The Advantages and Disadvantages of Coconut Oil Capsules

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

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.

Nowadays, people like to mix it in protein and fruit smoothies, use it as a substitute for butter and shortening in recipes, or sautee and fry with it. 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.

However, some people dislike the taste of coconut oil and prefer to use coconut oil capsules or softgels.

One of the disadvantages of using coconut oil softgels 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. 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.

One of the advantages of coconut oil capsules is the portability factor. You can throw a few softgels in your briefcase or backpack and take them at a later time, like at work or school.

Coconut oil's consistency is also affected by its surrounding temperatures. You'll find the oil will harden in cooler temperatures and becomes a near liquid in warm temperatures.

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.

Most coconut oil softgels or capsules come packaged in 1000 mg. in quantities ranging from 60 - 240 softgels per bottle. Prices will vary (depending on the quantity and purity) and can range from as low as $7 to $50 per bottle.

There are only a few companies that offer coconut oil softgels and capsules. The most popular way to buy coconut oil is in it's pure organic state, packaged in jars or bottles. Here's a variety of virgin coconut oils at my Best Coconut Oil supplements webpage.

If you're looking for coconut oil capsules, I found a few brands available from Amazon.com. Most come in 1000 mg. capsules in quantities starting at 60 softgels per bottle. See below for more details: