Virgin oil is that oil which is extracted from fully matured and fresh coconut through a specialized procedure without damaging the natural nutrition and natural structure of the coconut. This oil is called as virgin because it is pure white in color and is extracted without any chemical process. This oil has various beneficial characteristics like anti bacterial, anti natural and anti fungal properties. It is also represented as a nutraceutical. It has many medical properties. It can be used in the preparation of food and also for healing and prevention of various diseases. This is the oil which helps to control and overcome various diseases. It is a form of saturated fat. It is a rich medium of fatty acids. It is a treasure of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Lauric acid is found in virgin coconut oil up to 45% to 55%. Laurel fatty acid is also present in the milk of a nursing mother, providing immunity to the young infants to fight against infections. When lauric acid enters into the body, it gets converted into monolaurin and has the ability to enhance the immunity. A time might come when virgin coconut oil is the sole medicine required by all human beings for any kind of disease.
HOW VIRGIN OIL IS PRODUCED
This is the pure coconut oil and extracted from the fresh coconut. It is very useful for the human body in many aspects. The oil is extracted without any chemical means. It is never bleached, deodorized and refined. That’s why after going through all the production procedure the virgin oil has the same smell, taste, freshness as the coconut before the production procedure. It also remains colorless in appearance after the production.
Procedure for producing VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
- Drying the coconut
In this procedure the coconut meat is dried quickly with the help of low heat for producing the oil.
- Wet milling of the coconut
In this process the coconut is pressed very had to produce the coconut milk. After that the solids and water are separated from the oil. It is prepared by using various methods.
- Using the method of fermentation
In this method, the coconut oil is extracted from the coconut and undergoes 1 to 3 days of fermentation process so that the solid and the water get separated.
FEATURES OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
- It is prepared by using the process of fermentation, wet milling and drying it over low temperature.
- It consists of 45% to 55% lauric acid.
- It is the unrefined oil having all the purities and qualities before the extraction of the oil.
- This oil is free from cholesterol, Tran’s fats and genetically modified ingredients.
- It is best suitable for vegetarians.
- Used as a cooking oil.
BENEFITS OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
Virgin coconut oil is very beneficial to human health, as it contains antibacterial, antioxidants and anti fungal characteristics. It is rich in fatty acids. It mainly consists of lauric acid which is found in the mother’s milk. This lauric acid gives strength to the infant to fight against various diseases.
The benefits of the VIRGIN COCONUT OIL are as follows:
BENEFICIAL FOR REDUCING WEIGHT:
- This is helpful for weight loss as it increases the metabolism.
- Helps in boosting the immune system.
- It reduces appetite and makes the digestive system work effectively. Therefore, the body will gain more energy and nutrition.
- It is free from the harmful fatty acids, which are responsible for increasing weight.
- This oil is made up of fatty acids and it contains medium chain fatty acids.
- These fats are immediately sent to the liver which gets converted into an energy source.
BENEFITS FOR SKIN AND HAIR
Every one wants wrinkle free skin and smooth, shining hair. For this people use a variety of products but they provide temporary results. We can notice that the wrinkle creams available in the market have a watery effect. As soon as it evaporates the wrinkles problem arises again. The virgin oil is the oil which provides permanent results for both skin and hair. It is extracted from the coconut itself without using the chemical procedure.
- Virgin oil is used as a moisturizer. It can be used for giving nourishment to dry skin as well as scalp.
- It is helpful to stimulate new hair growth. It also acts as anti dandruff for the hair.
- Prevents pimples.
- It can be used as a lip balm for the lips.
- It strengthens connective tissues so that it prevents the skin from unwanted wrinkles and also from sagging.
- It removes dead cells from the outer skin and provides glowing skin.
- Its antioxidant effects prevent harmful effects of the sunlight. Using this, skin can be prevented from age spots and the risk of skin cancer is also reduced.
- It is having antimicrobial properties which prevent the body from various fungal and bacterial infections.
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
There are various benefits of drinking this oil:
- Helps to kill various viruses like herpes and variety of other bacteria, fungi, and viruses which are present in colon and ileum.
- Helps indigestion.
- Drinking this oil will help snoring problems or provides relief in breathing as it cleanses the respiratory tract and throat and dilutes the phlegm.
- Drinking this oil is will help overcome the problem of uncomfortable urination and constipation.
- It is helpful in reducing the stickiness of the blood palates in the human body which contributes to plague formation in the blood vessel.
- It helps in the reduction of blood pressure as well risk of heart attack.
- Consumption of virgin coconut oil will increase the repairing rate of damaged cells.
- Helps in reducing cholesterol.
- It is helpful in controlling diabetes.
- It acts as an anti histamine agent for the human body.
- It is also effective on HIV patients as it has an antiviral effect. This anti viral effect has the ability to reduce the viral load of HIV patients.
- Hot virgin oil is excellent massage oil. This helps in improving blood circulation.
- Massaging the body with virgin oil during fever helps in lowering body temperature.
- Regular use of the virgin hot oil helps in getting rid of athlete’s foot.
- This oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties which help the person to rid themselves from body odor, especially under arms where the bacterial activities occur.
- It is good for baby skin and prevents new born babies from nappy rashes. It also provides soft and smooth skin.
- It also fights cold and flu when rubbed on chest, nose and head.
- It is also used as an effective insect repellent.
- It helps in reducing stretch marks.
- It is the best medicine for eczema.
- Usage of this oil is beneficial for patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- It supports the development of strong teeth and bones, as it improves magnesium and calcium absorption.
- It protects the body from osteoporosis.
- Proper usage of the virgin oil protects the human body from stomach ulcer, Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Prevents the body against the benign prostatic hyperplasia. This means enlarged prostate.
- It prevents the body against liver disease.
- It also prevents the body against bladder infection and kidney disease.
DEMERITS OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
- There is a slight possibility of allergy due to the usage or intake of virgin coconut oil.
- If the dose of virgin coconut oil is increased, then it will cause the stomach problems.
BUYING PRICE FOR VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
According to a survey it is found that the price of the virgin coconut oil is increasing. People are obtaining information related to the benefits of this oil. And due to this there is increase in the demand of the product. It has been noticed that there is a hike in the price of this oil:
- The price of this oil for the last year was $13.75 per kg.
- There is hike in the price and it is increased to $20 per kg.
PRODUCTS MADE UP OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
Various products made up of virgin coconut oil are,
FOR BODY USAGE:
- Soaps.
- Oil.
- Moisture.
EDIBLE USAGE OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
- As a cooking oil.
- As a Desiccated Coconut Powder.
- As instant coconut flakes.