When it comes to better cooking, health, beauty routines, and the likes, there are two kinds of oil that spring to mind: coconut and olive. Both offer good advantages, although one rises the victor.
Olive and coconut oil have similarities, but one of them is better than the other. Coconut oil is from a coconut, while olive oil is from olives—that’s a given. While coconut oil has a good amount of fat, olive does, too, but with an adequate amount. Although if you look at their history, Coconut oil has more “arguments” before its popularity, with people advertising it as much as they can, tossing it into the spotlight.
Despite the origins of both oil available for use for the vast majority, preferences also help in their popularity. So, then it all boils down to the question, “Which is better?” in general. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Start with their difference.
While Olive oil and Coconut oil have so much in common, their small differences can still tell a lot about which one you would decide is better for you in all aspects. One of the things they share in common is that they’re both plant-based fats from fruits. Both are safe to use for cooking, cosmetics, and even self-care routines. Their primary difference is a lot more obvious than you think—the fruit they’re extracted from.
Aside from that, olive oil is automatically liquid in form at room temperature, whereas coconut oil is similar to butter. Hence, coconut oil’s popularity spreads.
The Healthier Oil
First and foremost, and most likely the most important factor you need to figure out, is the nutrients coconut and olive oil carry.
Olive oil is rich in good fat (also known as polyunsaturated fat) and pretty low in saturated fat. Then we have here the Coconut oil, which contains the exact opposite—more on saturated fat and less on polyunsaturated fat. With the experts’ opinions on the table, one teaspoon of coconut oil is equivalent to six times saturated fat in olive oil.
If you’re on a diet with your doctor telling you to avoid or limit your fat intake, Coconut oil is a bad idea for you. It’s higher in cholesterol than olive oil and may even put you in danger if there’s too much intake of it. On the other hand, Olive oil will not only help you with your health but also reduce your cholesterol with consistent use. It is quite efficient for lowering the risk of heart disease.
Flavor: Which one is more versatile?
Naturally, one will think of Coconut oil first because of its sweet coconut flavor. The flavor is quite important, especially when you like cooking and take your dishes to a higher level. If you refine the coconut oil too much, although the taste becomes a little better and the odor dissipates, it sacrifices the nutrients. The sweetness level of coconut oil fits cuisines such as curries, desserts, and other dishes that require just the right amount of sweetness.
On the other hand, Olive oil has an olive-like flavor that is buttery, nutty, peppery, or fruity—depending on the kind of olive oil you’re using. This variety in flavors makes olive oil suitable for all sorts of dishes with the right amount in the food.
So, when it comes to thinking about which oil is more versatile in flavor, it’s Olive oil.
Beauty Routine: Olive or Coconut?
When it comes to moisturizing your skin, coconut oil is better, as per the researchers in Dermatitis. While researchers say that it is better, it is a fact that different skin types react differently. Hence, there is a possibility of skin breakouts when applying coconut oil to your face. It then leads to the suggestion to cleanse your face with water after using coconut oil.
On the other hand, Olive oil is lighter on the face and doesn’t give off that kind of burning sensation, unlike coconut oil. Another thing is that olive oil is not very effective when applied to the body. Then again, it all boils down to your skin’s preferences. It is best to remember that Coconut oil has more antimicrobial properties to fight against fungi and other infections.
For the hair, though, many say that olive oil is so much better. While coconut oil does help make the hair smoother and softer to the touch, olive oil helps make it look natural and silkier. Coconut oil helps with hair growth, while olive oil focuses more on moisturizing the hair to help with its brittleness.