If you have had success using coconut oil or coconut products we
would like to hear from you. Please send us your story by e-mail.
Please feel free to share recipes, insights, and experiences, so
that others may benefit from what you've learned.
Click here to send us your story.
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Two years ago, I was diagnosed to have a high bad (LDL) cholesterol
level. I did everything to lower my cholesterol level. In fact, I
exercised at least three hours a week and successfully reduced my
weight by 12 pounds. I was also avoiding fatty/oily foods. After
three months, I went to our company clinic to have my blood
chemistry result. To my surprise, my bad (LDL) cholesterol was not
lowered, in fact, it increased by 15%. My doctor advised me to take
simvastatin to lower my cholesterol. I took the drug daily for one
month and as a result it lowered my LDL cholesterol by only 15% but
I feel it had bad side effects on me. Since then, I just avoid oily
foods and exercise to stay healthy. I also take vitamin E, fish oil,
and other anti-bad cholesterol vitamins. After three months, my LDL
is still the same level as before.
My officemate told me to try virgin coconut oil (VCO). I thought
that I have nothing to lose on taking VCO, so I tried it for 3
months. I consumed almost 1.3 liters during that period without
avoiding oily foods like lechon (roasted pig), egg yolks, leche
flan, cakes, ice cream, and even junk foods. I was surprised when I
read the blood chemistry result which indicated that my LDL (bad)
cholesterol went down and my HDL (good) cholesterol went up. Since
then, I recommend to all my friends and officemates the beauty and
health benefits from VCO. In fact, I encouraged them to buy VCO.
Erlinda Macaraya
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I used to be an annual sufferer of flu, at least once a year during
the start of rainy season in the Philippines (month of June), and
normally causing a personal downtime of 3 to 5 days of rest each
time. My suffering from flu ended in September 2004 when I first
used virgin coconut oil. This was how it happened.
I woke up at that time feeling weak, but since I had a commitment to
visit a client I decided just to bear with it. When I came home in
the evening from the factory, I was already very sick—feverish,
joints pain, back pain, and very tired—the usual symptoms of flu
that I have been very familiar. Since I’ve heard about the
anti-viral effects of VCO, and knowing that flu is viral, I decided
to try it and bought a bottle from a nearby drugstore. I struggled
to drink 4 tablespoons. Since I had 39.5 C fever already, and
without any information that VCO is antipyretic, I took 500 mg of
paracetamol, together with 2 glasses of water. Then I went to bed at
9 PM. I was not able to sleep immediately, I felt my body was
energized, and the feeling of fatigue did not worsen. Eventually I
slept, but woke up at 3 AM extremely surprised that my flu was
completely gone. Being so familiar with the flu, I could hardly
believe that it could actually disappear that fast. I felt so well
that I decided to proceed with my early morning flight at 5 AM that
day to the southern city of the Philippines, Davao City.
Since that time I take 1 tablespoon of VCO every day, and increase
it up to 4 tablespoons whenever I feel tired or weak. I haven’t had
the flu again for over 2 years!
Tony Geniston
Quezon City, Philippines
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I am not scratching for the first time in a month. What a relief. I
first noticed it as persistent itchiness at the top of my thigh.
After a week or so, a small rash appeared. It quickly spread across
my hip. Then the rash appeared on my other hip. Before long, I was
itchy on the back of my knees, the inside of my elbows, and the back
of my hands, as well as across both hips. I went to a conventional
doctor who couldn’t diagnose the source but prescribed
antihistamines and a prednisone “burst.” After a week on prednisone,
the rash was as itchy as ever, and my skin was even more red and
swollen. I tried every topical remedy I could think of with little
relief. I saw a naturopathic doctor who was also unable to diagnose
my problem but suggested treating it through a process of
elimination, trying an antifungal first, and going to an
antibacterial if the antifungal didn’t work. After several days on
the antifungal with no relief – in fact, the rash was now spreading
to my back, my belly, and my forearms -- it flashed through the back
of my mind that I had once read that coconut oil had anti-fungal,
anti-bacterial, and anti-virus properties. Feeling fairly desperate
– and with nothing to lose -- I pulled my bottle of virgin coconut
oil out of the kitchen cupboard and applied it topically to all my
itchy places. The results were miraculous. Almost instantly, the
itching stopped. Within hours, my skin began to smooth, and the
redness faded. This absence of itching is such a wonderful feeling
that I’m truly grateful. I am now a coconut oil convert.
