What is Cold Pressed Coconut Oil?
Cold pressed coconut oil is a natural oil extracted without heat or chemicals. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially lauric acid, which support brain and gut health.
Why is it used in Autism?
Some parents use coconut oil in children with autism to help with:
✅ Brain function support
✅ Improved focus & attention
✅ Better gut health
✅ Antibacterial and antifungal support
✅ Improved immunity
Many children with autism have gut problems (constipation, yeast overgrowth, poor digestion), and coconut oil may help improve gut balance, which can indirectly improve behavior.
Possible Benefits in Autism
Coconut oil may help with:
Better digestion
Reduced constipation
Improved energy levels
Improved attention in some cases
Better sleep
Healthier skin
How It’s Made
Coconuts are harvested; the flesh (the white meat) is separated.
The flesh may be dried (or used fresh, depending on method) but not roasted.
Mechanical pressing (screw presses, hydraulic presses, etc.) is used to squeeze out the oil under low temperature conditions.
The oil is then filtered or clarified to remove particulates, but without harsh treatments.
This “cold” method ensures the temperature remains low (often below certain thresholds, e.g. below ~ 40–60 °C or lower, depending on standards) so that heat-sensitive compounds are less degraded.
Physical & Chemical Characteristics
At cooler room temperatures (below ~ 25-30 °C depending on ambient conditions), it solidifies into a white or creamy solid (like a fat). At warmer temperature, it becomes liquid, clear to pale.
It has a distinct coconut aroma and mild flavor (if high quality), sometimes described as fresh coconut scent.
Smoke point is relatively moderate (for unrefined oils) — typically around 177 °C (≈ 350 °F).
Very rich in saturated fats, especially in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Lauric acid is a major component.
Because of minimal processing, it retains more antioxidants, polyphenols, natural phytonutrients compared to refined coconut oil.
Benefits & Uses
Culinary / Dietary Uses
Used for light to medium-heat cooking (sautéing, baking, light frying) where its coconut flavor is desirable.
Can be added to smoothies, spreads, or used in place of butter or other fats in certain recipes.
The MCTs in it are metabolized relatively quickly, sometimes used for energy or ketogenic diets.
Skin, Hair & Cosmetic Uses
As a moisturizer: good for dry skin, helps lock in moisture.
Hair care: conditioning, reducing protein loss in hair, reducing split ends, improving shine.
Scalp health / dandruff: antifungal properties of coconut oil (especially the lauric acid) help with scalp issues.
Massage oil: used for body massage, baby massage, etc.
Wound healing / anti-inflammatory: some use it on minor cuts or skin irritation (but with caution).
Limitations & Considerations / Risks
Because it is high in saturated fat, overuse in diet could raise LDL cholesterol. Many health authorities caution moderation.
Being comedogenic (i.e. may clog pores), using coconut oil on acne-prone facial skin might aggravate breakouts.
Smoke point is lower than refined oils, so for high-heat cooking (deep-frying, stir-frying at very high temperature) refined or more heat-stable oils may be safer.
Quality matters: poor or adulterated oils may have rancid flavors or degraded nutrients.