% of Sri Lankan oil has been adulterated with lower cost Palm Oil!

Coconut oil can sometimes be adulterated, meaning that it has been mixed with other oils or substances to lower the cost or improve the appearance or texture. Adulteration is a common practice in the food industry, and it can be difficult for consumers to know if their coconut oil is pure or has been adulterated.

Some common types of adulteration in coconut oil include the addition of cheaper oils, such as palm kernel oil or vegetable oil, to the coconut oil. Adulterated coconut oil may also contain solvents used in the extraction process, such as hexane, or other impurities that can be harmful to health.

To ensure that you are purchasing pure, unadulterated coconut oil, it’s best to buy from a reputable source and look for products that have been certified as pure by a third-party organization. You can also look for oils that are labelled “organic” or “virgin,” as these labels indicate that the oil has been produced without the use of harmful chemicals or solvents. Additionally, you can try the oil’s taste and smell, as pure coconut oil should have a distinct, coconutty flavour and aroma.

Coconut Oil | Gold Coast | Must try beauty hacks using extra virgin coconut oil

Must try beauty hacks using extra virgin coconut oil

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If there is one product that is packed with antioxidants, anti-bacterial properties and loads of vitamin E, it’s extra virgin coconut oil. It also has moisturizing fatty acids, which is quite beneficial for skin. Organic extra virgin coconut oil can be used in endless ways for your daily beauty routine.

Here’s the beauty hacks you can follow using extra virgin coconut oil:

  1. As a night cream

Take a small amount of extra virgin coconut oil and apply it on your clean face before bedtime. It will calm and soothe angry skin, reduce the redness and help even out the skin tone. You might think an oil could give you a shiny face but it actually does not. Extra virgin coconut oil is an excellent face moisturiser, especially because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

  1. As cuticle moisturiser

Do you have dry and cracked cuticles? Then this coconut oil hack is a perfect solution for you. Take a small amount of coconut oil and rub your nails and nail beds, once or twice a day. Doing this will keep your manicured nails in tip top shape, prevent chipped cuticles and moisturise the nails to give a healthy look.

  1. As a makeup remover

Extra virgin coconut oil is an excellent makeup remover. Just take some coconut oil in a cotton pad and remove eye and face makeup. It does not clog up your pours, and not to mention it’s really good for skin.

  1. As a body lotion

Organic extra virgin coconut oil works excellent as an after shower body lotion. Apply coconut oil on freshly cleaned skin after showers every day and revel in the glow your skin radiates!

  1. As a mouth wash

Sounds a little strange, right? But it’s not. As an antibacterial and antifungal product, organic extra virgin coconut oil reduces bad breath and whitens teeth. For this, you need to take about one tablespoon full coconut oil and rinse your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. This will get rid of the bad bacteria in your mouth and keep your teeth healthy and clean!

If you need purely organic extra virgin coconut oil for cooking and other purpose, look no further than Bio-Medicals. Shop online or visit our Burleigh Heads storefront for all your extra virgin coconut oil needs.

Try these tasty recipes using extra virgin coconut oil

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Organic extra virgin olive oil is the new superstar in the world of food. There are myriad health benefits of using coconut oil in cooking and for healthy skin, hair and nails. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, high smoking point etc. makes it the perfect cooking oil there is!

You can use coconut oil in everyday recipes to make your food healthier, so as to improve your well-being. Here are some simple recipes to try at home using organic extra virgin tasteless coconut oil:

  1. Homemade French fries

Who doesn’t love French fries, right? Instead of using oil that increases your bad cholesterol, just follow this simple recipe of French fries using extra virgin tasteless cooking coconut oil. For this recipe, you need 2.5 pound potatoes, peeled and sliced into your desired size. Take 1-1.5 cups of your extra virgin coconut oil and some seasoning.

First soak the potatoes in a bowl of water, room temperature for 8 to 12 hours. After that rinse the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Heat the coconut oil to 300 degrees and fry the potatoes until they are barely cooked and still limp. Remove them and let cool. Then heat the coconut oil to 375 degrees and fry the potatoes a second time until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from oil and sprinkle some sea salt or the seasoning of your liking. Enjoy your crispy and healthy French fries!

  1. Coconut flour muffins

For these muffins you will need: ¾ cup of coconut flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, 6 eggs, ½ cup of melted organic extra virgin coconut oil, ½ cup of honey or maple syrup and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

First you need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set them aside. In a separate bowl beat eggs and mix in melted coconut oil, honey and vanilla. Now add the dry ingredients to this and mix well. Leave the batter to sit for 3-5 minutes, so the flour absorbs the liquid. Prepare the muffin pan, fill each tin with ¾ of batter and then bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool the muffins before digging in. these can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

  1. Metabolism boosting coconut oil coffee

Coffee is the life and blood of your everyday beverages, but how can you make it better? The answer is—adding extra virgin coconut oil to it!

For metabolism boosting coconut oil coffee, you will need your favourite coffee blend, 1-2 tsp of coconut oil, honey or coconut sugar or basically any sweetener of your liking, vanilla or peppermint extract if you want it. The preparation is really simple. Just put the coffee, honey and the coconut oil in a blender, and blend until it froths up. Pour it in your mug and enjoy. If you don’t want it sweet, don’t use the honey or other sweeteners. Add any mix-ins of your liking.

This coffee will boost your immune system, increase the good cholesterol in your bloodstream and energise you like nothing else does! And if you are short on extra virgin cooking coconut oil, order it from Bio-Medicals online store or collect it from the Burleigh Heads store now.

Coconut Oil | Gold Coast | Perks of including turmeric in your diet

Perks of including turmeric in your diet

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Turmeric has been a major food ingredient throughout Southeast Asia, although it grows in most tropical regions of the world. Bearing the scientific name Curcuma longa, the active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which tastes bitter and earthy. Besides using in food, it’s a treatment for cuts, bruises and burns; cures stomach ailments and much more. The plant is a perennial herb and the plant part used are the rhizomes.

Turmeric is widely used in most countries in Indian subcontinent, and now scientists are backing up the fact that Indians had known for long—turmeric’s medicinal properties are anti-inflammatory and it’s a very strong anti-oxidant.

So what are the benefits of taking turmeric with your food on a regular basis? Here’s a few:

Natural anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is a major reason of many diseases like metabolic syndrome, heart disease, arthritis and even cancer. Inflammation also has something to do with cognitive decline. It’s been seen that curcumin actually inactivates inflammation on a molecular level.

Lower the risk of lethal diseases

Curcumin can lower the risk of lethal diseases like cancer, heart disease etc. it improves endothelial function and reduces inflammation and free-radical damage. It can affect cancer growth, development and spreading at a molecular level. Studies have shown that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in the lab and reduce tumour growth in test animals. Regular ingestion of turmeric might help prevent colorectal cancer in the first place.

Increases body’s anti-oxidant capacity

Research shows that turmeric increases anti-oxidant capacity of the body and helps fight free-radical damage. Its antioxidant properties protects skin from free radical damage caused by environmental pollutants. That is why it’s also popular as a skin mask in India too.

Boosts immune system

Turmeric’s amazing anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties boosts our immune system. It reduces histamine levels and curcumin has positive effects on liver tissue as well.

Although beneficial, you cannot always cook food with turmeric and the small amount as a spice or food ingredient might not be enough to work as a healthy supplement. The best solution to this is to take turmeric as diet supplement. Try Bio-Medicals’ organic turmeric capsules, made from a synergistic blend of turmeric, ginger, black pepper and Lactobacillus acidophilus for ultimate absorption!