Photos from THEPHILBIZNEWS
Saving the best for last, the last day of The 1st World Coconut Congress was an exciting one as renowned guest speakers from the medical field, health and wellness not only from the Philippines but also from other countries joined the roster. The speakers presented the various studies they have about the coconut which is very abundant in the Philippines.
It is interesting to note that our very own doctor, Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, a dermatologist, dermatopathologist, researcher, laser surgeon and author who has been a pioneer researcher in the field of cosmetic and clinical dermatology and has conducted multiple clinical trials on pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and many of these were either published or presented at international dermatological symposia has so many studies related to the wonders of coconut to our health and wellness.
The septuagenarian dermatologist whose flawless and baby like skin awed the audience when she revealed her secret —- the Virgin Coconut Oil or commonly called VCO!
In her decades of studies, Dr. Rowell pointed out that there are so many misnomers and misinformation as well that coconut is unhealthy coming from different sectors, but not backed by researched. Unlike her diligent research works, she proved on that the coconut does wonder to our health.
During the conference, she cited that there are two kinds of oils used since ancient times, the olive oil and the coconut oil. Both have been undergoing closer scrutiny in regard their production and uses. “Virgin”, “Extra Virgin” now apply to both oils, and regulatory standards have been made to define these descriptives. Studies on olive oil, especially as a nutraceutical product are many. Studies on virgin coconut oil (VCO) are much fewer, because of the cloud of misunderstanding about VCO being a saturate, and an overall assumption that it is therefore bad for the health.
Dr. Rowell a dermatologist and dermatopathologist whose unparalleled researches backed by facts and admired by other fellow doctors and scientists from other countries, initiated the very first efficacy and safety studies on the cosmeceutical and nutraceutical uses of VCO in 1998. The clinical studies started at first with topical, then later on for oral use of monolaurin, a derivative of VCO, followed by studies on the topical and oral use of the VCO itself.
Given all the research works conducted by Dr. Rowell, the conclusion ascribed to the coconut that it has the ability to effectively treat and prevent many types of diseases has been admired and attested by other leading Doctors and Scientists in the world. The coconut products is also a commonly used for cosmetic practice supports the skin andhair care.
There are two more important findings that are not well known to many people even in the medical field. First that coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which, in the intestines, naturally becomes a substance called monolaurine that contains antiseptic properties. And second is the “monolaurine”and its potency of 1.5 percent gel of monolaurine is as effective as a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol gel in eliminating bacteria immediately.
Furthermore, Dr. Rowell concluded, the coconut is a stable oil that does not need to be hydrogenated and has absolutely no cholesterol and no trans-fat when taken orally.
