Also known as organic coconut oil, unrefined coconut oil pure coconut oil that has not gone through a process to hydrogenate the final product. As a result, the unrefined oil is a much healthier choice than other types of coconut oils. There are those that claim unrefined coconut oil may also prove beneficial in preventing or at least controlling a number of different health issues.

Unrefined coconut oil is only one of several products made using coconuts. Many of these products make use of the coconut husk or the coconut meat. Others are based on using the liquid found in coconuts, sometimes referred to as coconut juice or milk, or even coconut water. The oil is actually extracted from the meat of the coconut although the milk may also be used as well in some processes.

It is important to note that unrefined coconut oil does contain saturated fats. Once thought to be a substantial health risk, more recent research indicates that saturated fats may actually have some degree of benefit to the human body. This has led many people to take a second look at unrefined coconut oil, which is not hydrogenated and thus is less likely to raise bad cholesterol levels. It may even contain properties that helps to raise good cholesterol.

One of the elements present in unrefined coconut oil is known as lauric acid. This compound is said to combat the presence of bacteria and fungus in the body. By supporting the immune system, proponents of the use of unrefined cooking oil believe that the oil can help prevent such health issues as hypothyroidism, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, and even heart disease.

While there is no doubt that unrefined coconut oil contains more nutrients than refined oils, there is some difference of opinion on just how much benefit is derived from using the unrefined oil versus other products, such as peanut oil or olive oil. While there is general agreement that this type of oil is usually a better option than using refined coconut oil, many people still believe that olive or peanut oil provide a superior taste and either match or exceed the health benefits of unrefined coconut oil.

As a cooking oil, unrefined coconut oil has a long shelf life. When stored at room temperature, the oil will remain fresh for roughly one full year. The oil also tends to have a more pronounced flavor and aroma than refined oils, something that should be taken into consideration when preparing a recipe. Cooks who routinely use other types of oil to deep fry foods will find that unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point. This will mean using less heat when using the oil, making it possible to avoid burning the oil and thus ruining the food.