Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years because of its health enhancing benefits. Coconut oil is the most versatile of all vegetable oils. It is a type of oil that belongs to the saturated fats. Unlike other oil, coconut oil is not packaged into lipoproteins and do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats do, rather it is sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy. That is why many studies have shown that coconut oil has no adverse effects on blood cholesterol. In a sense, it can be considered a "low fat" fat.

Virgin Coconut Oil also known as "white coconut oil," is extracted from fresh matured coconuts through the cold process method making sure that oil is not altered and remains in its natural form. "Virgin" because of its pure white color, looking much like crystal waters, sweet and mild in taste and has retained its natural sweet aroma.

Grace Virgin Coconut Oil undergoes the same procedure. It is 100% natural and chemical free fiber.

Grace Virgin Coconut Oil is found to have more than 60% Lauric acid, which is classified as "MEDIUM CHAIN FATTY ACIDS (MCFA)," and what differentiates it from the animal oil (long chain fatty acid) is that it is easily digested and converted to energy by the body. When MCFA is combined with monoglycerine, it produces a substance called "monolaurine acid" whose molecules are similar to that of mother's milk "colostrums" that helps develops and strengthens infants immune system. This substance has an antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and antioxidant properties all in one. And, because Grace Virgin Coconut Oil has an antioxidant property, it promotes moist, smooth, and soft healthy skin, plus it is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, which strengthens the body's immune system.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF Grace Virgin Coconut Oil

• Provides an immediate source of energy
• Effectively fights viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections
• Strengthens and supports the immune system
• Helps in digestion and nutrient absorption
• Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health
• Boosts physical, mental, and emotional wellness
• Helps prevent or fade stretch marks, scar tissue, & age spots
• Helps moisturize your skin, thus prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin
• Protects scalp and produce strong silky hair

Grace Virgin Oil can be use as:

• Liquid vitamins / food supplements - cure and prevention.
• An instant first aid remedy for skin ailments such as insect bites, allergies, skin infections, etc.
• Skin moisturizer: apply it on your skin like your regular lotion application
• Hot oil scalp/hair treatment: use as replacement for your regular hot oil (leave for 5 to 10 minutes, rinse, shampoo and towel-dry)
• Take 2-3 tablespoons daily before every meal.

But with the myriad of virgin coconut oils in the global market, how can you determine the pure ones from the low-quality VCO. Here is a simple 3 step process that a typical consumer can do. The See-Smell-Taste Test or SST Test.

Look at it. When you buy a VCO in a grocery, you can instantly see by physical means the color of the oil. Pure VCO should be colorless and crystal clear. There should be no sediments, no yellowish color. Sediments indicate the oil was not filtered properly or much worse, if the sediment is seen at the bottom, these may indicate that the moisture content is high which may increase its rancidity. Take note that oil floats on water. The yellowish color would show the oil may have come from copra and not fresh, mature coconuts. Don't get alarmed when you see VCO which turns solid. This is natural at 24 degree Celsius. If it does not solidify, other substances may have been added. But make sure that its pure white when it solidifies. If it is dark or discolored, the VCO is impure.

Smell it. VCO should have a slight coconut smell. A strong coconut smell would indicate that the oil may have come from copra. Copra is dried coconut. An absence of coconut smell would indicate that the oil was deodorized and may no longer be called "virgin" because additional chemicals and further processing was done on the oil. Please note also that any spoiled smell would mean that the VCO has oxidized or has turned rancid which can be harmful to the body.

Taste it. Your tongue will help you taste the oil. VCO should have a modest coconut taste. If it has a strong coconut taste, most likely the oil came from copra. If it is tasteless then it was refined to remove the coconut taste.

What is the best process to extract the coconut oil? There are many extraction processes which include mechanical press, boiling, fermentation, centrifuge, enzyme, or refrigeration. The rule of thumb is that no heat (or almost no heat) shall be done in extracting the oil. Some people call this "cold-pressed" method. As such, the term "virgin" which means that the oil should not be subjected to extreme heat, no chemical solvents are added, no further processes are done on the oil. Adding something in virgin coconut oil will no longer be considered "virgin" but mere ordinary coconut oil.

There is a sudden proliferation of virgin coconut oils lately. You can find them in supermarkets, drugstores, and groceries. Some are made by big manufacturers to oils made in one’s own backyard. This is a result of the tremendous advertising exposure that this purely Pinoy product has been experiencing lately. It could be the country’s hope in building the whole coconut industry which can bring in millions of pesos in export sales.

