The term “Virgin” is used to emphasize that, all nutrients in a nut/seed/ or fruit is preserved when it is converted to the format of oil. For example if leafy greens or veggies are cooked components like vitamins, anti-oxidants, are lost and the nutrition percentage of each nutrient is a bit altered. Thus, if an oil (coconut, olive, avocado) is termed “virgin”, the original fruit/nut is “COLD-PRESSED” (Imagine squeezing out oil of a fruit or seed by hand or in Sekkuwa Chekku. There is no high heat generation). The fruits/nuts used for the pressing should also be fresh in its original form. It cannot be dried in sunlight for weeks (like in “copra”. When coconut flesh is dried in sunlight it is named as Copra), or heated with fire to take out moisture. So virgin coconut oil is RAW and COLD PRESSED to achieve the above qualities.
Since the brown testa is peeled off, to produce one liter extra virgin coconut oil it needs 14 fresh coconuts. The brown testa (“Kurutta”) is removed and only the white flesh is used. But in whole kernel virgin coconut oil, the entire kernel is used. So it needs only 10 fresh coconuts to produce liter of oil. Because in the brown testa (or the peel) it has considerable amount of coconut oil.
Whole Kernel Virgin Coconut Oil is an option available at a lower price range. The difference between Extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and whole kernel virgin coconut oil (WKVCO) is;
- EVCO is milled only by 100% white kernel (the brown peel is scraped out and only white flesh is used) and Whole Kernel VCO is milled by the entire kernel (white kernel inclusive of brown testa). EVCO has a creamy taste & mild fragrance and is great for drinking purposes
- 65% of the fats in EVCO are rapidly converted to energy. (50% Lauric acid and 15% MCTs)
- WKVCO is slightly lower in price. But both have same usage. But EVCO is used specially for drinking a table spoon purpose
- In WKVCO the percentage of fats rapidly converted to energy falls to 55% in WKVCO. (48% Lauric Acid and 7% MCTs)
Breast Milk and Lauric Acid
Mother’s breast milk is a rich source of LAURIC ACID which develops brain and immunity. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) is the richest natural source of lauric acid, and MCTs. Easily burning fats inside the body produce “Ketones” (It is the name given to energy produced by burning fats, similar to the name “Glucose” which is produced by burning carbs). Ketones provide energy to boost brain functions, strengthen immunity, digest fast, absorb nutrients, and produce quick energy.
During pregnancy and breast feeding, lauric acid supplements are consumed. Without complex theory we can understand from this practical example that, even a small baby’s immature metabolic system can break down lauric acid and convert to energy. So surely for youngsters and adults lauric acid is a fat which is super easy to digest. Lauric acid (contained in breast milk and virgin coconut oil) boosts immunity, helps absorption of nutrients from other foods and improves cognitive function. This is the story behind the trend of drinking two table spoons of EVCO per day!
Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases have become a household name at present. Anointing the head with coconut and herbal oils takes a significant place in Sri Lankan New Year rituals and in regular life. Is there a story to be rediscovered?
Health Benefits and Usage
- Cleanest choice for cooking, frying and roasting
- A healthy and natural replacement for margarines, in baking of cakes, cookies and pies. You can replace Butter or Margarine and bake “Butter Cake” with EVCO.
- Drink a table spoon of EVCO per day or add in to your cup of tea, coffee, fruit/veggie juices, soup and porridge for unique flavor and experience real benefits
- 65% of VCO consists of Medium Chain Fatty Acids(MCT) inclusive of the much adored “Lauric Acid” (50%). They burn fast inside the body and produce energy in quick time. It helps to control your cholesterol, blood sugar levels and improve cognitive function.
- Use as a relishing dressing for salads, vegetable stew, baked potato salads replacing butter or margarine.
- Nourishes hair & scalp. Coconut Oil traditionally decelerate hair fall and improves growth of hair. Effective as a eye & face makeup remover.
- Great as a skin moisturizer, lip balm and as massage oil. Speeds up recovery of bruises and burns.
- Gargle a table spoon of EVCO for 10-15 minutes, while reading or watching TV, and do the brushing afterwards. This is called “Oil Pulling” and is becoming immensely popular for cleaning teeth, elude bad breadth and improve gum health.
- 100% Natural, Edible Baby Oil to help cure diaper rashes, cure for dry skin and nourishes hair/scalp.
- For Dogs/Pets – Apply for healthy shiny coat, Treatment for Itchy Skin, Hot Spots, Dry Elbows, Paws, Nose. Add a Table spoon to the diet to support digestion, improve immunity, provide all day energy and prevent liver diseases.
