The medicinal and nutritional benefits of coconut oil are being pushed into mainstream consumer consciousness by the 50 members of the Virgin coconut oil Producers & Traders Association (VCO Phils) who participated in the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX)

IFEX is food and beverage exhibition held at the world Trade Center last May 13-15.

The exhibits of the coconut oil producers showed tat there is a solid network of producers and experts behind this old product. Coconut oil, which is a main ingredient in many regional delicacies, is also popular as a traditional product for many uses – from enhancing hair growth, moisturizing skin to delay ageing signs, to massage oil for body aches and even muscle strains.

Dr. Bruce Fife, a well-known naturopathic doctor, who wrote his second book “Coconut Cures”, declared that “coconut oil is the healthiest oil on Earth and it has healing properties. Dr. Fife launched the book during the IFEX event.

According to him, coconut oil in its virgin state has medicinal properties. If extracted through the cold process, its nutritional and medicinal aspects can help prevent many diseases, among them, heart disease and cancer. He said the product can boost the immune system, improve digestion, support healthy metabolic function and prevent bacterial infections.

Dr. Fife claims are based on his studies that show coconut oil has “high Medicinal Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA) that helps retard premature aging, reduces the load of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, promotes detoxification and weight loss, aids in thyroid function, and is a very good antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent.”

He said the healing wonders of coconut oil were popularized in the Philippines only in 2003 when a group of producers and traders organized themselves into the Virgin Coconut Oil Producers & Traders Association of the Philippines, Inc. The group was encouraged to spread the information on coconut oil due to the rising cost of modern medicine and the many studies that support its efficacy.

“Virgin coconut oil is good for the body. It can be taken internally because it acts as a food supplement. When applied externally, it can help promote healthy skin because it is also anti-fungal,” explained Teresa Santos, president of VCO Phils., Inc.

One of the Filipino brands of virgin coconut oil is Thera Virgin Coconut Oil from Manila Herbal & Essential Oils, Co. Inc. Ms. Jing Santos explained that the coconuts, grown in Southern Mindanao, are free from aflatoxins because these did not go through the ‘copra’ stage. The producers used a cold pressed method to maintain the natural state of the oil which solidifies below 23° C.

She explained that the virgin coconut oil of Manila Herbs help prevent ulcer, backpain, kidney and gallbladder stones. The oil also boosts the immune system because of monolaurine, a substance which has the similar effects of colostrums or mother’s milk on the body. It can also improve digestion and provide a source of energy without taxing the liver and the pancreas.

Another pioneer virgin coconut oil brand in the market is Prosource Virgin Coconut Oil. This product uses the traditional process of extracting virgin coconut oil through fermentation and filters to lessen the oil’s water content.

Its makers said this coconut acts as a food supplement that can help the body fight flu and prevent digestive disorders.

According to its manufacturer, its virgin coconut oil is also used in products like shampoo, massage oils and lotion.

A farmers’ cooperative took the initiative to produce the Maria Makiling Traditional Coconut Oil. They also ferment to extract the coconut oil in its purest form.

One of the producers, Gerry Natividad claimed his ulcer symptoms disappeared after taking the oil. Natividad cited many customers who had taken his product as claiming to have been healed of various ailments.

On the other hand, Rare Earth Virgin Coconut Oil claims to be effective in healing more serious ailments among them are candidiasis, eczema, psoriasis and amoebiasis. The producers also presented claims of customers who had cancer and kidney dysfunctions who noted feeling stronger despite undergoing other modalities of treatment.

Rare Earth uses a centrifuge machine to extract the virgin oil from the coconut meat and a vacuum evaporator to remove moisture. In effect, most of the moisture is removed which gives the oil a shelf life of about three years.

For more information on coconut oil, log on to www.vcophils.org. “Coconut Cures” and “The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil” by Dr. Bruce Fife are available at the VCO Phils., Inc. office is at Unit 20D Platinum 2000, 7 Annapolis St., Greenhills.