AMAZING VALUE OF COCONUT OIL

 

Characterization of Coconut Oil

Synonyms: Copra oil, Oleum Cocois (Harry, 1963). Coconut oil is edible oil extracted from the kennel of matured coconuts harvested from the coconuts palms (Cocos nucifera). It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry. Because of its high saturated fat content it is slow to oxide and, thus, resistant to rancidification, lasting up to two years without spoiling. (Fife, 2005)

The following is average fatty acid composition of Coconut oil – saturated acids: Caproic acid (0.2%), Caprylic acid (8.0%), Capric acid (7.0%), lauric acid (48.0%),  Mystric acid (17.5%) palmitic acid (8.8%) and Stearic acid (2.0%) Unsaturated acids: Oleic acid (6.0%) and linoleic acid (2.5%). Coconut oil occurs as white semi-solid, lard-lime fat readily becomes rancid on exposure to air. It is sometimes hydrogenated to improve its stability. Coconut oil melts at 21⁰C to 25⁰C, and has the following characteristics: Saponification value (251 to 264), Iodine Value 8 to 10), Refractive index at 40⁰C (1,44-5), Acid value (not greater than 6) (Harry, 1.63).

 

Coconut oil in Food

Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking, especially for frying, and is a common flavour in many south Asian curries. It has been used for cooking (in tropical parts of the world ) for thousand of years (clark, 2011) coconut oil (along with lauric leaf oil and palm kernel oil) contains a large proportion of lauric acid which is converted to monolaurin in the body,a fat otherwise found only in breast milk.(Beare-Roggers  et.al,2001) Lauric acid is destroyed by some oil processing method .

Other culinary uses including solid fats produced through hydrogenation in backed and confectionery good (Tarrago- Trani et.al, 2006) hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated coconut oil is often used in non-dairy creamers and snack, food, including popcorn. The smoke point of coconut oil is 177⁰C (351⁰F). (Katragadda et.al, 2010)

Coconut oil industry

Coconut oil has tested for use as feedstock for biodiesel to be used as a diesel engine fuel. In this manner, it can be applied to power generators and transport using diesel engines.  Since straight coconut oil has a high gelling temperature (22-25 ⁰C), a high viscosity, and a minimum combustion chamber  temperature of 500 ⁰C (932 ^OF) (to avoid polymerization of the fuel), coconut oil typically is transesterified to make biodiesel. Use of B 100 (100% biodiesel) is possible only in temperate climates, as the gel point is approximately 10 ^o C (50^oF) . The oil must meet the Weihenstephan  standard for pure vegetable oil used as a fuel otherwise  moderate to severe   damage  from  carbonization and  clogging  will  occur in  an unmodified  engine. The Philippines, vanuata,  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  potential of coconut  oil as a fuel  for electricity generation is being carried out in the islands of the pacific. Although to date it appear that it is not useful as a fuel source due to the cost of labour and supply constraints.(AGTD, 2011)

Coconut oil can be used as an engine lubricant and as transformer oil. Acids derived from coconut can be used as herbicides. (James and Rahman, 2005)

Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer, helping with dry skin and reduces protein loss when used in hair. Before the advent of electrical lighting ,coconut oil was the primary oil used  for illumination in india and was exported as cochin oil.(Brady,2020)

 

Coconut oil is an important base ingredient for the manufacture of soap. Soap made with coconut oil tends to be hard, although it retains more water than those made with other oils and therefore increases manufacturer yields. It is more soluble in hard water and salt water than other soaps allowing it to lather more easily. A basic coconut oil soap is clear when melted and a bright white when hardened. (Browning, 2003)

Source: Oduok, I. F. (2015): Industrial Characteristics of Palm Oil-Coconut Oil Blend and Its Application in The Production of Toilet Soap. B.Eng. Research Work. University of Uyo. Nigeria. Pp. 7 - 10