virgin-coconut-oil-blog

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO): Extraction, Uses, and Benefits

The Coconut Oil has been around for a long time. Many people have realized its wonders and have utilized it in innumerable ways. Then, came the Virgin Coconut Oil or now popularly known as VCO. At first, consumers doubted VCO. It was thought as another fad, that corporations just affixed the word “virgin” to the label to give their product something extra. Consumers thought that VCO is just a repackaged ordinary coconut oil. What they did not know is that Virgin Coconut Oil is different from coconut oil and it is truly something special.

How to Extract Virgin Coconut Oil

            The Virgin Coconut Oil is called as such because of the purity of its extraction process which did not involve harsh methods such as using heat or applying any chemical. VCO is extracted by pressing freshest white coconut meat. Through this process, VCO is 100% natural and retains its inherent antioxidants and nutrients. Because of the extraction method, Virgin Coconut Oil does not have any pungent smell which makes it more pleasing to use.

Uses and Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

            Coconut tree is dubbed as “The Miracle Tree” because of its countless uses and benefits. It is almost as if every part of the coconut tree can be utilized. Since Virgin Coconut Tree is a by-product of the miracle tree, it also carries coconut’s flexibility and usefulness. Here are some of VCO’s uses and benefits:

1. Virgin Coconut Oil in diets

For our diets, VCO is best consumed as an additive after the food is cooked. Because its extraction does not use heat, it is also recommended that its application to our food does not also involve heat. This is to keep Virgin Coconut Oil’s nutrients intact. Simply drizzle it to salads, savory dishes, even to desserts, and enjoy the following health benefits:

  • VCO can speed up metabolism

It naturally contains MCT or medium-chain triglycerides. These are fatty acids are quickly absorbed by the body, hence speeding up the amount of calories the body can burn.

  • VCO can improve brain functions

VCO is rich in MCTs. These fatty acids are broken down in the liver and are converted to ketones which are known to be the brain food. Having a healthy amount of MCTs in the body can lessen the risk of having brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.  

  • VCO provides good cholesterol

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are two kinds of proteins, specifically known as “lipoproteins”, which carry cholesterol throughout our body through the blood: the bad (LDL) and good (HDL) cholesterol.

While the bad (LDL) cholesterol increases the risk of heart diseases, the good (HDL) cholesterol which VCO is rich of, decreases your chances of getting heart diseases.

  • VCO is a clean energy source

Ketogenic diet is very fond of VCO because it is an excellent energy source, alternative to carbohydrates. Since VCO is packed with MCTs, the body burns its fats instead of burning carbohydrates for energy. With this, the body can lose weight and body fat.

2. Virgin Coconut Oil in health and fitness

This generation is more health-conscious than any previous generations. One apparent proof is the increasing number of gyms. Almost all neighborhoods in cities have at least one gym and people apply for membership in an effort to get fit and to be relatively look good. However, working out is not enough to be in good shape. Whatever we intake plays a vital role in getting the body we have long been dreaming of. Here are some ways how consuming Virgin Coconut Oil can improve your health and aid you to fitness:

  • VCO can reduce weight

Aside from speeding up metabolism, MCT or the medium-chain triglycerides staunch cravings. The decrease in food intake also means a decrease in calorie intake. This eventually results in weight loss especially if diets with VCO are incorporated with workouts or physical activities.

  • VCO can protect the liver

With the right amount of Virgin Coconut Oil either consumed alone or incorporated in meals, the saturated fats found in VCO protect the liver from toxins usually brought by excessive alcohol intake.

  • VCO can strengthen bones

Free radicals destroy bone cells and eventually weaken our bones. Thankfully, Virgin Coconut Oil is famous for having antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, hence strengthening and protecting our bones.

3. Virgin Coconut Oil in beauty

For sure you have heard beauty gurus include the Virgin Coconut Oil in their morning or evening facial care routines. Some consider VCO as their secret weapon for their ever-young look. Indeed, it is no-secret that the Virgin Coconut Oil can work wonders in our body and beauty. Gently massage the oil on your skin and notice the immediate amazing results.

  •  VCO can protect you from the sun

Ultraviolet (UV) rays emanated by the sun can damage our skin. Intense exposure to UV rays can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

For a quick skin protection, you can apply Virgin Coconut Oil to your skin. VCO is found to have SPF 7. Be reminded that VCO is not a substitute for sunscreen. It is just a quick DIY fix if you do not have access to sunscreen.

  •  VCO can moisturize your skin

Apply Virgin Coconut Oil on your skin and notice its moisturizing effect. If you have chapped lips, cracked heels, simply use VCO. Virgin Coconut Oil is such an amazing moisturizer that some cosmetic brands use it as their moisturizer base.

  • VCO can condition and protect your hair

Elders have long used coconut oil as their hair conditioner. Now that Virgin Coconut Oil is readily available to us, it is easier to tap into its natural hair moisturizing effects. 10-20 minutes before you shower, simply massage your scalp with VCO. Also apply it on your hair strands and make sure that you will not leave out your ends. Afterwards, rinse and notice that your hair is much better before the “natural hair treatment”.  

4. Virgin Coconut Oil’s Bonuses            

VCO truly lives to its source, “The Miracle Tree”, because of its unending usages. More than being beneficial to our bodies, this wonder oil can be also utilized in other unexpected areas. Here are some bonus uses of the brilliant Virgin Coconut Oil:

  • VCO can improve dental health

If you want to protect your precious teeth from plaque and tooth decay, simply gargle with VCO for few minutes. Virgin Coconut Oil is found to kill bacteria in your mouth, just like the commonly used commercial mouthwash.

  •  VCO can revive your furniture

Your wood fixtures need shine? Simply polish them with Virgin Coconut Oil. Your furniture will be rejuvenated, plus they can be dust-proof due to a coating brought by VCO.

  • VCO can remove stains

Mix equal parts of VCO and baking soda until the mixture becomes a paste. Now, you have a stain-remover for your rugs and even on your furniture. Let the mixture soak in the stain for few minutes and wipe the stain away.

The Virgin Coconut Oil Wonder

            Virgin Coconut Oil never ceases to amaze us with its countless uses. It is as if VCO can be beneficial in almost all aspects of our lives – from our food to our furniture. Make sure you get Greenville’s Virgin Coconut Oil because you will never know when you will need a quick fix from the wonderful VCO.