By Sunetra Talaulikar Virgin coconut oil (VCO), extracted from fresh coconut meat without chemical processes is said to be the "mother of all oils". It is rich in medium chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid and is a treasure trove of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and is an excellent nutraceutical.
It has about 50% lauric acids, having qualities similar to mother's milk, thus confirming its disease-fighting ability. When lauric acid enters human body it gets converted to Monolaurin, which has the ability to enhance immunity. Several studies have confirmed that this compound has the ability to kill viruses including herpes and numerous other bacteria. Its antiviral effect has the ability to considerably reduce the viral load of HIV patients. VCO is not subjected to high temperatures, solvents or refinement procedures and therefore retains the fresh scent and taste of coconuts. It is rich in vitamin E, is non-greasy, non-staining and is widely used in soaps, lotions, creams and lip balms. The health benefits of VCO are second to none; ranging from speeding up body metabolic system and providing immunity against a horde of commonly prevalent diseases. Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil Virgin Coconut oil benefits are similar in structure to the fats in mothers milk that gives baby immunity to disease. Virgin Coconut Oil possess anti inflammatory, anti microbial and anti oxidant properties hence protects heart from arthrosclerosis. Virgin Coconut Oil is also digested easily and does not require pancreatic digestive e enzymes and bile and goes directly to the liver for conversion into energy. Virgin Coconut Oil improves the nutritional value if food by increasing absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Virgin Coconut Oil is mainly based in cosmetic products which provide skin health. Coconut oil has several industrial applications, but Virgin Coconut Oil is unique among all other vegetable oils because of its high lauric acid content. It is used as: Hair and skin conditioner, Oil base for various cosmetic and skin care products, Carrier oil for aroma therapy and massage oil, Nutraceuticals and functional food. The author is Subjuct Matter Specialist in Home Science at Krishi Vigyan Kendra at ICAR. Ela, Old Goa (Press Information Bureau)