Philippine Star, March 1, 2012

A recent study on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) showed that it not only helps increase good cholesterol levels but also enhances sexual activity.

“It was an interesting observation that 13% of the VCO takers experienced becoming sexually active during the whole duration of the study,” the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said.

Other positive reactions include regular bowel movement, increase in appetite, better body stamina and good sleep, while the negative feedback included having soft bowel, stomach ache, sweating, feverish symptoms and nausea.

The PCA funded the 4 month clinical study conducted by the University of Santo Tomas research team involving 189 Filipinos with or without one risk factor of controlled hypertension and no other clinically significant abnormalities.

They were divided into VCO and placebo takers, but both the investigators and subjects were not aware who among them were taking VCO and who were placed in the placebo group.

The study showed that although VCO intake showed an increase in total cholesterol, there were reductions in bad cholesterol and elevation of good cholesterol. This means that the chance of heart attack, coronary artery disease and hypertension may be lessened.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the result of the study would help them draft guidelines in the manufacture of VCO products, adding that penalties await fake VCO makers while incentives will be given to those who follow the guidelines.

PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes revealed that they are currently implementing reforestation of 20 million trees to address the decrease in coconut production.

The DA has allotted P60 million for the sustainable livelihood program for coconut farming communities, which include coconut planting, replanting, fertilization and intercropping.