posted October 23, 2004 08:34 AM         

Gia? What's your spin on the VCO?

I realize that labeling it 'virgin' is a bit of a misnomer, but since that's what it's called, I used it too.

Thanks.

posted October 23, 2004 08:42 AM         

Virgin vs. Refined: Learn Why All Coconuts Oils are NOT Created Equal

quote:

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You should be absolutely certain of the quality and effectiveness of whatever coconut oil brand you choose. There is a very wide variance in terms of the types of coconuts, the manufacturing processes used to make the oil, and more, which will have a major impact on the healthiness and effectiveness your coconut oil.

The Shilhavys have been among the key figures in both bringing the incredible health benefits of coconut oil back to light in the U.S., and in defining the importance of quality -- or "virgin" -- coconut oil versus the less healthier commercial alternatives.

Most commercial coconut oils are RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized). RBD oils also contain chemicals used in processing. Due to these variations, I only recommend and offer what is clearly the premier brand of virgin coconut oil in the United States, Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, founded by the Shilhavys, and made by coconut farming families in the Philippines who have preserved traditional methods that date back hundreds of years.

Certified organic, this virgin coconut oil has no GMO ingredients, bleaching, deodorizing, refining or hydrogenation. Tropical Traditions also uses fresh coconuts (not "copra" or dried coconuts like most oils) that come from a rural region of the Philippines untainted by urban pollution. Overall, this superior quality makes a huge difference, not only in terms of health and safety, but also in terms of taste, cooking quality, and other tangible results.

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Good huh?

I'm off to add to 'Hair Conditioner!' re. my hair

posted October 25, 2004 09:56 AM         

There most likely is a difference between VCO and organic, expeller pressed varieties. I have the book by Dr. Fife, who has done a lot of research on coconut oil, and who makes a living only through research and not through the sale of the oil itself.

One of the studies he sites (which I don't have here, sorry) includes an experiment done in the US with cattle. It was cheap to feed them food mixed with coconut oil, but what the farmers found was that it caused them to lose too much weight. So they were given (I think) soybean or vegetable oil instead.

My point is that those cattle were fed the cheapest of the oils. Ergo...are the differences between the expensive VCO and the less expensive organic varieties really notable?

BTW Sheaa, coconut oil is also purported to be excellent for the hair.

posted October 25, 2004 11:43 AM         

Hope this helps.

Gia

posted October 25, 2004 04:02 PM         

BTW, I just received in the mail a book you had recommended on another string, "Psych-K."

posted October 25, 2004 05:06 PM         

My laptop at home is doing this annoying 'freezing' thing after I type 5 words! I spent aaaages in the supermarket today and forgot coconut oil & body lotion!