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Definition of Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is pure oil extracted from fresh coconut meat. It will have a fresh, clean coconut smell and taste and should be colorless. Throughout the world VCO is used for cooking, beauty and healing purposes.

  1. Production Methods

    • There are three ways to produce VCO, and is never refined, bleached or deodorized.
      Drying: Fresh coconut meat is quickly dried using low heat to produce the oil.
      Wet-milling: Fresh coconut meat is pressed to produce the coconut milk, then the oil is separated from the water and solids with a variety of methods.
      Fermentation: Coconut milk is extracted from fresh coconuts, then undergoes one to three days of fermentation, which allows the oil to separate from the water and solids.

    Medicinal Benefits

    • VCO naturally contains beneficial medium chain fatty acids, including lauric acid, also found in human breast milk. VCO strengthens the immune system, and will naturally kill viruses, fungi and bacteria.

    Cooking

    • The easiest way to cook with VCO is simply to replace any other oils or butter in your favorite recipes. VCO has a slight coconut taste, and is delicious for stir fries, muffins, smoothies, brewed hot tea, oatmeal or spread on bread. It is solid at room temperature, or run the jar under warm water to melt quickly into an oil.

    External Uses

    • Ordinary skin lotion can be replaced with VCO for smooth, glowing, youthful skin. Skin fungus issues like eczema, athletes foot and dandruff can benefit from two to three applications of VCO daily.
      Thick, curly hair will benefit by replacing hair grease or hair serum with VCO. This will heal and protect the hair, as well as prevent scalp fungus and promote hair growth. For straight hair, use as a conditioner and rinse out. You can also rub VCO on nails for growth and shine.

    Weight Loss

    • Three tbsp. of VCO throughout the day can promote weight loss. Eat plain or incorporate VCO into your regular diet. The effect is most likely caused by killing candida (yeast) and other bacteria within the body, thus speeding the metabolism and giving way to a higher energy level. Another factor may be that VCO acts as a colon cleanse, flushing out impurities.

    Warning

    • If you are not used to eating coconut oil, start with a small amount. You may have an upset stomach the first day or so as your body adjusts and flushes out impurities. If you are using VCO to treat medical conditions, or you have other medical conditions, or are taking medications, please talk to your doctor first.

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