Elizabeth Johnson
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I began using Virgin Coconut Oil manufactured by Namio Nanpei of
Pohnpei and his Filipino doctor three weeks ago. I am 64 years old,
diabetic, and intermittently have high blood. After three weeks of
use, I notice these changes: My flaky, achy, dry skin is gone! My
stinky scalp psoriasis is also gone! My 4-inch diameter patch of
itchy, scaly skin on my back is gone! My wrinkled, square-shaped
fingers are now rounded and smooth looking as well as to the touch.
My dry toe nails which were cracking, breaking off, and dying are
now regenerating! I have a whole new skin that looks healthy and
alive!
John
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I burned my forearm on the oven rack. It was a very bad burn and
after the heat went out of the burn I put coconut oil on everyday,
so far this is the third day. I had anticipated that the burn would
blister and seep, but so far the burn is healing with no blistering
and doesn't even hurt. The coconut oil is like a miracle. I never
had a burn heal so fast and my skin is almost back to the normal
color.
No Name
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I began using coconut oil 11 days ago. I went to the doctor’s office
the Friday before and my blood pressure was 169/94, now my blood
pressure is 112/68. Here are a few other changes I have noticed,
hair (stopped breaking), skin (not dry and flakey). I take 1
tablespoon in hot tea every morning and another 1 tablespoon at
lunch on my salad, and add 1-2 tablespoons in my dinner meal. Did I
tell you how much energy I have now? Coconut oil: YOU ARE THE ONE!
Ella
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I am a health professional and therefore not surprisingly, I was
abashed when I would see books about coconut oil. Until my own
health problems began. My thyroid levels were swinging around, but
not really high enough to be treated by most allopathic doctors. I
felt awful. My hair was falling out, my skin was so dry it itched
and cracked, my cholesterol was up and so was my weight, ever so
slowly with every passing month. In addition, my coworkers were
amazed at how can I function when I am constantly sick and on
antibiotics. I was a mess at a fairly young age.
I did some of my own research and kept coming up with coconut oil.
Then I found this website (Coconut Research Center) and became more
convinced as I accessed the journals presented. I felt like what was
I to lose? Here is what happened after taking coconut oil for
several months:
1) Weight has stopped increasing, it is starting to drop because I
no longer crave sweets or simple carbs and have a massive surge of
energy which allows me to be more active.
2) Cholesterol dropped, HDL [the good cholesterol] went WAY up (from
30's to almost 60).
3) My skin is beautiful! I was having rosacea, now it is smooth and
clear. My legs feel as if I am a teenager they are so smooth. I even
put coconut oil around my eyes as a moisturizer. I love feeling my
legs, it is almost as if I have made a discovery. I cannot believe
at my age my skin can be so soft and supple. It's almost like having
a flashback to my teenage years!
4) I am not bloated anymore; my stomach not distended and my feet
not hurting from not fitting in my shoes at the end of the day.
5) I feel so much more energetic, as if I was 10 years younger.
6) My hair is beautiful and silky and not falling out.
7) I am hardly ever sick anymore. When I or my kids are coming down
with something, we up the coconut oil. We are better within a day.
8) My daughter was born with such extreme eczema, she was constantly
itching, even had patches of scabs on her body and scalp. I have
spent hundreds of dollars on expensive prescription steroid creams,
which after a few years, stopped working. The doctor laughed at me
when I mentioned coconut oil. The proof is in the fact that my
daughter's skin is beautiful and flawless now, no itchy bumps, just
beautiful baby skin. Even though she doesn't like the taste of
coconut oil in her food she will eat it when I remind her of her
skin problems. (She also is a very healthy weight.)
9) No more monthly yeast infections.
