Definition of Virgin Coconut Oil
The term virgin coconut oil (VCO) describes an oil that is extracted from a fresh, mature coconut kernel using mechanical or natural means, either with or without the use of heat and without the need for chemical processing.
VCO is made wet with coconut milk, as opposed to refined coconut oil, which is made dry from copra. Using the wet process, numerous techniques for producing coconut oil have been reported. There are currently no set specifications for manufacturing VCO. According to the definition of virgin oil, an oil can be classified as virgin crude oil (VCO) as long as it does not undergo the refined base distillation (RBD) process and does not undergo any alteration in its nature.
Nutritional Content
It may sound alarming to learn that fat accounts for nearly all of the calories in coconut oil, but fat is also an essential macronutrient needed for many bodily functions. In order to produce hormones, protect the organs, absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and maintain a normal body temperature, fat is necessary.
Calories
With 13.5 grams of fat per tablespoon and 9 calories per gram of fat, one tablespoon of coconut oil provides approximately 120 calories.
Excellent Energy Enhancer
Coconut oil is widely used by bodybuilders, weight watchers, and athletes. Coconut oil’s lipid is instantly converted into a quick energy source, avoiding the accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Moreover, it enhances the vitality, endurance, and general performance of athletes.
Saturated Fat
Because it elevates blood levels of bad cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease, saturated fat is always seen as harmful. In a typical diet, saturated fat should not make up more than 10% of total calories. Lauric acid makes up half of the 90% saturated fat in a spoonful of coconut oil. Compared to all other forms of saturated fat, this one has an entirely distinct chemical structure that promotes the growth of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. Use caution though, as it still contains a lot of calories and fat. It is believed that medium-chain triglycerides break down efficiently in the body.
About 40% of total fat is made up of lauric acid, which is followed by palmitic, myristic, capric, and caprylic acids. The conversion of lauric to monolaurin by the body aids in the defense against viruses and diseases. Monocarpin, a potent antibacterial agent, is created when capric acid combines with bacterial enzymes.
Myristic, caprylic, and caproic acids are strong antifungal and antibacterial agents. Excellent cleaning and consolidating properties are provided by stearic acid, which is frequently used in skincare basics.
Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, are both present in virgin coconut oil.
Gallic acid, a polyphenol found in coconut oil, is what gives it its peculiar flavor and wonderful aroma. Polyphenols can be found in abundance in virgin coconut oil.
Alcohol and Fatty Acid Derivatives
It also includes a large number of derivatives, including monoglycerides, fatty esters, fatty polysorbates, ethoxylates, betaines, and polyol ester. Fatty alcohol sulfate, fatty alcohol ether sulfate, and fatty chlorides are a few examples of fatty alcohol derivatives.
Minerals and Vitamins
While the content of vitamins and minerals in coconut oil is not great, it does include some in trace amounts. Iron is a mineral found in it that helps carry oxygen to every cell in the body. Additionally, coconut oil has traces of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that prevents free radical damage to your cells, and vitamin K, which aids in blood coagulation.
Also read : Brominated Vegetable Oil, It’s Controversy, and It’s Recent Banning
Advantages of Virgin Coconut Oil for Health
Together with its unique and exotic flavor, coconut oil has an amazing nutritional profile that promotes overall wellness. Outstanding health advantages include improving heart health by raising good cholesterol levels, promoting weight loss, reducing the symptoms of infections, improving the health of the skin and hair, promoting digestion, and bolstering immunity.
Increase HDL cholesterol levels
Literature from Harvard Medical School claims that using coconut oil increases HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, which supports heart health. Never forget that moderation is the key to good health—use it sparingly.
Coconut can aid in weight loss and burn belly fat, claims Journal Lipids. Unlike all other dietary oils, coconut oil is easily absorbed and supports normal thyroid and endocrine system function. Research from the University Sains Malaysia indicates that using coconut oil can increase the body’s metabolic rate by reducing pancreatic stress, burning calories, and helping obese people lose weight.
Encourages Heart Health
There is strong evidence that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, which are readily absorbed by the intestine and can be used by the body to produce energy, make up almost half of the lipids in coconut oil. MCTs also don’t transfer cholesterol.
Research on people with heart disease revealed that consuming a diet high in virgin coconut oil raised good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol.
Manages Alzheimer’s disease
According to a recent study, consuming coconut oil helps Alzheimer’s patients think more clearly, especially in the areas of language and orientation. MCTs, which are abundant in ketones and have been linked to better memory, are found in coconut oil.
Stop Candida Infection
Candida albicans, a type of yeast that grows excessively in the stomach, is the hallmark of the severe condition known as candidiasis. A study that was published in the Journal of Medicinal Food claims that coconut oil lessens inflammation brought on by candida. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil keep the skin from peeling. Lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid found in coconut oil aid in preventing Candida albicans from growing.
Enhances Dental Health
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of oil pulling in treating a range of dental conditions, such as halitosis and plaque. Moreover, gingivitis-related plaque accumulation can be significantly reduced by oil pulling using coconut oil.
Gastrointestinal Health
One of the essential fatty acids in coconut oil is lauric acid, and monolaurin possesses potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. These characteristics aid in controlling the many fungi, bacteria, and parasites that cause digestive issues.
Stress Reduction
Pure virgin coconut oil aromatherapy is very relaxing and helps to release tension. Coconut oil has antioxidant properties that make it a gentle massage oil for relieving mental tension and fatigue.
Diabetes
Increased insulin secretion and blood sugar stabilization are two benefits of pure virgin coconut oil. Additionally, it encourages appropriate blood glucose utilization, which helps manage diabetes.
Bone Health
Your body can more easily absorb essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which are needed for the development of bones, when you use coconut oil. It is therefore particularly advantageous for women, who are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis after the age of forty.
Manages Epilepsy
The MCT ketogenic diet is beneficial for treating drug-resistant epilepsy and refractory pediatric epilepsy, according to several studies. As part of a ketogenic diet, the benefits of MCTs in coconut oil are utilized to reduce epilepsy and seizures.
Conclusion
In addition to providing athletes with a great source of energy, coconut oil also lowers cholesterol and promotes heart health. It can also help with weight loss. Because of its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to treat a wide range of illnesses, such as Candida infections, preserve tooth health, and aid with digestion. Additionally, coconut oil may be able to treat diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and bone health.
Because of its adaptability and holistic healing properties, virgin coconut oil is a great addition to any diet or exercise regimen. As with any nutritional component, moderation is key, but including VCO into daily life can significantly enhance general health and wellbeing.
Source :
Binu, S. (2023, December 11). Virgin coconut oil: Uses, nutrition and health benefits. Netmeds. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/virgin-coconut-oil-uses-nutrition-and-health-benefits
Marina, A. M., Man, Y. B. C., & Amin, I. (2009). Virgin coconut oil: emerging functional food oil. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 20(10), 481–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2009.06.003