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If you are a lover of coconut and all of its products, you must have seen or heard of coconut oil and coconut butter, either at the supermarket or online. You may be wondering what either is used for.
Why should you buy coconut oil when you have coconut butter? what’s the essence of using coconut butter when you have used coconut oil? Can they be used together? Can they be used on your hair or skin? Do they have the same nutrients and do they perform the same functions? Which one is better than the other?
It is normal to have all of these questions especially if you are not familiar with the products.
Truth is you may be tempted to assume that both are the same since it’s from coconut, however, there are differences in both products and yes, in nutrients too.
Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut. It is extracted by either using low heat or high heat and comes in both liquid and solid form.
The most nutritious form of coconut oil is the cold-pressed. The cold-pressed oil is extracted with the use of low heat, this is to preserve the nutrient, it is best used for skin and hair.
However, the heat pressed form of oil has little or no nutrient left, this is due to the process of extraction.
- MADE FROM FRESH, ORGANIC COCONUTS – Cold-pressed from fresh, organic coconuts, Viva Naturals Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil delivers rich flavor and aroma that’s nutrient rich and naturally delicious.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Boost your energy: BetterBody Foods Naturally Refined Organic Coconut Oil contains roughly 60% energy-driving Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs help to naturally boost your energy.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Coconut oil is widely known for cooking, however, in recent times, it has been identified as a great moisturizer for the hair and skin! Because the coconut oil also comes in solid form, it has made differentiating both products difficult, except you pay attention to the details on the label.
Coconut butter on the other hand is made from blending shredded coconut flesh. Is that all? Yes, that’s all there is to make coconut butter! Coconut butter has mostly been used over the years in the kitchen and for different food.
Nutritional benefits of the coconut oil and coconut butter
While both smell alike, the coconut butter has a stronger smell and more delicious taste than the coconut oil. They’re both entirely fats, however, the coconut butter has nutrients that the coconut oil does not. An important nutrient that coconut butter has is fiber.
One tablespoon of coconut butter has almost 2 grams of dietary fiber. Coconut butter also is rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, and iron. They’re both high in calories, they both have about 110 to 120 calories per tablespoon.
The major difference between both is the nutrients in coconut butter that cannot be found in coconut oil. Also, the coconut butter has a creamy and thick texture and a sweetened taste. The coconut butter is usually hard at a cold temperature and soft at a hot temperature.
It is known that coconut oil can be used on your skin and it serves as a moisturizer. However, can you also say the same for coconut butter? The truth is, you can use coconut butter on your skin because the coconut butter is high in fatty acid, hence it can hydrate and nourish the skin.
The coconut butter also, because of other nutrients in it can smoothen scars, wrinkles, and other marks on the skin.
It is worthy to note that coconut butter is comedogenic and that is to say that it is highly known to clog pores. While there is little or no scientific research on which one is better between using coconut oil or coconut butter for skin, it is advised that you first try them on a small part of your skin before using them for a large portion, especially if you have oily skin.
That said, you don’t have to use both together, you can use one in place of the other. The coconut oil smells stronger and if you do not mind smelling like a snack, then you can make use of the coconut butter, however, if you do mind and you would love a mild smell, then you can make use of the coconut oil.
Where can you get the coconut oil or coconut butter for your skin?
Coconut butter and oil can be found in almost every physical store. You can also get them in some online stores. A lot of people usually opt to make them themselves especially the coconut butter, this is also fine.
All you need to make your coconut butter is coconut!
Bottom line
You can use either coconut oil or coconut butter for your skin. They both have amazing nutrients and can give you the desired skin that you want.
The most important thing to note while using coconut oil or coconut butter for your skin is to note your skin type and first try it on a small part of your skin before using it for a larger part. This will prevent you from getting your pores clogged or getting your skin more damaged than it was.
Read next: Coconut Oil vs Almond Oil For Hair: Which One Works Better?
