The Pros and Cons of Coconut Oil Capsules

Are coconut oil capsules an effective way to take coconut oil?

Visit your local health food store and you'll most likely find coconut oil available in glass jars or soft gel capsules.

Traditionally, coconut oil was used fresh out of the jar. The history of coconut oil shows the Pacific islanders used the oil for cooking, baking and for hair and skincare.

Many health conscious people would simply take a spoonful of coconut oil and mix it into a fruit smoothie or use it in certain recipes in place of butter or margarine.

However, with the recent growing popularity of this healthy oil, nutritional supplement companies have started to package the oil in soft gel capsules.

The big question is if soft gels are better than taking a spoonful of oil?

Coconut Soft Gels - The Advantages and Disadvantages

Coconut Oil Capsules

One of the main advantages of using coconut oil in capsule or soft gel form is you avoid the taste and texture of coconut oil in your mouth.

Some people dislike the taste of coconut oil and prefer to use coconut oil capsules or soft gels.

Another advantage of coconut oil capsules is the portability factor. You can throw a few soft gels in your briefcase or backpack and take them at a later time; like at work or school.

Most coconut oil soft gels or capsules come packaged in 1000 mg. in quantities ranging from 60 - 240 soft gels per bottle.

Prices will vary (depending on the quantity and purity) and can range from as low as $7 to $50 per bottle.

One of the disadvantages of using coconut oil soft gels or capsules is the low dosage per capsule.

Some natural health advocates recommend taking 3 - 4 tablespoons (35 - 45 grams) of organic coconut oil per day to reap the health benefits.

Based on the above recommendations, a 1000 mg. capsule of coconut oil may provide only 1 gram of coconut oil; so you would need to take 35 - 45 capsules a day to get reach the suggested therapeutic dose.

There are only a few companies that offer coconut oil soft gels and capsules. If you prefer this form you can usually find it at your local health food store or online.

My Favorite Way to Take Coconut Oil

I believe the best way to use coconut oil is in its pure organic state; packaged in jars or bottles.

Virgin coconut oil is the consummate functional food and is best administered like a food.

I like to dissolve a tablespoon in a glass of hot water and chug it down before hitting the gym; it makes an excellent pre-workout energy drink. You can also add it to your protein fruit smoothies, as well as cook with coconut oil.

You may find it difficult to make smoothies or cook with coconut oil in capsules which is why the liquid oil is still the most popular form.

Unlike the protection of a soft gel capsule, coconut oil's consistency is affected by its surrounding temperatures. You'll find the oil will harden in cooler temperatures and becomes a near liquid in warm temperatures.

Open jar of coconut oil

I remember when I absent-mindedly left a bottle of coconut oil in the fridge. When it came time for me to use it, I had a heck of a time trying to scoop some oil from the bottle; the oil had become as hard as a rock from the cold air in the fridge.

To remedy this, simply leave the jar out to defrost and the oil will slowly soften. Expose the oil to higher temperatures and it will become almost pure liquid. You can avoid this problem by using capsules or store your coconut oil in the cupboard.

Where to Get Coconut Oil Capsules

If you're looking for coconut oil soft gel capsules, you can usually find them at your local health food store.

Another great place is to look online; you can compare prices and different brands which can help you get the best bang for your buck.

Here are a few brands available from Amazon.com. Most come in 1000 mg. capsules in quantities starting at 60 soft gels per bottle. See below for more details:

Compare Coconut Oil Capsules from Amazon.com


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