Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the kernel of coconut which is the fleshy part of the coconut fruit. Different varieties of coconut oil are available in the market, depending on the method used to extract the oil. Common types of coconut oil include the refined and unrefined coconut oil.

Coconut oil is usually solid at room temperature because of its high melting point- 76 degrees F. Coconut oil is known to have a stable shelf life, especially if it is preserved properly.  It is a unique amalgamation of fatty acids and can have positive effects on the human body. Therefore, this oil is highly suitable for cooking and can also be used as a moisturising agent for skin and hair.

Some basic facts about coconut oil:

• Scientific name of coconut: Coconut oil is derived from coconuts. The scientific name of coconut is Cocos Nucifera.
• Family Name: Coconut tree belongs to the palm tree family called Arecaceae.
• Common name: Nariyal tel
• Native Region: More than 90 countries in the world grow coconut trees. The largest producer of coconut oil is the Philippines, followed by Indonesia and India. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh etc. are some of the states which grow coconut in India. According to the 2014-15 statistics of the Coconut Development Board of Government of India, just 4 states in South India accounted for 90% of the total coconut production in the country. Coimbatore and Tirupur are the top producers of coconut in India.
• Some interesting facts about coconut: The information about the origin of coconut is not known, but scientists believe that coconut is a prehistoric plant that came from the South Pacific. The sailors that were aboard Vasco da Gama’s ship are believed to have given coconut its name.

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