10) Wounds heal very quickly when coconut oil is applied. It's
almost like magic.
11) My TSH levels are way down into the normal range (not even
subclinical hypothyroid anymore). WOW! The first time in over 6
years!
It took quite a long time before I noticed these changes (several
months). At first I gained weight and was very depressed by it all.
I stuck with it. The health changes have been remarkable. Simply
remarkable. Coconut oil has changed my life. The only sad part is,
when I mention this to my colleagues or friends. I still get
glazed-over looks of disinterest and disbelief, or outright gasps of
horror with a refusal to listen to anymore of it.
(Name withheld on request)
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My name is Jen and I am 25 years old. I just started using virgin
coconut oil 3 weeks ago. I have very sensitive skin, skin redness,
pimples in my back and chest and big pores.
Since I was 16 years old I always bought different kinds of
expensive cosmetics, creams and facial mask to avoid and to get rid
of my pimples. These products caused me only more blemishes and my
face turned dry. I noticed if my skin gets dried from different
kinds of cosmetics and creams and facial mask I only get more
blemishes. I had back pain last month since I am working in the
office 9 hours a day. My cousin massaged my back with the virgin
coconut oil and the next day I noticed that my pimples on my back
went dry and it feels so smooth. So I started applying it on my face
daily and all over the body. And now I have a very smooth face and
it has its moisture again. My skin redness, pimples, big pores are
all gone. It really helps a lot and I can really recommend the
virgin coconut oil.
Jen
Germany
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I was walking and golfing as my exercise program, on weekends 18
holes and
almost everyday after work 9 holes at least. My heels started to
ache constantly,
I had to leave the golf course frequently, and could barely walk
from my truck
to my house when I got home. I heard about virgin coconut oil (VCO),
starting reading about its ability to reduce inflammation, and
thought I’m desperate enough to do it,
as I was about ready to give up golf.
So I started taking VCO three times a day. The heels of my feet felt
better right away, but only by about half. I was happy with that. I
never stopped golfing. But my feet continued to get a little better
every day, and after a month and a half, I was completely healed. I
knew this when I walked 18 holes 5 days in a row. Later at night my
feet felt normal with no pain, nor was there any pain the next
morning.
As a side bonus, the calluses on the fingers of my left hand were
thick and flakey
from playing the guitar. I was having to file them down to be able
to play, and my finger
tips were tender. That all went away. I still have calluses, but
they are pliable now, I don't have to file them, and my finger tips
are not tender any more. I can play pretty much as long as I want to
now.
I haven't lost any weight yet, but at least I'll be able to keep up
my golf exercise program.
Maybe over time, I will lose weight, but I am sure healthier now.
Rodney Latimer
Athens, Georgia
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There has been a nasty stomach virus going around the New York City
area. I was hit with it on a Sunday mid-afternoon. I had two bowel
"episodes" which made me know I had the virus, just like my brother
and our mother and father. Later that day I took about two
tablespoons of liquid virgin coconut oil and I also took some cider
vinegar with water. For dinner, I had a sweet potato drenched in
coconut oil.
I never had another episode. My friends and family had been telling
me about how long the virus stayed with them - some for seven days
or more. Mine only lasted for an afternoon. That evening I was back
to normal.
I'm glad I've been finding out about all the incredible things
coconut and coconut oil can do for you.
Vince Scuderi
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I got shingles last week on Thursday. My sister in-law gave me some
virgin coconut oil and by Saturday the pain was gone. It is now
Thursday [the following week] and the rash is almost gone with no
pain. Sure beats getting steroids!! I am impressed and will be using
this product daily!
Avis Valle
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After having 25+ years of severe acid reflux -- using the strongest
medication barely helped. After one day of using virgin coconut oil
I noticed an improvement. By the end of the week it was completely
gone and has stopped years of suffering. I've noticed more energy
and the loss of junk food cravings. My skin has improved and can go
out in the sun again -- not a mole hiding in the shade or behind
sunscreen. Your book is right -- this is nothing short of a
"miracle" -- praise the Lord.
