Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is good for the health. Several studies revealed its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In fact, this oil is so good that a recent study by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute found it effective in easing symptoms of suspected COVID-19 patients.
“VCO could be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect COVID-19 cases,” DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña earlier said in a briefing on the results of the VCO study conducted at two isolation facilities in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The study sought to evaluate the beneficial effects of VCO among suspect and probable cases of COVID-19. The 28-day study involved 57 patients—29 patients were given standardized meals mixed with VCO, while the other 28 became the control group and received no VCO doses.
On the second day of the trial, five patients already experienced decreasing signs and symptoms of COVID-19. By day 18, all patients in the VCO group were free of any symptoms.
Researchers, however, clarified VCO should not be used as a COVID-19 medication, but an adjunct supplement taken in combination with other treatments.
Prior to the discovery that VCO can ease symptoms of the infectious disease currently plaguing the world, it is known for increasing good cholesterol (HDL) which helps reduce risk of heart disease, boosting heart health, encouraging fat burn, killing harmful pathogens, and improving appearance of skin and hair (acting as moisturizer as well as sunscreen, studies show).
It is good for the health, but the question is, can you take the oil as is everyday?
Others find it easy to swallow a tablespoon of the original form of the oil, but others experience difficulty in ingesting its liquid form due to its taste or texture. Coconut oil, when exposed to air tends to become rancid. The oil solidifying in low temperature is another challenge—imagine biting into a hardened oil.
To make it easier to get the benefits of VCO, Growrich Manufacturing, Inc., a toll manufacturing company for the food and pharmaceutical industry, launches the first capsule form of VCO.
Growrich Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules, the first of its kind approved by the Food and Drugs Administration, are made with pure virgin coconut oil extracted from fresh coconut meat by natural means (grated and dried for two hours at below 40-degree Celsius) to ensure the oil is free of chemicals without subjecting it to heat.
“Our breakthrough product will make it easier for people to take virgin coconut oil and enjoy its health benefits,” said Dr. Ed Lalusis, president and chief executive of Growrich Manufacturing, Inc. The capsule form, according to Dr. Lalusis, also eliminates the aftertaste that comes when taking liquid VCO.
The recommended dosage is one to two capsules per day, taken with meals. It’s available at Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Southstar Drugstore for P11.50 per capsule.