8 l

January 2008
Health benefits of virgin
coconut oil
E.V. Carandang
1
Introduction
V
irgin coconut oil is extracted
directly from fresh coconut
meat. There are several techniques
being used which can be classified
generally into: (1) drying the freshly
grated coconut meat at low
temperature, no higher than 60
0
C,
followed by pressing to extract the
oil, (2) by extracting the coconut
milk from the freshly grated coconut
meat, followed by the addition of
enzyme or aging for several hours,
or by mechanical process using
continuous centrifuge.
To safeguard the quality of virgin
coconut oil (VCO), it is important
that moisture level must be kept at
the minimum. Philippine National
Standard for Virgin Coconut Oil
specifies moisture and volatile
matters content at 0.2% maximum.
Additionally, it describes the oil as
colorless, sediment free, with natural
fresh coconut scent, and free from
rancid odor or taste.
Coconut oil, although the most
stable oil being highly saturated, still
1
Author is Technical Consultant for Coconut and former Executive Director, Philippine
Coconut Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (PCRDF), 3F PCRDF Bldg., Pearl
Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasing City, 1605 Philippines
has about 10% unsaturated fatty
acids which are susceptible to
peroxidation that brings about
rancidity. Apart from making the
product unpalatable, rancidity
produces adverse reactions such as
stomachache, or skin irritations
when used externally. Thus the
emphasis on adherence to moisture
content limits.
Coconut oil
Coconut is a versatile and unique
plant. It is very resilient and can
withstand any type of weather or
natural calamites. It bears fruit all
year round. Studies show that every
coconut cultivar has its own unique
characteristic that may explain for
the variances in the percent
composition of fatty acids like the
lauric fatty acid in the oil. This is
attributed to several factors such as
location and varietal differences
(Laurels et al. 2000) as well as age
of the nuts (Balleza) and Sierra 1976;
Pham 1994 and 1996), time of the
year the nuts are harvested, and age
of copra before expelling. Ten to 13-
Table 1: Proximate analysis of the coconut kernel at different ages
Constituents Age in months
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Oil 26.67 41.67 58.27 66.84 71.80 71.45 66.29 67.04
Protein 10.67 9.93 8.31 8.03 7.61 7.61 7.62 6.23
Crude Fiber 3.98 5.20 5.92 4.56 3.22 3.29 3.34 2.87
Carbohydrates 38.45 34.93 31.91 34.38 34.19 37.26 41.59 44.91
Ash 6.14 4.90 3.77 3.45 2.26 2.03 2.07 1.76
Ref: Sierra, Z.N. and C.F. Balleza. 1972. Proximate Analysis of the Coconut Endosperm at Progressive stages of development. National
Institue of Science and Technology. Annual Report 1971-1972:3.
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Every coconut cultivar has its
own unique characteristic
that may explain the
variances in the percent
composition of fatty acids like
the lauric fatty acid in the oil.
This is attributed to several
factors such as location and
varietal differences as well as
age of the nuts, time of the
year the nuts, are harvested,
and age of copra before
expelling
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Indian Coconut Journal
month old nuts have the highest oil
content as shown in Table 1.
Coconut oil as saturated oil is
mostly small and medium chain
triglycerides (MCTs) as opposed to
other saturated fats like animal fats
which are long chain triglycerides
(LCTs). When ingested, MCT is
readily burned in the body and
dissipated as energy unlike LCT
which goes to the circulatory system
before it is finally being used as
energy. The process leaves fatty
deposits in the tissue.
Aside from being LCT, most
vegetable oils are polyunsaturated.
Coconut oil contains less than 10 per
cent unsaturate. It is the most stable
oil and does not require further
processing to make them stable. In
contrast, LCT needs to be partially
hydrogenated to make them stable.
However, clinical studies show
partial hydrogenation produce trans
fatty acids that cause elevation in
cholesterol (Enig 1990).
Clinical studies done at the New
England Deaconess Hospital
(NEDH), a Harvard medical school
affiliate, show that coconut oil is
neutral in its effects on blood lipids
and will not cause an increase in
cholesterol or cause cardivascular
disease (Norton et al., 2004).
Coconut oil even increased the High
Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or the so
called good cholesterol, reducing
the risk for coronary heart disease.
A preliminary study on the effects
of coconut oil on HIV+AIDS gave
very encouraging results with
subjects viral load dramatically
reduced and immune system
enhanced as reflected in the CD4/
CD8 count (Dayrit et al.).
In animal experiments conducted
using coconut oil or its derivative
monolaurin, monolaurin removed
the bacterial drug resistance of
Sireptococcus aureus to Penicillin G.
