The benefits of virgin coconut oil ~ VCO ~ have long been known in the Pacific islands. Researchers have also been testing these benefits since the global coconut oil boom circa 2016. Now in 2020, the rise in consumer interest and demand for natural body care and health food products continues to peak interest in the purest form of coconut oil.
So, with organic virgin coconut oil used as a key ingredient in our best selling natural island body balm, organic lip balm and other products available at our online store. We’ve brought you our top 3 research-based benefits of virgin coconut oil to let you know why it makes our products so naturally medicinal!
#1 Natural relief for irritated skin
Virgin coconut oil is used widely in the Fiji Islands as a topical ointment to treat skin irritations and insect bites. Now research has confirmed this is due to the large concentration of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) including lauric acid. In fact, virgin coconut oil has the highest levels of MCFAs of any oils. This makes VCO an effective treatment against pathogenic microorganisms and microbial infections. Such as eczema, ring worm, or infected pimples.
#2 Naturally improves metabolism (aiding in fat burning)
Virgin coconut oil is used as a cooking oil, in baking, or taken daily in a spoonful to enhance one’s diet. Human research trials on the weight reducing properties of virgin coconut oil have returned positive results. Because, as we mentioned earlier ~ VCO contains the highest proportion of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). This is important because MCFAs are easily oxidized and destroy candida which triggers weight gain. This also makes them effective at enhancing metabolism and improving thyroid function.
#3 Naturally prevents hair loss & aids hair regrowth
Does this sound like an old grandmothers tale? Well it’s good news that our grandmothers are now on social media! Because it means they’re able to document ‘old wives tales’ like this effective 6 month human trial of organic virgin coconut oil for hair regrowth in Cicia island in Fiji! But in case you’re still sceptical ~ researchers have identified that the lauric acid in virgin coconut oil has high affinity and low molecular weight. This means virgin coconut oil is well suited to penetrate the hair shaft & promote hair growth. However, we have also read some words of warning when it comes to using coconut oil on hair. In short – it is not for every hair type! So, make sure you do your own research to find out if it’s good or bad for your hair type. Head over to the WellnessMama blog here to get started!