Uses of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking, especially for frying and is a common flavor in many South Asian curries. In recent years virgin coconut oil has increasingly become popular in natural food circles and with vegans. It was described in a New York Times article as having a "haunting, nutty, vanilla flavor" that also has a touch of sweetness that works well in baked goods, pastries, and sauts. Coconut oil is used by movie theatre chains to pop popcorn, adding a large amount of saturated fat in the process. Coconut oil contains a large proportion of lauric acid, which is converted to monolaurin in the body, a fat found otherwise only in human breast milk. It is also often used in infant formula. Other culinary uses include replacing solid fats produced through hydrogenation in baked and confectionery goods. Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated coconut oil is often used in non-dairy creamers, and snack foods including popcorn. Hydrogenated coconut oil is also sold in Australia under the brand-name Copha and is the main ingredient in Australian snacks such as Chocolate cracklesand White Christmas. The smoke point of coconut oil is 138 C (280 F).

Industry
Coconut oil has been tested for use as a feedstock for biodiesel to be used as a diesel enginefuel. In this manner it can be applied to power generators and transport using diesel engines. Since straight coconut oil has a high gelling temperature (2225 C), a high viscosity, and a minimum combustion chamber temperature of 500 C (932 F) (to avoid polymerization of the fuel), coconut oil is typically transesterified to make biodiesel. Use of B100 (100% biodiesel) is only possible in temperate climates as the gel point is approximately 10 C (50 F). The oil needs to meet the Weihenstephan standard for pure vegetable oil used as a fuel otherwise moderate to severe damage from carbonisation and clogging will occur in an unmodified engine. The Philippines, Vanuatu, Samoa, and several other tropical island countries are using coconut oil as an alternative fuel source to run automobiles, trucks, and buses, and to power generators. Coconut oil is currently used as a fuel for transport in the Philippines. Further research into the oil's potential as a fuel for electricity generation is being carried out in the islands of the Pacific. Coconut oil has been tested for use as an engine lubricant and a transformer oil. Acids derived from coconut oil can be used as herbicides.

Personal uses
Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer, helping with dry skin and reduces protein loss when used in hair. Though it can be used as a sexual lubricant, it will weaken latex condoms.