(Ontengco et al., 1998; Gamboa and
Carandang 1998). Coconut oil
prevented sepsis cause by E-coli
endotoxin shock (Lim-Navarro et
al., 1994), inhibited the actions of
some mutacarcinogenic substances
(Sylianco et al. 1992). Monolaurin
is generally recognized as safe and
can be tolerated in relatively high
dose (Lazo and Dayrit 1998).
Virgin coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) differs
from commercial coconut oil in the
way it is processed. The latter is
produced from copra or dried
coconut meat and undergoes refining
process to make the oil edible. The
refined oil produced is called RBD
(Refined, Bleached and Deodorized)
coconut oil which is largely used as
cooking oil. Virgin coconut oil
production does not subject the oil
to refining process since the oil
produced is already edible. In effect,
the term Virgin refers only to the
process and not on the chemical
properties which are essentially the
same in both RBD oil and VCO.
Their effect on health would
likewise be the same, given the same
medium chain fatty acid (MCFA)
compositions.
Innovations have been made
regarding the presentation or
packaging of VCO for the
consuming public. Apart from being
sold in bottles of various sizes, it
now comes in capsules of 500mg.
Likewise, flavors such as banana,
sweet corn, jackfruit, have been
added in some cases. Questions have
arisen with respect to the addition
of flavors suggesting the product
would be no longer qualify as VCO
because of the additive.
The use of flavors as additive
does not change the chemical
properties of VCO. It only makes the
coconut flavor, a welcome
innovation for those who can not
tolerate the coconut smell. However,
it should be borne in mind that
substance used as additive to VCO
must be food grade adhering to
international standards set by the
institutions like Codex, United
States Food and Drug
Administration (U.S. FDA).
Additives should not be reactive to
cause any change in the chemical
properties of VCO nor diminish its
potency as nutraceutical product.
Since the process of VCO
extraction involves no or little
heating only if required, biologically
active substances, which are
normally lost during the refining
process, remain intact in the oil. The
presence of these biologically active
substances in VCO spells the
difference between RBD oil and
VCO. These substances which are
present in minute quantities provide
nutritional and health benefits,
especially in preventing or
minimizing chronic diseases, apart
from the protection already derived
from MCFAs.
Biologically active substances
naturally occur in plants. When the
oil is extracted from oilseed, most
of these substances are present in the
oil. One of the most stable
biologically active substances is the
fatty acid in the triglyceride form,
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unless high heat and lipase enzyme
are added. For methods of virgin
coconut oil production that require
long incubation such as the
enzymatic and aging of coconut
milk, intermittent mixing is needed
to prevent anaerobic condition that
can lead to formation of aldehydes
or ketones which cause unacceptable
flavor and aroma as well as react
with the biologically active
substances.
The word nutraceutical refers to
any substance that has nutritional
value and at the same time
pharmacological effects. A classical
example of nutraceutical substance
is mothers milk which provides an
infant with the necessary nutrients
for growth and development as well
as serves to boost the immune
system because of its antiviral
antimicrobial and other protective
properties.
Biologically active substances
As plant product, coconut oil
contains biologically active
substances which have been
identified to provide nutraceutical/
health benefits. Although studies
may take years to probe the
pharmacological effects of these
substances, there is growing interest
worldwide on the role of these
biologically active substances to
human health. Tocopherols, which
are already known as antioxidants,
have a role in the prevention of
certain chronic diseases like
coronary heart disease and cancer.
Tocotrienols, said to be better
antioxidant than tocopherols, are
effective in treating many diseases.
Phytosterols have been known to
lower blood cholesterol, specifically
the LDL bad cholesterol.
The U.S. FDA has given
phytosterols GRAS (Generally
Recognized As Safe) status.
Phospholipids are important
emulsifiers and essential
constituents of all living cells. MCT
is a good source of energy not only
to the sick and convalescent and
healthy individuals but also to pre-
term infants. Polyphenols are known
to help metabolism of certain amino
acids in colon cells. Phytochemicals
are linked to cancer prevention;
mono- and diglycerides as
antimicrobial and antiviral
substances particularly against lipid
coated organisms; flavonoids
(isoflavones) and other polyphenols,
stanols for preventing/curing some
chronic diseases.
a. Tocopherols
Tocopherols are antioxidants that
have saturated phytyl side chain. The
amount of tocopherols in coconut oil
is low as compared to other
vegetable oils.
have a saturated phytyl side chain
while tocotrienols have an
unsaturated isoprenoid side chain
possessing three double bonds. Their
presence have been identified in
coconut oil.
Fig. 1. Tocopherol structure
Fig. 2. Tocotrienol structure
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b. Tocotrienols
This biologically active
substance synonymous with
tocopherols is collectively called
tocols. Like in tocopherols, natural
tocotrienols are also present in
various forms, alpha, beta, gamma
and delta tocotrienols. They differ
from tocopherols in the chemical
nature of the side chain. Tocopherols
Some studies show that
tocotrienols are better than
tocopherols as antioxidants.