But did you ever wonder why virgin coconut oil is labeled "virgin?" Here is why. The Philippine National Standards (PNS) - a government entity which standardizes labeling for various food products together with the Philippine Coconut Authority provided a common understanding on the definition of virgin coconut oil. They defined VCO as - an oil obtained from fresh, mature kernel of the coconut by mechanical or natural means, with or without the use of heat, without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching or deodorizing, and which does not lead to the alteration of the nature of the oil. Virgin coconut oil is an oil which is suitable for consumption without the need for further processing. The more processing methods used, the less virgin the VCO becomes.

Anything that is added to the VCO that may affect its usual description is adulterated VCO and may no longer be called "virgin." Virgin connotes purity. The PNS added that food additives are not permitted as contents of the VCO. Dr. Bruce Fife - an expert in VCO science further added that genuine and pure VCO should be colorless, sediment-free, and must have a distinct mild coconut flavor and aroma. Virgin Coconut Oil should taste like coconut. The PNS also added that the moisture content of VCO should be less than .02%. Anything more than the required moisture level will increase the rancidity rate (rate of spoilage) of the VCO.

When you buy your VCO make sure you follow the proper recommended intake. Take 2-3 tablespoons a day preferably before your regular meal. Please note that taking VCO in capsule form does not provide you with the adequate therapeutic dose. You need to take 45 capsules of 1000mg capsules a day of VCO to equal the recommended 3 tablespoons a day. Drink also water after taking your VCO. Once the bottle is opened place it in a cool dry place, away from direct light. It is advisable that you consume the oil within 2 weeks. When VCO has solidified you may bring it back to its liquid form by placing the bottle in warm water.

ABS Herbs has been a trailblazer in herbal science. ABS Herbs recently introduced in the market Grace Virgin Coconut Oil with more than 56% lauric acid, higher than most VCOs. It is made using cold-press with ultra-centrifuge which spins off excess water from the oil, reducing moisture content to the barest minimum. The product is available at all Mercury Drugstores and Watsons outlets nationwide. For more details call 926-3252/ 925-9318 or visit http://www.abs-herbs.com.ph/.

KOLESTRIM - COCONUT CAPSULE
FIBER PLUS
500 mg

Kolestrim Coconut Fiber Plus is a blend of herbs that combines with tropical coconut meat to supply the fiber needs of our daily diet. The coconut meat is fibrous thus can act as broomstick in the digestive tract. The blend of Garlic and Ginseng in the formula, supplement the body of its digestive processes that aids in lowering cholesterol and sugar utilization. Addition of Pau D'Arco and Andrographis Paniculata in the blend aids the liver cells from premature destruction.

Kolestrim Coconut Fiber Plus is a premium Herbal Dietary Supplement good for cholesterol and blood circulation, can trim your excess fat, cholesterol, and flushes body toxins away by natural fiber. It is processed in a facility, which conforms to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Kolestrim does not contain any synthetic ingredients or additives. As such, consumers are assured of the safety and efficacy.

Kolestrim Coconut Fiber Plus natural ingredients:

1. Virgin Coconut Fiber - Coconut meat to supply the fiber needs. Contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA).
2. Garlic - Aids in blood circulation and lowering of cholesterol. Contains numerous sulphur compounds believe to fight infection.
3. Pau D' Arco - Contains Lapachol a phytonutrient helpful for the immune system and metabolism.
4. Ginseng - Strengthens immune and body vitality as part of the genocides nutrients.
5. Andrographis Paniculata - Contains Andrographis that offer protection to the liver, which metabolizes fat and cholesterol.

The recommended use is 2 - 3 capsules daily taken before meals. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Hypertension is a disease caused by constriction of the blood vessels. Hypertension is blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg. This condition may be brought about by cholesterol deposition in the blood vessels. Hypertension is aggravated by the high fat diet we consume everyday. Secondly, this condition is also attributed to blood vessel hardening.

Studies have shown that reducing high fat diet and lifestyle change may greatly reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
Uncontrolled hypertension may lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and chronic fatigue.

CIRCUMAX 5+ GINSENG is a combination of six herbs synergistically blended to help blood circulation and nerves. It has Garlic and Hawthorne berry known to regulate good and bad cholesterol levels. High blood pressure, a symptom that increases the incidence of degenerative diseases and organ failure, may be helped by herbs. Such Herbs like Andrographis paniculata, a known herbs that help liver function is added in this formula. Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba help to increase the blood circulation and nerve conduction of the body. This ensures the delivery of oxygen to the vital organs of the body. Hence, the overall effect of this supplement is to energize, increase stamina and alertness.

CIRCUMAX 5+ GINSENG as is a premium Herbal Dietary Supplement good for blood circulation. It is processed in a facility, which conforms to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Circumax plus Ginseng does not contain any synthetic ingredients or additives. As such, consumers are assured of its safety and efficacy.

The recommended use is 2-3 capsules daily taken before meals. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.