Sylvia Franklin
Houston, Texas
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I found myself leafing through Bruce Fife's book just before
Christmas, and was
so fascinated that I walked out having bought the book and a jar of
organic unrefined coconut oil. Immediately I started using it on my
skin and added a small amount to my diet. On New Year's Eve I felt
the onslaught of the flu....scratchy throat and fatigue....so I
added more coconut oil to a soup I was making (to which I also added
fresh ginger and reishi mushroom and garlic). Overnight the symptoms
progressed to my lungs...a deep cough signifying bronchitis. I had
more coconut oil, probably 3 or 4 tablespoons.
Usually when my body is successfully fighting an illness like this,
the symptoms
gradually subside over a couple of days at best. But in this case,
by nightfall of New Years day, ALL my symptoms were absolutely GONE!
Wow. I could only imagine those free fatty acids busting up all the
influenza viruses one by one as the reason. I have never experienced
such a quick and complete turnaround.
Melissa Janae Emberson
Weston, Connecticut
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I am very pleased with the great benefits of coconut oil. My horse
had these ugly warts on her nose that would not go away. I decided
to put some coconut oil on them and everyone thought that I was
going nutty. Within 6 days they had all cleared up and I am so happy
about it. She loves the smell and the taste of the oil too.
Tanya
Melbourne, Australia
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My name is Annette and I just starting using Virgin Coconut oil just
about 3 weeks ago. I had been suffering with arthritis and back
problems. I use to have a problem just getting up out of my seat and
since I have been using coconut oil I just get right up with not
problems. I thought I had to get a new mattress because my back was
hurting so bad but now I have not problems. ( I am still going to
get a new mattress anyway). I just want to say that I am sold on
this coconut oil and have recommended it to family and friends and
they have and they are telling me great results from it.
Annette Riddick - Atlanta Georgia
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I thought you might like to hear of my experiences with coconut oil.
My name is Jo Wilkinson, I’m 39 and live in the UK.
In 1987 I was diagnosed with what was then called Post Viral
Syndrome, now ME/CFS/CFIDS. I’d had a serious bout of flu in 1986
from which I did not recover properly, although my health had been
slowly deteriorating since mid 1985. I had a severe relapse in 1993
following a flu vaccination. From this point I was often house
and/or bed bound. My husband (my rock) and I have been everywhere
and tried everything.
To cut a long story short, it was suggested by a doctor in London
that I should see an endocrinologist in Brussels – at that point I
was on hydrocortisone, (BP down to 80/30 which precipitated the
prescription.)
The endo always spent a lot of time lecturing us on diet. Lecturing
is not to strong a word, he was very insistent that I should use
coconut oil for cooking and not olive oil. Your book (The Coconut
Oil Miracle) was shown to us along with a tub of oil. He was against
the prevailing
low fat dogma, saying that fat is required by the body for making
hormones.
The second strand of his diet theory was that I should eat a
paleolithic type diet : no grains, sugar, dairy. Not too much fruit,
loads of veg and salad, plus meat, fish nuts and seeds. My complaint
was that I like yoghurt, so I was allowed two a week as a
concession. This diet is very healthy especially when combined with
the coconut oil and over time I recovered to a point where I decided
to get off the meds. Since September 2004 I have been off all meds
and my health since then has improved dramatically.
Apart from my recovered hormonal system (BP now normal and stable)
my energy is better, I sleep less but more refreshingly, I don’t get
night sweats almost nightly – I don’t get them at all. I used to get
a lot of leg pain, a sort of lactic acid feeling and that has
dissipated in the past three-four months since I started using
Primal Defense.
I think that my immune system is getting back to normal as I had flu
two months ago, was acutely ill and then recovered normally instead
of languishing with fluey symptoms for months as previously. I have
a few minor problems left, but I am hopeful that another six months
should see
me right.
My husband is also very healthy on this diet. He has lost 35 pounds
(I lost 7 pounds after dropping the steroids, back to a normal
weight of 125 pounds). Eighteen months ago just after turning forty
he took up squash again. As one of his friends commented, most
people give up
squash at 40, not take it up again!
