Harvest Bay® Coconut Oil FAQs
What is Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil?
Otherwise known as "Virgin" (or sometimes "Extra Virgin") Coconut Oil, this is coconut oil that is derived from fresh coconuts, not copra (the dried meat of the coconut) and has not undergone the RBD (refined, bleached, deodorized) process that refined coconut oil derived from copra goes through. Unlike olive oil, there is no world or governing body that sets a standard definition or set of guidelines to classify coconut oil as "virgin." Unrefined coconut oil made from fresh coconuts retains the scent and taste of coconut oil, unlike refined coconut oil which has been steam deodorized.
How is Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil processed?
Our Coconut Oil is cold –pressed from young coconuts within hours of harvest, maintaining freshness and the sweet coconut scent and flavor. Fresh coconut, when first crushed, is a delicate pink color—not the white you might expect. The oil is filtered using earthen clays to naturally bleach out the pink hue. Pressing can generate heat beyond 180 degrees F for 5 minutes or longer. Crude coconut oil needs to have its natural enzymes pasteurized and is heated to neutralize them. Otherwise, the oil will rapidly deteriorate.
How can I add Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to my diet?
Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a good alternative to butter and shortening and for medium-heat baking and sautéing. Try it on popcorn instead of butter or replace your regular toast toppings with a teaspoon of oil. It is sure to become your favorite! Please note: Organic Coconut Oil is not suitable for use at high-heat levels.
Does Coconut Oil have health promoting properties?
Coconut Oil has been shown to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties due to the lauric acid fraction in the oil. Its fatty acid profile consists primarily of caprylic and lauric acids, which support immune function. Its healing reputation is attributed to the caproic fatty acids found in high concentrations compared to other plant material.
Are there other uses for Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
Coconut Oil has been used for centuries as a body care product that nourishes, moisturizes and protects skin and hair. Use to take the sting out of sunburns, as a hair conditioner or for a wonderful light coconut scented massage.
How do I use Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for my hair?
For wonderfully smooth and incredibly silky hair, liquify the coconut oil by placing the container of coconut oil in a tub or bowl of very warm water. Apply approximately 1 Tablespoon to wet hair. Leave in for about one hour to penetrate, next shampoo thoroughly with very warm but not hot water. You may need to repeat to wash oil out completely.
What is the difference between good fat and bad fat?
For years, fat has had a bad reputation. Years of misinformation have caused Americans to assume all fats are bad for them. The truth is, all fats are not created equally.
“Good” fats are a necessary component of a nutritious and satisfying diet, guaranteed to provide us with the vitality and longevity we need to live in today’s world and fight off the threats of harmful disease. Good fats are Monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while also boosting HDL (good) cholesterol, and Polyunsaturated fats, which are often a good source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, found mostly in cold-water fish, nuts, oils and seeds as well as in dark leafy greens, flaxseed oils and some vegetable oils. Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured by our bodies, so eating these foods is the only way to get them. Essential fatty acids are thought to lower blood pressure, combat LDL (bad) cholesterol, fight inflammation and protect the brain and nervous system.
“Bad” fats such as Trans fat are slowly being recognized as the cause of the unhealthy condition of America today. Trans fatty acids are liquid oils made into shortening or margarine through hydrogenation. Studies have recently revealed that serious health problems can be a result of consuming hydrogenated products containing Trans fat. The FDA claims that no amount of Trans fat is safe for consumption and food products are being forced to label the exact amount of hydrogenated fat per product.
What about Coconut Oil's high saturated fat content?
It is recommended that you limit consumption of saturated fats and make sure those you do consume are of the highest quality. Our bodies need about ten percent of our fat calories from saturates, but we generally don't need to be concerned about incorporating them because the human body is capable of manufacturing saturates when needed. The best saturates are vegetarian based, not animal based; animal saturates contain cholesterol. Think of coconut oil, which has a reputation as a healthy oil in tropical regions, as a good alternative to other highly 
processed oils like hydrogenated oils and conventional shortenings. These unhealthy fats are processed with metal catalysts at very high heat levels and rapidly generate dangerous Trans fat, now considered to be more harmful to the body than saturated fat. Organic coconut oil is a good alternative to butter, margarine and shortening for medium-heat cooking and baking.
Will Coconut Oil help me lose weight?
Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is not sold as a weight loss aid, though it is digested easily and has been known to increase metabolism. Coconut oil, when used moderately, will NOT cause you to gain weight. Replacing those products that contain Trans fat like butter or margarine or products with hydrogenated oils, along with a healthy diet and exercise plan, should help to obtain your weight loss objective.
How should I store my Harvest Bay Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
Do not refrigerate as it will solidify the product. If it does get refrigerated, leave it out overnight to return it to its previous state. Product is best kept at room temp below 72 degrees F, anything higher will liquify the product so be careful to store in a cool dry place.
DISCLAIMER: Statements contained on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.