19) WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL?

Coconut Tree

Hmm....Where do I start?  The health benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil or in short VCO is long and impressive.  How long?  Lets put it this way. I can write a book or two about it. I am not going to do that.  Instead, I will try to give you dear readers a condensed version.  So here goes...



We are made to think that consuming coconut oil is fattening due to the high saturated fats and therefore we conclude that it is a "bad" fat.  However, studies have shown that the saturated fat in coconut oil, especially VCO, is not the same as those found in other oils.  This is because it contains medium-chain fatty acids which are easier to absorb in our bodies than the long chain fatty acids found in many other cooking oils. 

Are coconut cooking oil and Virgin Coconut Oil the same?  No, because the difference lies in the type of process involved in producing coconut oil which is refined or unrefined.  

Refined Coconut Oil

Refined oil usually begins as dried coconut meat, knows as 'copra' that is sun dried.  Since the copra is exposed to bacteria and pathogens in the air,  it goes through a purification process such as bleaching to filter impurities and deodorizing by using heat treatment. Refined oil is produced as cooking oil, soaps, cosmetics, creams and even fuel.  The natural antioxidant properties, proteins and minerals are mostly stripped off.  

Unrefined Coconut Oil

Fresh coconut meat is used to ensure that the extracted oil is sanitary without the need for any purification. The two methods used to produce unrefined coconut oil is, "quick drying" or "wet milling."  Small amount of heat is applied to remove moisture, then mechanical extraction will separate the unrefined oil from the meat.  In wet milling, the machines press the liquid out of fresh coconut meat and then use boiling, refrigeration, centrifuging, fermentation or enzymes to isolate the oil from the liquid. The result is coconut oil that is safe for consumption without bleaching or deodorization. The plus point is that it retains all the natural properties, proteins and minerals.

What is Organic Virgin Coconut Oil?

At this point, you would have figured out that VCO is unrefined coconut oil.  So, what  is organic virgin coconut oil? In short, OVCO.  I assure you, this is as long as the name will get.

Simply put, organic coconuts are grown free of  synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and  chemicals. 

What are the natural properties in OVCO?

In the purest form, OVCO contains three very important acids. 

1. Lauric Acid
2. Capric Acid
3. Caprylic Acid

With the presence of these acids, I consider OVCO as a superfood because it is high in antioxidants, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial and soothing properties.  
Still not impressed? Let me try my best to summarize the health benefits.

Health Benefits of OVCO

Fresh Coconut Meat

• Hair Care
• Skin Care
• Stress Relief
• Maintaining Cholesterol Levels
• Weight Loss
• Boost Immunity
• Promotes proper digestion and Metabolism
• Relief from Kidney Problems
• Prevention of Heart diseases
• Lower High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Cancer
• Dental care
• Bone strength
• Healing wounds
• Fights infections

Now we are getting into the nitty gritty.  Be warned. The next section has words that I find difficult to pronounce or spell. It is a 'need to know' basis.  Otherwise, feel free to skip it and avoid getting numbed like I did.

How is Lauric Acid Used by our body?

When we consume OVCO, our bodies will convert lauric acid into monolaurin which is said to fight viruses and bacteria that causes diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV.  It destroys harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.  (The last one is a tongue twister)

If you enjoy learning such words as much as I enjoyed researching it, you can find more at  http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/  that compiled various references on scientific findings done on coconut oil.  One article which you may find interesting is, why coconut oil had a bad reputation in the past.  According to the author it has nothing to do with either science nor with health.  Intrigued?  Let me know what you think.

Fresh Coconut Water

Reading health topics peppered with  scientific jargon can sometimes tax our brains.  For this reason, I am breaking this discussion into two parts.   So seat back, relax and treat yourself to a tall glass of fresh coconut water while I crack another coconut to get to the meat,  HOWS, WHENS, WHERES AND WHYS OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL. in my next topic for discussion.



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Waterfall

Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my blog.  I welcome feedback and please feel free to share your experiences in relation to today's topic.

Until my next post, "Here's to your health!"

DISCLAIMER

Readers are advised that the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be used treating a health problem or a disease and that the materials here are not meant as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your ailment.