What is virgin coconut oil?

Coconut cultivation is common in countries such as Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other tropical countries. Coconut is wide used by the peoples in these countries for centuries. The coconut milk and oil is commonly used for cooking, coconut shell is turned into charcoal, and the husk and leaves are used to make a variety of products for furnishings and decorating. Coconut oil is also used to produce soaps and cosmetics.

Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. The difference between conventional coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is the oil-making process. Conventional coconut oil-making process uses hexane as a solvent to extract the oil. After that, the coconut oil is refine to remove certain free fatty acids to extend shelf-life.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) on the other hand, is unrefined. It is produced from fresh coconut milk. The coconut milk is pressed from the fresh coconut meat. The coconut milk is then fermented and the oil is separated from the water. All the nutrients and beneficial medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are preserved.

The amazing benefits of virgin coconut oil

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is made up healthy fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These unique fats include: Caprylic acid, Lauric acid, and Capric acid. Around 91 percent of the fat in coconut oil is healthy natural saturated fat and over 40% of the fat is lauric acid. The medium chain triglycerides are converted to energy by the liver instead of being stored as fat. Medium chain triglycerides also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil has been researched extensively in recent years.

1. Virgin Coconut Oil helps increase the healthy HDL cholesterol

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) contains natural saturated fats which may raise the good HDL cholesterol in your body. As a result of increasing the HDL in the body, many experts believe it helps to lower the risk of heart disease and improves metabolic health.

2. Virgin Coconut Oil can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi

The lauric acid found in virgin coconut oil when digested, forms a substance called monolaurin. The overgrowth of bad bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites in the body are the cause of many diseases. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can help kill bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and the yeast Candida albicans, a common source of yeast infections. This could potentially help to boost your immune system.

3. Virgin Coconut Oil protects your hair and skin

Virgin coconut oil can be applied topically. It is used as a skin and hair moisturiser. It has many antioxidants that can help to protect and heal your skin and hair. The fatty acids (caprylic and lauric) in virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and could help reduce symptoms of eczema. Studies have found that virgin coconut oil can block up to 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

4. Virgin Coconut Oil raises your metabolism

One of the amazing benefits of virgin coconut oil is that the liver can quickly convert it into energy. As a result, this leads to an increase in metabolism which will give you a boost of energy as well as improving endurance. A higher metabolism is beneficial in losing weight by burning fat and calories.

5. Virgin Coconut Oil can improve brain function

Recent studies has shown that some people with mild symptoms of Alzheimer’s had improved memory, attention, and cognition after supplementing their diet with medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Ketones are created by the liver when medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are metabolised into energy. Ketones could create an alternate source of energy for the brain. It has been shown to help with brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.

How to use virgin coconut oil:

• Apply topically to moisturise dry skin
• Use as a natural hair conditioner
• Add to your smoothies and beverages
• Great for baking or stir fry
• Perfect for grilling and barbeque