Health benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Virgin coconut oil is considered a nutra-ceutical, a substance that nourishes and also protects and heals. Studies have suggested the following. • The medium chain (C8–C12) fats in coconut oil are similar in structure to the fats in mother’s milk that gives babies immunity from disease and have similar effects (Kabara 2000). • Coconut oil possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties that work together to protect the arteries from atherosclerosis and the heart from cardiovascular disease (Fife 2004). •It is cholesterol-free, trans-fat free and heart-healthy (Verallo-Rowell 2005). • It boosts the immune system (Dayrit 2005). • It protects against heart disease by increasing high density lipoprotein which collects the excess or unused cholesterol in the body for excretion in the liver (Blackburn et al. 1989 cited in Dayrit 2005). • Monolaurin, which is formed by the body when coconut oil is ingested, provides protection against infectious diseases caused by lipid-coated microorganisms (Kabara 2000). Diseases caused by such pathogens are not ordinarily cured by known antibiotics. • It is digested easily without the need for bile and goes direct to the liver for conversion into energy (Dayrit 2005). • It stimulates metabolism, boosts energy and prevents deposition of fats, thereby helping to prevent obesity (Dayrit 2003). • It improves the nutritional value of food by increasing the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids (Fife 2004). • It inhibits the action of cancer-forming substances (Lim-Syliangco 1987).
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 10:53:29 +0000
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