ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Philippines (PIA) -– Three virgin coconut oil (VCO) producers in the province continue to produce the product since demand for the product hit the domestic and export markets half a decade ago.

Based on Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Capiz records, the top local VCO producers here are the Capiz Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative (CASCOFAMCO) and two other enterprising Capiceños.

“These producers generate about 100 liters of VCO a month,” said PCA Provincial Coconut Development Manager Jeffrey de los Reyes.

He added that the production is basically for the local market “although some VCO users purchase and bring the product abroad.”

The natural nutritiously-potent oil is reputed to be effective in lowering cholesterol, cleaning up body toxins, strengthening the digestive system, managing diabetes, controlling allergies and enhancing metabolism and the immune system.

It is also an effective cure for various external body problems including skin disorders.

Recently, Researchers from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) tested samples of VCO for trans-fatty acids using standard methods adopted by the American Oil Chemist Society (AOCS) and found out that it contains very low trans fatty acid content which can be declared as “zero,” based on 2008 US FDA Food Labeling Guide.