Tocopherols are normally found in
seeds and green parts of the plant
while tocotrienols are found in germ
and bran fraction. There were reports
on the hypocholesterolemic,
antithrombotic, and antitumor
properties of trienols which are
beneficial for the prevention and/or
treatment of many disease (Theirault
et al. 1999).
It has antioxidant activity. They
may also have anti-atherogenic,
anticarcinogenic and
immunodulatory actions. Recent
studies have shown that tocotrienols
are effective and better inhibitors of
both lipid peroxidation and protein
oxidation than alpha tocopherols.
For their possible anti-
atherogenic activity, they inhibit
LDL oxidation, suppression of
HMG-CoA reductase activity and
inhibition of platelets aggregation.
c. Phytosterols
Plant sterols are plant compounds
with chemical structures similar to
that of cholesterol. Studies show that
concentrated phytosterol extracts
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Indian Coconut Journal
have lessened the discomfort of
prostatic hyperplasia. Phytosterols
help lower cholesterol levels, reduce
symptoms of an enlarge prostate,
improve control of blood sugar
among diabetics, reduce
inflammation among patients with
autoimmune diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
cholesterol in the feces leads to
decreased serum levels of this sterol
thus reducing risk of heart disease.
Phytostanols do not appear to affect
the absorption on bile acids.
e. Flavonoids and other polyphenols
Phenolic compounds include
simple phenols, phenolic acids,
hydroxycinnamic acid and its
derivatives, and flavonoids. The
most biologically active phenolic
substances are thought to be the
flavonoids, the proanto-and-cyanins,
and the cathechins. Animal
experiments also indicate
anticarcinogenic activity for several
specific catechins.
but the dust is highly irritating to the
eyes (conjunctivitis), the skin
(dermatitis), and to the upper
respiratory tract (rhinitis) and throat
(pharyngitis).
Interest on flavonoids is focused
on their roles or potential beneficial
effects on human health as antiviral,
anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-
inflammatory, antitumor, and
antioxidant activities.
f. Phospholipids
Phospholipids, the second major
class of lipids besides iriglycerides
found in all life forms, are the prime
building blocks of life known for its
emulsifying and wetting properties
to ensure proper digestion and
absorption of fatty foods. One of the
most common phosphatides is
lecithin commonly found in the
brain, lung, and spleen.
CH
3
(CH
2
)
14
C(O)O-C
l
H
2
CH
3
(CH2)
14
C(O)O-C
l
H
(CH
3
)
3+
NCH
2
CH
2
OP
l
(O)-CH
2
O-
Fig. 6. Lecithin
Lecithin is the best known
member of the phosphatide group.
It supplies choline, which is
necessary for liver and brain
function (an important component of
bile) that helps the body to utilize
fats and cholesterol properly.
Triglyceride is a non-polar, fat-
soluble molecule while phosphatide
is polar and water-soluble. The fatty
acid part of the molecule is fat
soluble, and the phosphate group is
water soluble.
g. Medium Chain Triglycerides
(MCT)
Medium Chain Triglyceride has
been known for its nutritional and
Fig. 4. Phytostanol structure
d. Phytostanols
They are saturated phytosterols.
It has been identified to have
cholesterol lowering activity. Studies
have shown that phytostanols appear
to inhibit the absorption of dietary
cholesterol and the reabsorption (via
the enterohepatic circulation) of
endogenous cholesterol from the
gastrointestinal tract. It is believed
that phytostatnols displace
cholesterol from bile micelles.
Fig. 5. Flavonoids structure
Phenolic compounds could affect
carcinogenesis through a number of
mechanisms. These compounds may
scavenge carcinogens or free
radicals. They may also block
generation of reactive oxygen
species. Phenolic compounds may
also reduce cellular proliferation
through the modulation of protein
kinase C activity. Few phenolics may
possess bioantimutagenic properties.
Flavonoids are polyphenolic
compound possessing 15 carbon
atoms; two benzene rings joined by
a linear three carbon chain. The
skeleton below can be represented
as the C
6
-C
3
-C
6
system.
Rotenone, a flavonoid, has been
used topically for treatment of head
lice, scabies, and other ectoparasites,
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Fig. 3. Stigmasterol (a phytosterol)
The cholesterol-lowering activity
of phytostanols appears to block the
absorption of dietary cholesterol and
the reabsorption of endogenous
cholesterol from the gastrointestinal
tract via the enterohepatic route.
Consequently, the exertion of
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medical benefits and has been
recognized as a multipurpose
nutrient supplement. MCT is liquid
at room temperature and has a bland
odor and taste. Composed of C8,
C10 and C12 medium chain fatty
acids, MCTs are low molecular
weight and highly soluble in
biological fluids. These properties
make MCT unique in that they are
not metabolized through the
intestinal walls like other fats but in
the liver. MCT is not deposited as
fat but instead is burned into energy
(Kaunitz).
