Coconut Oil, known for its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is available in both cold-pressed and refined form. It is 100 percent fat, but the structure of fat in coconut oil differs from the saturated fat found in many animal fats or products, which are mainly composed of long-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil has a very high amount of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which becomes hard for the body to convert into stored fat and is easy to burn off than LCTs- long-chain triglycerides.

As the name suggests, cold-pressed oil is made without any application of heat. The coconut flesh is pressed and oil is extracted so this way only pure coconut oil comes out. Whereas, refined or processed oil is made by dried coconut. The coconut flesh is bleached, heated and deodorized in a hydraulic press before they are passed on to further heat and filtration. The antioxidant content of refined coconut oil gets reduced with the application of heat like with all other food processing. 

The second major benefit which cold-pressed oil has over refined coconut oil is its flavor. Cold-pressed oil retains its natural, pure coconut taste and flavor whereas refined oil loses it as it undergoes extensive heat and processing. 

Cold-pressed oils are good choice for people who are looking to avoid additives because in the refining process additives are put to remove impurities and ensure a clean product. As cold-pressed oil does not undergo any of these processes, therefore, its additive-free.