Hello everyone!
It has been awhile since I introduced myself to you. As promised, I will be up for sharing research and insights that might be useful for you all.
At this moment, I will share with you as to why researchers and/or innovators in the country should opt to use Virgin Coconut Oil as an agent in innovating more beauty and topical products. This is also to entire Filipinos to switch in using Virgin Coconut Oil.
This is not to go against the production of Aloe Vera gel, but to provide a bigger venue for the Virgin Coconut Oil as an alternative.
By the way, what is Virgin Coconut Oil?
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is the oil from the fresh and mature kernel of the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) through mechanical and natural means, either with the use of heat or not provided that it does not lead to alteration or transformation of the oil (APCC, 2003). It is used for cooking, health and beauty care.
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299371254_Health_benefits_of_virgin_coconut_oil
Here are the following reasons:
Economic reason
According to Philippines Statistics Authority, there are over 3.517 m hectared that are coverd with coconut trees in the PHilippines in 2015. It is noteworthy that 68 out of 81 provinces in the Philippines are coconut areas.
The coconut industry is so huge that the country has 329.9 Million bearing trees with an annual average production of 14.902 Billion nuts in the last three years 45 nuts/tree/year average yield last three years.
Source: http://www.pca.da.gov.ph/index.php/2015-10-26-03-15-57/2015-10-26-03-22-41#export2017
In large scale, by using it as a raw material in production of Virgin Coconut Oil by the commercial sector which subsequently results to produce more beauty and care products will help the coconut industry grow bigger as more supports will be given to this sector. The government together with involved private sectors will allocate a bigger budget to this sector. This would help farmers by creating more revenue.
In an consumer's perspective, it would be cost-efficient. The price of the virgin coconut oil is cheaper than Aloe Vera, probably because the production of coconuts is higher than aloe vera. This would help the consumer save more.
Health Benefits
The Virgin Coconut is able to "... promote the growth of our tresses, refine and moisturizes our skin conditions as well as being used as ailments for minor illnesses such as diarrhea and skin inflammations."
Whether you are doubtful as to its chemical component being altered, as mentioned above, the process of making the Virgin Coconut Oil does not alter the chemical components of the coconut. Healthy components still remain intact and unchanged though its physical appearance had. The Virgin Coconut oil is the purest form of coconut oil as it contains natural Vitamin E and other minerals in the coconut meat. Source
To be specific, it contains lauric acid which constitute 40+% of the Virgin Coconut Oil. It has properties of anti-microbial properties which has the capacity to destroy disease causing bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses.
To wrap it up, let us borrow the words of Ms. Vermen M. Verallo ROwell, founder and program director of VMV Skin Research Center + Clinic
Philippine has told that since year 2000, VCO was used at VSRC for patients with dry and often microbially colonized psoriasis, acne, atopic, contact dermatitis and rosacea lesion. VCO is the best skin care solution for babies, free from all chemical formulations and assures good protection to the baby skin.
Indeed, coconut is the tree of life. It does not satisfy a person's hunger and thirst through its meat and juice, but also help to heal some ailments and provide essential vitamins and minerals needed in the body.
How about you? What is you take on Virgin Coconut Oil?
Images are taken from pixabay.com.