Virgin Coconut Oil: The Truth Behind The Miracle Oil

Virgin coconut oil has been dubbed as “The Miracle Oil”. What exactly is in the oil that has gotten medical experts to homeowners singing praises?

Apparently this natural oil has so many benefits ranging from health to personal and home use.

Virgin oil is high in vitamins and minerals and has a distinct taste and scent. It is pale yellow to colourless in appearance, and high quality virgin oil is residue free. Standards set by the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines (the world’s largest exporter of coconut goods), require a maximum of 20% moisture and volatile content and should be free of food additives.

What’s the Difference Between Virgin Coconut Oil and The Usual Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is segregated into two categories: RBD (refined, bleached, deodorized) and “virgin.” The difference lies in how the oil is processed. RBD is obtained from copra (dried kernel of the coconut) while virgin coconut oil is made from the fresh meat of the coconut. Generally, refined oil is considered as having a lower quality than virgin oil.

The Benefits of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil benefits are evident with many commercial products that incorporate virgin oil in their active ingredients. Virgin coconut oil can be seen in commodities such as shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, health supplements, massage oils and many more.

1. Natural antibiotic – Medium chain fatty acids present in virgin oil possess antimicrobial components such as lauric acid, caprylic acid and caulic acid. These elements are effective in attacking microbes differently providing the body with a powerful shield against diseases. Monolaurin which is derived from lauric acid, is considered to have the best antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.

The antimicrobial elements in virgin oil is said to be similar to those found in human breast milk that serves as the source of nourishment and protection from diseases for newborn babies.

2. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels – Coconut oil has been wrongly assumed to be bad for the heart considering the abundance of fatty acids present in the oil. However, research has shown that virgin coconut oil is actually good for the heart, and the triglycerides present will help lower LDL levels or bad cholesterol. The oil also helps maintain a steady blood pressure level, and is helpful in boosting the health of the heart.
3. Cancer fighting – Virgin oil contains antioxidant properties that fight against the development of free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for cancer forming cells. Eliminating these will help prevent the deadly disease of cancer, while promoting maximum cell and tissue health.
4. Skin and hair – Virgin oil contains natural emollients that traps moisture and keeps skin healthy and glowing. Proteins that are capable of penetrating hair shafts are also responsible for the effectiveness of virgin oil in making hair bouncy and full of life.
5. Effective Detoxifier – Taking 3 tablespoons of virgin oil will help cleanse the body from harmful toxins that is obtained from pollution in the air, water, and the food that we eat. Detoxifying with virgin oil can greatly prevent the formation of disease in the various organs of the body.

Some manufacturers may also advertise their product as “extra virgin coconut oil”. There is really no official classification for “extra virgin.” This term is derived from olive oil manufacturing where there is a wide difference between the composition of virgin and extra virgin olive oil. However, this does not apply to coconut oil, and this is most likely a marketing strategy of companies to urge people to buy their product.
Virgin coconut oil is highly effective in keeping all around organ health, making it a good product for daily consumption. Taking a few spoonfuls of virgin oil daily will help prevent unwanted disease.