Around GMA

Article Inside Page

During the height of the pandemic, increased demand for Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) was seen after the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST) found that the plant oil has helped the severity of symptoms of the virus.

The researchers tested the effectiveness of VCO on 57 patients suspected of COVID-19.

They found that half of its participants who received meals containing VCO (test group) showed positive effects than those of the control group.

“Kami ay nagsagawa ng tinatawag na double-blinded trial na kung saan ang mga volunteers na nasa ilalim ng VCO trial ay randomly hinahati sila sa dalawa,” says DOST Sec. Fortunato Dela Peña to Pinoy MD.

“So itong volunteers na ito, ira-random 'yan kung mapupunta sila sa VCO group at 'yung walang VCO.

“Kami kasi we only relayed 'yung findings at hindi namin sinasabi na mag-take kayo ng VCO.

“The day we announced the findings ay nagbigay rin kami ng sulat addressed to the Philippine Coconut Authority and Department of Trade and Industry telling them na ganito ang resulta so we will probably expect an increased demand.”

Despite the positive effects of the plant-based oil on clinical trials, the Department of Health (DOH) says that the public should not consider VCO as the be-all and end-all treatment.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire attests to this statement and says much evidence is needed before VCO can be recommended as an effective COVID-19 medication.

“Maganda nga ang resulta pero hindi pa 'yun enough para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na ebidensya para sabihin na ito ay kailangan at maari nang gamitin against COVID-19,” she explains.

“Tinutuloy ang pag-aaral na ito para mabigyan ng sapat na ebidensya kung talaga ang VCO ay masasabing mairerekomenda sa pagtulong or supportive therapy sa COVID-19. Wala pa po tayong sapat na ebidensya para magsabing ito ay nakakagaling ng COVID 19.

“Ang mga gamot na ginagamit ngayon ay para suportahan ang sintomas na dulot ng COVID. Tulad na lamang ng lagnat kaya tayo nagbibigay ng paracetamol.”

Aside from a lack of scientific evidence, cardiologists also warn VCO believers about its high saturated fat content.

According to Dr. Allan Gumatay, a cardiologist at the Manila Doctors Hospital, effects like the increase of bad cholesterol outweighs any positive side effects of VCO.

He adds, “Ang pag-aaral sa VCO ay puro sa mga hayop, meaning puro mga daga o mice pa lamang kaya hindi mo pa siya magagamit sa mga tao. Pangalawa, 'yung mga tao na ginamit, usually 20-30 ka-tao lang kaya mahirap na i-generalize na ito ay mabuti o nakakasama para sa lahat.

“Kung babalansehin mo 'yung dalawa, mas nakakahigit 'yung pagtaas ng bad cholesterol kaysa sa pagtaas ng good cholesterol. So, at the end of the day, mas pangit 'yung epekto niya at hindi siya halos nakakatulong sa tao.”

The takeaway: Like most health fads, it's important to consider first its pros and cons before jumping on the bandwagon. Furthermore, people should always consume oils and fats in moderation, as part of any diet.

At the end of the day, getting your daily dose of exercise and eating a balanced, healthy diet trumps any fad diets. It's proven to be an essential component of weight loss and reduces your risk of any disease.