The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil seems to be all the rage right now, with many health benefits ascribed to it. It has not always been this way however, and for many years, coconut oil was thought of as an unhealthy saturated fat.  That view is changing and today, sales of this oil which is used in many ways is on the rise.

Coconut oil was actually quite popular in America before World War II, however with the war including Japan, this caused major supply problems for both coconuts and it’s derivatives as routes from the Philippines and other producing countries were cut off. As a result, other oils including vegetable oil became more readily available.

Today, the Philippines remains the highest producer of coconuts in the world, with an annual production of over 19,000,000 tonnes. Coconuts are now also cultivated in Mexico, India, Brazil and some parts of the Middle East.

Let’s take a look at why coconut oil is now considered a “healthy food” and at some of the curative and preventative qualities it may have:

Is All Saturated Fat Bad?

For many years, it has been thought that saturated fat as opposed to unsaturated fats, were dangerous and bad for the health. The view on this is changing somewhat with recent studies indicating that saturated fats may not be as harmful as once thought. In addition, the about half of the saturated fat that coconut oil is made up of is called Medium Chain Triglycerides, or MCT’s.  MCT’s are believed to be burned as energy quite quickly and do not seem to be stored in the body as fat.

It is because of these MCT’s in coconut oil that many claim an energy boost after consuming it. In addition,  MCT’s may also help to increase metabolism with a possible result in weight loss.

Coconut Oil As A Sunscreen

Many people have touted the benefits of coconut oil not just as an internal healthy food, but also when applied externally to troubled skin areas.  In addition, some will even use it claiming it has properties as a sunscreen.  However, if you are concerned about solar caused skin cancer, coconut oil may not be your best choice. According to the Mayo Clinic, coconut oil will block some sun rays – perhaps 20%, but a sun block with an SPF rating of 30 will block 97% of the sun’s rays.

On the other hand, you may still want to consider using coconut oil as a skin and hair enhancer as it has very moisturizing properties. There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that it can be used to help with healing of wounds, liver spots, and even bags under the eyes when regularly applied.

Coconut Oil May Help Prevent and Cure Infections

Coconut oil is an excellent source of lauric acid – a fatty acid that forms over 6% of human breast milk.  Lauric acid is known to have antimicrobial properties and as a result, may be effective at helping to prevent infections such as the common cold, flu, and pneumonia. A recent experiment involving children that had contracted bacterial caused pneumonia found that adding coconut oil with along with antibiotics that were prescribed appeared to cause a decrease in the severity of symptoms as well as a faster recovery than those who were on antibiotics alone.

Another study showed that lauric acid in coconut oil may be helpful in fighting Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which is responsible for a variety of infections including those involving the skin, respiratory system and joints.  The fact that coconut oil may be helpful in fighting these infections is interesting as the medical world is finding that bacteria is becoming more and more resistant to pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Coconut Oil Is An Antioxidant

Oxidative damage occurs throughout the body as we age and increased levels of oxidation can increase the rate of aging as well as disease.  Antioxidants consumed through diet and supplementation can help to slow this process down.  One study published (September 2013) in the journal Food and Function found that virgin coconut oil as a dietary supplement greatly reduced oxidative stress in liver, heart and kidney tissue.

One of the antioxidant compounds in virgin coconut oil, a polyphenol called ferulic acid is believed to have powerful properties that may even help to repair lung damage due to smoking.  In addition, there is evidence that ferulic acid in coconut oil may help in reducing cancerous tumor size, prevent or slowdown the onset of postmenopausal osteoporosis and there is ongoing research into the possibility of Alzheimer’s  prevention.

For an adult, two to four tablespoonfuls of virgin coconut oil is generally recommended in order to obtain the full antioxidant benefits.

Increased Libido

There is some medical  as well as a great deal of anecdotal evidence that daily consumption of virgin coconut oil may increase the libido in both men and women who, as they age may be experiencing a loss of desire in this area.  Presently, the only evidence of testosterone increase while consuming coconut oil is in a medical study involving rats however there is good reason to believe that this same effect may result in men as well.

Because of the nutrition in coconut oil, there is  also a very good possibility that studies will support the anecdotal evidence that adding this food to your diet may help you to increase your libido. Some women have claimed that their energy levels  increased after adding coconut oil and there are some men who have claimed to have had an almost immediate effect (within a few days) of having a much improved libido.

