It's been nearly a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Despite the imminent distribution of the vaccine in the country, the Philippines remains under quarantine as the government believes that the threat of the viral disease still persists.
A proof of this, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise not only in the country but also in many parts of globe. Governments, medical experts, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide have been trying their best to determine the right treatment or vaccine against the disease.
The country’s total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has breached the 500,000th mark. The total number of infections globally, meanwhile, has already exceeded the 100 millionth mark, with over two million of which passed away.
Taking part in the global efforts in search of treatments against the disease, our very own Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has conducted clinical studies on the potential of coconut oil, specifically virgin coconut oil (VCO), as a treatment for positive patients.
The DOST banks on the premise that coconut oil serves as antiviral and antibacterial after hydrolysis with the lipase enzyme. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral compounds like monolaurin, monocaprin, and medium-chained fatty acids (MCFA) like capric acid, caprylic acid, and the powerful lauric acid. Sixty percent (60%) of coconut oil consists of MCFAs.
In one presentation by Dr. Fabian Dayrit, RCh., professor emeritus of the Ateneo de Manila University and president of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, further discussed the antiviral properties of coconut oil and its derivatives.
Dayrit’s presentation showed that coconut oil derivatives can destroy viruses by, first, disintegrating the protective lipid membrane of the virus, and, second, inhibiting the growth or maturation of the virus, and spread of the virus inside a host.
Many previous studies show that coconut oil derivatives can destroy the outer layer of enveloped DNA or RNA viruses like herpes simplex, junin, and vesicular stomatitis virus.
Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic physician, and author of the book “The Coconut Oil Miracle,” extends the list of viruses destroyed by coconut oil’s MCFAs to influenza, measles, mononucleosis, hepatitis C, and AIDS virus.
VCO in a capsule
While DOST’s studies and the world’s quest for a COVID-19 vaccine go on, coconut oil and its derivatives like VCO offer hope and supplement that could help in fighting not only COVID-19 but also other existing and emerging diseases.
Despite the health benefits of VCO, there are some issues about drinking it in its original form. For example, some people don't like the taste or texture of VCO. Exposure to air can also make it rancid and unpalatable, while cold weather can harden it.
Addressing these issues, Growrich Manufacturing, Inc. has introduced GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsule, the first and only VCO in capsule form to be approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsule is the VCO you can easily pop into your mouth. The recommended dosage is 1-2 capsules per day with meals.
"GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules are different in potency and concentration from the liquid form of other brands. The dosage is more controlled and the quality is maintained. The after taste that comes when taking liquid VCO is also eliminated," said Dr. Ed Lalusis, President and CEO of Growrich.
Growrich, a toll manufacturing company for the food and pharmaceutical industry, manufactures in accordance with the current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards under the supervision of the FDA to ensure product quality and safety.
Each GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsule contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and essential fatty acids that are heart-friendly and have antioxidant properties.
VCO is extracted from a single press of fresh coconut meat that's been grated and dried for two hours at a temperature lower than 40 degrees Celsius. It is more premium than other coconut oils because there is no second press, thus the yield per kilogram is lower than those produced from other processes.
GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules are available at Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Southstar Drugstore for P11.50 per capsule. The capsules are also available online via Shopee.
For more information about Growrich Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules, follow @GrowrichVCOCapsule on Facebook and @growrichvco on Instagram.