Filipina Soul

Christina of eBeautyDaily made a short piece on the beauty of extra virgin coconut oil. This being a product of the Philippines, I can’t help but promote it in this site of course. I’ve been hearing a lot about this coconut product for some time now, no less than from my own Dad who’s been taking 2 tablespoons after every meal daily for the past year. What is extra virgin coconut oil (AVCO)?

Virgin coconut oil is oil extracted from fresh coconuts through a natural process, without the use of chemicals, additives, or preservatives. It is called “virgin” due to its pure, raw, pristine, and unadulterated state.

Cocobuko.com will answer more of your FAQa about AVCO. Here, too, is a list of its benefits according to CoconutOil-Online:

Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease
Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions
Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections
Supports immune system function
Helps control diabetes
Provides an immediate source of energy
Supports healthy metabolic function
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health
Promotes weight loss
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Has a mild delicate flavor
Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)
Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking)
Helps keep skin soft and smooth
Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin
Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes
Functions as a protective antioxidant

However, being the natural skeptic that I am, and as a scientist, I had to test the claims of this wonder oil for myself, and so I checked out the biomedical journals of the National Library of Medicine. Here’s what I found out from peer-reviewed journals:

Coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer in treating mild to moderate xerosis (a common skin condition characterized by dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin). (Source: Dermatitis. 2004 Sep;15(3):109-16)

Virgin coconut oil has the potential benefit of lowering lipid levels and of oxidizing LDL (helping breakdown the bad cholesterol). This property of VCO may be attributed to the biologically active polyphenol components present in the oil. (Source: Clin Biochem. 2004 Sep;37(9):830-5.)

… which means that virgin coconut oil is definitely good for the body. So, stock up and enjoy its benefits for good health and beauty!

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