Improved Oral Health

In India, it’s been traditional to practice what is called “Oil Pulling” as a prevention against all kinds of diseases.  The practice involves swishing an oil, generally sesame seed oil, around the mouth and in between the teeth for about ten to twenty minutes  per day. It has been confirmed by studies that this does in fact “pull” bacteria from the mouth including gums, teeth and tongue into the oil.  The oil is then spat out of the mouth and should not be swallowed.

Recently a study was conducted on this traditional practice and it was discovered that coconut oil is a superior oil to use for the practice of oil pulling and indeed when done on a daily basis, a major improvement in oral health was observed.  In subjects that practiced oil pulling, there was also  a reduction in bacteria of the mouth. Other studies indicate that this practice using coconut oil may also reverse gum disease and repair damage while reducing plaque.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, oil pulling is also helpful for:

• Allergies
• Fatigue
• Skin Problems
• Arthritis
• Overall health and well-being

While further research is needed to confirm the benefits noted above, it is conceivable that if oil pulling is beneficial for oral health, other areas of physical health could also be improved.

Coconut Oil For Weight Loss

While it may seem counter intuitive that adding a fat or oil to your diet can help with weight loss, the fact is that virgin coconut oil can assist with dieting and weight reduction.  The reason for this is because of it’s make up as a Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil.  The human body does not readily store MCT’s as fat and instead there are several studies that show that consumption of MCT’s helps to burn fat while suppressing appetite.

There is some evidence that the MCT’s in coconut oil can actually increase energy and metabolism.

In addition to weight loss and energy increases, consuming a fat with MCT’s can help other nutrients to be absorbed by the body. Vitamins such as A, D, E and K are fat soluble and therefore require fat in order to be effective.  If you take CoQ10, you should take it with a fat such as coconut oil as it is also fat soluble and will have improved absorption than if no fat is consumed when taking CoQ10.

Which Coconut Oil To Use?

There is absolutely no doubt that the only coconut oil that you should use that which is labeled either “Virgin” or “Extra Virgin.” Processed coconut oil loses much of its health benefits and the majority of studies that show benefits of coconut oil use virgin oil. In addition, a study published in 2004 in Clinical Biochemistry proved that unhydrogenated virgin coconut oil was superior to refined types at reducing LDL’s (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).

In our opinion, we really like the Nutiva brand of Coconut Oil and the fact that it has a delightful subtle taste along with a pleasant aroma makes it easy to take on it’s own if you don’t want to cook with it.  Nutiva is also certified organic. Cooking with it is straightforward and some doctors recommend that if you are going to cook with any oil, make sure it is coconut oil.

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Virgin coconut oil natural Viagra

Apart from keeping cholesterol levels under control, three spoonfuls of virgin coconut oil (VCO) a day may enhance a person’s sex life, findings of a research study showed.
“Hindi lang pang-gata, pang-sex pa (Coconut meat extract is not only for cooking but also for sex),” Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala quipped in a press conference held at the Philippine Coconut Authority (Philcoa) building in Quezon City Wednesday.
A team of scientists and doctors from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) presented to journalists the results of a clinical study of the effects of VCO on the human body.
VCO refers to oil extracted from coconut meat or milk through the cold-compress method with the temperature not exceeding 47 degrees Celsius.
The study was the largest clinical research ever undertaken on the effects of VCO on cholesterol levels, Christina Binag of the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Science, the team leader, said.

VCO vs placebo drug


Commissioned by Philcoa, the study required 110 participants to take three tablespoons of VCO every day for four months while 79 others had a placebo drug for the same period.


Results indicated decreases in triglycerides, a kind of fat produced in the liver, and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), which is considered bad cholesterol, among the VCO takers. They also showed elevated high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol.


No change was seen in low density lipoprotein.


Scientists say that too much VLDL and other bad cholesterol types could lead to plaque formation in the inner lining of arteries that feed the heart and the brain. Clogged-up arteries could lead to a heart attack or stroke.


“This improved cholesterol to HDL ratio can be translated to making the individual less prone to having heart attack or stroke,” the UST team said. No change was seen in the lipid profile of the placebo group.


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Aside from the clinical effects, the study reported that those who took VCO felt stronger and healthier.


They reported regular bowel movement, increased appetite and stamina and better sleep, according to Binag.


Some study participants said they were more virile during the test phase.


