What is virgin coconut oil (VCO)

Though there is no universal definition for virgin coconut oil, it is generally agreed that virgin
coconut oil should be produced from freshly harvested coconut. So, the first characteristic of virgin
coconut oil is that VCO is made from fresh coconut meat. Normal coconut oil is made from dried
coconut meat known as copra.
One definition given by Kamariah et al can be found in their research paper entitled Physico-
chemical and quality characteristics of virgin coconut oil A Malaysian survey, published in the Journal
of Tropical Agriculture and Food Science in 36(2)(2008). Kamariah and fellow researchers define virgin
coconut oil as minimally processed product which has not undergone any further processing such as
refining, bleaching and deodorization.
The above definition shouts freshness and minimal processing. Intensive processing will surely
molest the quality of the oil. Normal coconut oil is obtained from copra (dried coconut meat) which
must be processed before it is fit for consumption. The processes involved refining, bleaching and
deodorization. Thats why it is also known as RBD coconut oil, where the letters represent the respective
processes.

Sources of VCO
The raw material or coconut used to produce virgin coconut oil will be the primary factor that
determines the quality. Coconut belongs to the species Cocos and is known as Cocos nucifera. There are
different types of coconut trees. The differences are due to different cultivars, some short, some tall,
some more cold hardy, some more resistant to drought, etc.

Content of VCO
Coconut oil is a fat consisting of about 90% saturated fat. The oil contains predominantly
medium chain triglycerides, with roughly 92% saturated fatty acids, 6% monounsaturated fatty acids,
and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Of the saturated fatty acids, coconut oil is primarily 44.6% lauric
acid, 16.8% myristic acid a 8.2% palmitic acid and 8% caprylic acid, although it contains seven different
saturated fatty acids in total.
Its only monounsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid while its only polyunsaturated fatty acid is
linoleic acid. Unrefined coconut oil melts at 24-25C (76F) and smokes at 177C (350F), while refined
coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 232C (450F).

The benefits of VCO
Virgin coconut oil is different from other cooking oils in that it has medium-chain fatty acids
rather than long-chain fatty acids. It also contains caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid, all good
compounds that are beneficial to our health.
Weight loss: if youre looking to lose belly fat, youll be pleased with a recent study
that showed women who consumed virgin coconut oil daily lost fat in their abdominal area. This is
supported by a 1986 study by TB Seaton et al in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that showed
people who ate meals containing medium-chain fatty acids increased their metabolic rate an average of
12%, compared to only 4% in those eating meals with long-chain fatty acids. This helps prove the theory
that the body uses virgin coconut oil for energy and does not store it as fat thus promoting weight loss.
Better digestion: many of us are familiar with the discomfit and pain associated with
irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and indigestion. By incorporating virgin coconut oil into your
diet, you will find a significant reduction in your digestive problems. Virgin coconut oil fights unhealthy
bacteria in your gut and also assists in nutrient absorption within the body.
More efficient thyroid: some patients with hypothyroidism have reportedly been able to
improve or reverse altogether their condition by consuming extra virgin coconut oil daily. Although the
results are not conclusive, you might want to give this a try should you have hypothyroidism. But consult
your doctor first before going off any kind of prescribed medication.
Healthier heart: studies have shown that virgin coconut oil can reduce the risk of high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Thats because the saturated fats in
virgin coconut oil contain about 50% lauric acid that is heart-friendly while reducing the incidence of
injury in arteries.
Stronger immune system: virgin coconut oil also has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial
properties that aid the body in fending off disease and illness thanks to the anti-microbial lipids, lauric
acid, capric acid and caprylic acid that it contains.
Healthier skin: virgin coconut oil has immense antioxidant properties and makes a
great moisturiser. It also helps fight bacteria and other skin problems including rashes, dermatitis, acne,
wrinkles, eczema, and psoriasis. If you have an area of skin that is irritated, rub coconut oil on the skin to
soothe the inflammation and reduce the symptoms. It also makes a great massage oil and helps in
delaying the signs of premature ageing when used on your face.
Healthier hair and scalp: virgin coconut oil helps reduce protein loss during washing. For shinier,
stronger and tangle-free hair, rub just a little onto your hair and scalp after a good wash. Apart from
being an excellent conditioner, virgin coconut oil also helps in the re-growth of damaged hair and
provides essential proteins for nourishing damaged hair.

Price of VCO

Rm 30.00/box
- Each box contain 30 capsules
- Easy to digest and absorb by the body