Premature born infants given
MCT-enriched diets increased their
fat and mineral absorptions to same
level as in a normal term infants.
Studies even showed that infants
with diarrhea can tolerate high MCT
diets (Kamen 2001).
For weight reduction, intake of
MCT-rich diets 30 min before meals
results into a significant decrease in
calorie intake. Other studies show
that MCT added to the diet converts
most of the energy from the diet thus
promoting weight loss.
Since MCT is directly
transported to the liver several
symptoms of adverse reaction such
as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia has
been reported.
R
1
COOC
l
H
2
R
2
COOC
l
H
R
3
COOCH
2
Triglyceride structure
R1. R2, R3 are medium fatty
acids (C8, C10 and C12 chains)
Unique properties of MCT lead
to more opportunities for innovation.
Some of these are :
1. MCT as flavour carrier. MCT
being colorless and flavorless
does not interfere with the flavor
it is carrying. It can substitute
propylene glycol, triacetin,
mineral oil and benzyl alcohol.
2. For confectioneries : MCT easily
metabolizes and converts to
energy. It does not deposit as fat
in the body.
3. Reduce calorie foods : MCT
easily metabolizes and converts
to energy. It does not deposit as
fat in the body;
MCT provides wellness for
individuals suffering from short
bowel syndromes, childhood
epilepsy, aptic fibrosis, those that
have undergone by pass surgery, for
premature babies (Babayan and
Rosenau 1991). As energy-dense
foods, these are very good for people
who need high energy in their diets
to supply their energy requirement
(Megremis 1991).
Observation/Recommendations
So much information but less
data were documented. Most of the
studies were on the MCT or its
monglycerides form. There is a need
to establish and quantify the
biologically active substances
present in VCO even if present in
small amounts. To further support
claim more clinical studies must be
conducted.
References
Babayan, V.K. and John R. Rosenau. 1991.
Medium Chain Triglyceride Cheese. Food
Technology, February, p. 111 to 114.
Balleza C.F. and Z.N. Sierra. 1976. Proximate
Analysis of the Coconut Endosperm in
Progressive Stages of Development. PJCS
1#2 p. 37-44.
Banzon and Velasco. 1982. Coconut
Production and Utilization, PCRDF.
Enig, M.G. 1990. Fats and Oils : Understanding
the Functions and Properties of Partially
hydrogenated Fats and Oils and their
Relationship to Unhydrogenated Fats and
Oils. PJCS XV #1 pp. 27-31.
Enig. M.G. 1997. Coconut Oil : An
Antibacterial, Antiviral ingredients for
Food, Nutrition and Health. AVOC Lauric
Oil Symposium, Manila, Philippines.
GAMBOA, G.G. and E.V. CARANDANG.
1998. A Comparative Study of the
Antimicrobial Activity of Lauricidin in
Combination with Ethanol versus 70%
Ethyl Alcohol in hand Antiseptic Gels.
PJCS XXIII No. 2 PCRDF.
GAMBOA, G.G. and E.V. CARANDANG.
1998. A Preliminary Study on the
Frequency of Resistance Development of
Staphylococcus aureusto Penicillin G in
Combination with Monolaurin, PJCS
XXIII No. 2 PCRDF.
Kabara, J.J. 1984. Antimicrobial agents
derived from fatty acids. Journal of
American Oil Chemical Society. 61 397-
403.
Kamen, B. 2001. The ABC of MCTs.
Coconuts Today Special Issue. UCAP.
Kaunitz, H 2001, Biological and Therapeutic
Effects of MCT from Coconut Oil,
Coconuts Today, Special Issue, UCAP.
Laureles, L.R., F.M. Rodriguez, M.A.A.
Caraos, C.E. Reano, G.A. Santos, A.C.
Laurena, and E.M.T. Mendoza. 2000.
Storage Lipid Variability in Promising
Coconut Cultivars and Hybrids: Fatty
Acids and Triacylglycerol Composition.
PJCS XXV # 1&2, pages 42-54.
Lazo, S.H. and C.S. Dayrit. 1998. Tolerability
and Bioavailability Testing of
Monoglyceride of Lauric Acid : A
Preliminary Report, PJCS XXIII No. 2
pages 21-22, PCRDF.
LIH-Ling Wang, Bao-Kang Yang, K.L. Parkin,
and E.A. Johnson. 1993. Inhibition of
Listeria Monocytogenes by
Monoacylglycerols Synthesized from
Coconut Oil and Milkfat by Lipase-
Catalyzed Glycerolysis. Journal of
Agriculture Food Chemistry Vol. 41 No.
6, 1000-1005 American Chemical Society.
Reproduced from PJCS Vol. XXXI No. 2
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