“It was an interesting observation that 13 percent of the VCO takers experienced becoming sexually active in the whole duration of their participation in the VCO study,” the team said.


But the VCO group also reported negative effects, such as stomachache, soft bowel, sweating and nausea.


The study noted “other parameters” that were affected by the coconut oil.


“There was an unexplained rise in creatinine but still within the normal range. Elevations in Free Thyroid 3 and Free Thyroid 4 were noted due to enhanced thyroid function. No change was noted with BMI (body mass index) and weight,” it said.


“In the past, we only hear anecdotes of the benefits. Now, it’s the doctors and scientists who have confirmed it,” Alcala said.


Coconut farmers


The agriculture secretary said that those who would benefit from the study were not only those hoping to be more active in the bedroom.


It will also help the country’s coconut farmers as the medical evidence will boost the demand for VCO, he said.


The Philippines is the world’s top exporter of coconut products. In 2011, export earnings from coconut products, the country’s biggest farm export, reached $1.95 billion, a 20 percent growth from the previous year’s figure, said Philcoa Administrator Euclides Forbes.


Coconut oil remains the main growth driver, earning $1.4 billion, 12 percent higher than the 2010 receipt of $1.2 billion.


Although production value rose, the volume decreased to 1.5 billion metric tons in 2011 from 2.3 billion MT in 2010.


JG Apostol, an associate professor and chairman of the UST Department of Pharmacology, said the research team would be publishing the results of its study in a peer-reviewed international journal.


Other doctors from the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University reviewed the study and declared it sound and scientific

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DIY Effective Hair Treatment with Virgin Coconut Oil

W e all want to look our best all the time and taking good care of your crowning glory is a great way to enhance one’s appearance. The number of hair treatments and hairstyles available at the salon and spa just shows how obsessed so many people are on making their hair look as beautiful as possible. The good news is that hair treatments need not be so complicated or expensive. It is advisable not to spend so much on beauty treatment because natural and equally effective hair treatments can easily be done at home. VCO for Hot Oil Treatment Don’t know what to do with your dry and unmanageable hair? A do it yourself deep hair conditioning will make your hair smooth and shiny and the key ingredient you need is virgin coconut oil (VCO). For this hair treatment, choose cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. This type of VCO is manufactured without the use of heat so it ensures that all the antioxidant and other good properties of VCO is intact. All you need to do is to slightly heat the virgin coconut oil by submerging the VCO bottle in a small container filled with hot water. Do not heat the VCO directly into the fire. Putting the VCO in a microwave to heat is also a no-no. Prepare a hot towel After heating the VCO, simply apply it liberally on the hair and massage the oil in the scalp for a few minutes. After applying VCO in the hair ands scalp, wrap hair in a hot towel then wait for 30 minutes. Rinse the hair with your favorite shampoo and feel the positive efffects. You can also mix equal amounts of coconut oil and almond oil. Add a few drops of jojoba oil and apply it in your scalp. Do the same procedure as above treatment. Wrap hair with a hot towel and rinse with a shampoo. This natural hair treatment will make sure that your hair is healthy and it will show as your hair will be smooth, shiny, It will also promote hair growth and prevent baldness. In contrast to expensive commercial hair treatments that can leave the hair damaged and even drier. Virgin Coconut Oil ( 100% Vegetarian )

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Coconut Oil Can Help You Achieve a Slim Waistline

Who doesn’t want a slim waistline and toned abs? Many people aspire to have a smaller waistline because of aesthetic purposes. However, maintaining a slim waistline is important not only because it makes one look good but more so because it is a sign of good health.



It can be said that the life expectancy of an individual can be predicted just by looking at the waistline. The big size of your waist can mean a buildup of visceral fat. This type of fat is dangerous as it is being linked to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.



Reducing the size of one’s waist is not easy; it takes effort and discipline. It means regular exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables and avoiding harmful vices.




One supplement to one’s diet that can help one achieve a slim waistline is coconut oil and this has been proven by research. Research proves that coconut oil can help one lose weight and lower cholesterol levels. This is possible because coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids that stimulates metabolism and promote weight loss.



What is a Healthy Waistline?



To check if your waistline is in the healthy range, you can check the measurement the distance from the abdomen area below the rib cage to the top of the belly button, then refer to the guide below:



For Male: a measurement from 37 to 40 inches is overweight while more than 40 inches is considered obese.