I am very grateful to you for writing your book. I can safely say
that it has changed our lives. We are members of The Weston A Price
Foundation, and I have re educated myself on nutrition. Coconut oil
along with a careful diet has restored health for both of us, and we
enjoy cooking together as a hobby.
Health and Happiness,
Jo Wilkinson
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I had some concerns of the effects of EVCO (I thought it may bring
up my chol/trigs levels.) After a month of use--2tbs a day and after
a lipid panel evaluation, no change in these values. They stayed the
same as the blood work one year ago had indicated. The proof is in
black and white (the lab results).
Ray Lemoine-- Lafayette, La
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I have very bad eczema on my hands and arms and have tried every
prescription cream. The only thing that has worked in the past is a
large injection of cortisone, which greatly lowers your immune
function. I happen to buy some coconut oil for my daughter's thick
and curly hair, hoping it would moisturize it. By chance I put some
on my eczema and it really helped. So I tried an experiment, I
stopped using the non-steroidal cream and just put on the coconut
oil. I was amazed that my eczema felt so much better and is starting
to go away after only a week. For the first time all winter I don't
have any open skin cracks on my hands (very painful!) and my skin is
healing.
Jen Chingwe
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I just thought I would post about my experience this week with
virgin coconut oil (VCO) and flu symptoms.
I was coming down with a sore throat and general aches and pains on
Sunday/Monday and that "omg" feeling that I was going to be battling
with feeling bad for a week or more. I was already treating myself
with extra Vitamin C (which I have found very helpful through
personal experience) and I take 4+tbs VCO a day anyway.
I just happened to be flicking through Bruce's Coconut Oil Miracle
book where he talks about curing flu symptoms with extra VCO. So on
Tuesday, I added an extra 2 tbs to my diet that day (making a total
of more than 6 tbs) and by that evening, I suddenly realized that I
didn't feel so bad any more! The next day (Wednesday) I also added
in more VCO than usual and today I basically feel completely well
(perhaps a bit tired).
There's nothing like proving a theory for oneself, is there? :)
Katy
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In October 2004, I was introduced to virgin coconut oil (VCO) in one
of the trade fairs that I went to in Manila. I bought a small bottle
and started taking it internally. I noticed that my pain tolerance
increased enabling a measure of comfort from my constant back pain.
Later I used it for cooking pancakes and omelets and mixing with the
chocolate drinks of my children so that they too can benefit from
it. Lately, the changing temperatures are causing people here to be
affected with upper respiratory tract infections. My daughter and I
had thick and yellow mucus but our energy level was up. We didn't
experience fever or cough or any other cold symptoms although we
felt like we should already be coming down with the flu, like many
people during this season in the Philippines.
My right thumb has eczema that comes and goes depending on my immune
system performance. My dermatologist prescribed a very expensive
steroid cream to treat it when it's active. Three weeks ago, the
eczema was making my thumb "weep", itchy, and red. Instead of
putting on the steroid cream, I applied VCO and covered it with
gauze. The following morning the redness was gone and the skin
became dry. I continued to apply VCO 3x a day and after a few days
the thick flaky dead skin was gone and my thumb is smooth again.
Another bonus is a smoother complexion as I use VCO as a "night
cream."
Since then I have replaced my cooking oil with VCO and my children
are
getting used to it. Thank God for VCO!
Lorna Protacio, Philippines
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I didn't have many expectations when I started using coconut oil a
year ago. I was overweight, and resigned to it; diets just didn't
work with me. In fact, in spite of a basically healthy diet - I
really prefer natural, whole foods, organic fruit and vegetables,
and detest junk food - I was steadily gaining weight over the years
and decades. I was also using what I considered the healthy fats -
polyunsaturated oils.