For Female: a measurement from 31.5-34.6 inches is overweight and more than 34.6 inches is considered obese



Coconut Oil Can Give You Your Ideal Waistline



A research study showed that adding coconut oil to the food of 20 obese men for one month significantly reduced their waist size.



Researchers said, “Virgin coconut oil is efficacious for WC [waist circumference] reduction especially in males and it is safe for use in humans."



A similar study on women was done for three months and it showed that coconut oil as a supplement in one’s diet reduce waist size.

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ive Ways VCO Can Make Cooking More Fun

Are you convinced about the health benefits of virgin coconut oil (VCO) but only uses it topically? You probably find the taste of VCO not so appealing so you find it hard to consume this natural product.



However the best way to get the most out of VCO is by adding it in one’s daily diet. Well, instead of taking coconut oil as it is, there is an easy way to consume it- by using it as a regular cooking ingredient. Coconut oil is a great cooking companion because it would make your food tastier and healthier



Here are five reasons why you would want to keep a bottle of VCO in your kitchen cabinet:



Add flavor to plain rice. Add a tablespoon or two of virgin coconut oil in cooking white or brown rice.



Make yummier eggs. Use coconut oil to make scrambled eggs. Remember to keep the heat low to avoid scorching the oil.



Add a twist to your regular hot drinks. Add a bit of VCO in coffee or tea but make sure that the drinks are not boiling hot before adding vco. Adding coconut oil to very hot drinks would heat the oil too and you may suffer from burns in mouths and lips.



Make your popcorn sizzle. Try cooking popcorn kernels on the stove top with coconut oil.



Enjoy Delicious yoghurt or smoothies. Add virgin coconut oil to your healthy drinks.

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Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar

If you are craving for something sweet but are worried of its ill effects on your health, may we suggest that you consider using coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is a treat for people with sweet tooth because it will allow them to satisfy their sweet cravings without feeling guilty.



It was reported that the good health benefits of coconut sugar has been proven by studies. It is recommended even for people with diabetes. Coconut sugar can also be used for people who wants to lose weight or to those who wants to maintain their ideal weight.



Coconut sugar is classified as a low glycemic index food with GLI of 35. A diet filled with low glycemic foods is beneficial on the body because it prevents life-threatening diseases.



The executive director of United Coconut Associations of the Philippines, Ms Yvonee Agustine, said in a technical presentation during a Cocotech meeting event that coconut sugar lowers bad cholesterol thus it prevent or cure heart diseases.



The next time you want some sweet pastries, dishes or drinks, make or buy one with coconut sugar because it is a natural and healthy sweetener.

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Why is Virgin Coconut Oil the Healthiest oil on Earth?

Yes, you are finally convinced, virgin coconut oil is good for you. But the claim that Virgin coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth raises your eyebrows and makes you frown. There are so many vegetable oils to choose from, each of them equally beneficial. How can virgin coconut oil be the best when it used to be considered as the worst? Is virgin coconut oil being overrated or is it simply stating an accurate fact. Proofs: Dr. Bruce Fife, a naturopathic doctor and the author of books like “Coconut Cures” and “The Coconut Miracle” referred to coconut oil as the healthiest oil on earth. This is because of the wide range of diseases that it can heal and the numerous benefits it can do to our body. Results of many scientific studies prove this statement thereby destroying the notion that coconut oil increases cholesterol levels and is therefore unhealthy. Clinical studies have shown that coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, giving hope even for AIDS patients. The bad reputation of coconut oil stems from the fact that it is full of saturated fat. But coconut oil contains a unique form of saturated fat that is different from those found in animal and some vegetable fats. Virgin coconut oil is the best source of medium and short chain fatty aids. Unlike other fats, it is not stored and become cellulite. Rather it is immediately converted to energy, speeds up metabolism, promote weight loss, and can heal diseases. Aside from its nutritional value, it can also be used for cosmetics and cooking purposes. It is not only good for the skin and hair. It can also be added to your favorite dish. Virgin coconut oil is pure so it is safe to use and contains no harmful food additives. The coconut oil contains a special group of fats similar from those found in human breast milk. This characteristic of virgin coconut oil will ease digestion problems, improve the immune system, and can be use to fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical effects.” Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D (Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University) said this about lauric oils. Coconut Oil Extra Virgin Fluid Ounces

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