After reading Bruce Fife's books on coconut oil I switched oils
completely. I diligently read labels to avoid hydrogenated vegetable
oils - and was amazed at how pervasive they are. I used coconut oil
for all my cooking, and even added it to my tea. I lost 20 pounds in
a matter of weeks, and what's more important, my weight has stayed
at this level for the whole year. Even at times of more indulgence,
such as holidays and Christmas, I did not gain. I take coconut oil
with me wherever I go and can't live without my daily dose! I'm
convinced that it was the polyunsaturated oils that made me gain
weight, and coconut oil that helped me lose it. Also, my energy is
up; formerly I was prone to inactivity but now I can go all day.
Another side effect - my dandruff has disappeared completely.
--Sharon Maas, www.sharonmaas.com
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I am a type-II diabetic. I control my glucose levels thru diet &
supplements alone with no allopathic meds. Because I take so many
different things, it is hard for me to say what does the most good.
But I drink a can of coconut milk every night as my final of 4 meals
a day. By drinking coconut milk late at night, I believe it helps
regulate my fasting blood sugar measurement. As a little fringe
benefit, the night sweats & chills I have experienced for most of
the past 40-50 years are almost completely gone.
--Alobar Graywalker
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I was diagnosed at one time to have "shingles" (the old version of
chicken pox) which made my hip's skin feel like it literally was
being ironed. My doctor said the only way to deal with it is to take
some kind of horribly expensive antibiotic! Since it was still
bearable, I did not buy the prescription. I put coconut oil on it
instead, and what do you know. The thing went away in minutes!!!! My
sister came to me with the same complaint coming from her doctor
(same as mine). I told her to apply coconut oil, and it also worked
for her.
Two relatives of mine, both avid golfers, have very itchy thick
hives on their backs. They have been to good dermatologists and were
given prescription creams that cost too much and yet their hives did
not go away. They asked for my cream, and overnight the thick hard
hives have softened, and after a few days the hives disappeared with
no trace.
It has also been used by one of them for an infected big toe. The
infection cleared in a matter of three days.
A lady OBGYN's daughter is a regular customer. She applies it on her
pimples and claims it disappears overnight.
Another friend of my sister, who has awful dry skin because of the
medicines she takes for her heart, diabetes, allergies, etc. has
used commercial moisturizers with no success. She used my cream and
it helped her skin recover and she said it no longer itches.
I am a diabetic too and I use it for my body as a moisturizer. I use
virgin coconut oil with lavender (liquid form not cream) for my
day/night moisturizer and it does remove my wrinkles. However, if I
skip using it on my face, the wrinkles come back. I once poured
boiling candles on my finger. It got so red and had a blister. It
hurt all day. When I was about to go to sleep, I put the cream
thickly on top of it and put socks over my hand so that the cream
stays on the blister while I am asleep. The next morning, it was not
there anymore. No trace at all of the burn.
A cousin uses it on her grandchild for itchy insect bites and diaper
rashes with great success.
My sister-in-law had very bad black scars on her arms from a brush
with a big nail. After applying the cream for a short while, the
scar totally disappeared.
My mother-in-law had injections on her varicose veins. For two years
those veins got so black. After a few applications, the vein has
turned gray and now is clear of any color.
All this is from the coconut oil.
--Melly Almanzor-Banagale
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Here in the Philippines we Catholics are celebrating 9 dawn masses
every day (BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY) at 4:30 in the morning and during
these 9 consecutive days, I believed my immune system was running so
well because of the coconut oil that I religiously consume everyday
(3 Tbs/day).During these days, I felt warmer although the
temperature was getting colder here in the Philippines. I did not
catch any cold during these days unlike the previous years when I
was not taking it yet.
But days, before the New Year, I experienced headache due to
sinusitis. I thought the coconut oil that I've been taking is no
longer effective (contents is almost empty and there is some slight
change in the taste). I opened a new one ( same brand) and took it
with additional 1tbs/day higher dosage. Right after taking the newly
opened one, my sinusitis and headache were gone in 10 minutes.
Recently, for the past 2 weeks that I missed to take my coconut oil,
I felt weaker especially every time I sleep late. I catch cold
yesterday, and I am reminded to take my coconut oil religiously. I
am sure the coconut oil boosted my immune system and I believe it
heals me from my colds, sinusitis and protects my body from getting
sick.
