The largest clinical research study ever undertaken on the effects of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on cholesterol levels has indicated decreases in body fat and bad cholesterol and increases in good cholesterol among the VCO users.

In a statement to the Ghana News Agency on Monday in Accra, the research team, led by Dr. Christina Binag of the University of Santo Thomas (UST) Research Center for Natural and Applied Science in the Philipines , stated that the study required 110 participants to take three tablespoons of VCO everyday for four months while 79 others had a placebo drug for the same period.

It said aside the clinical effects, the study reported that those who took VCO felt stronger and healthier. They reported regular bowel movement, increased appetite and stamina and better sleep.

“Some of the VCO takers also said they were more virile and became more sexually active during the period of their participation in the VCO study”.

Health experts claim that decreases in body fat and bad cholesterol and increases in good cholesterol made the individual less prone to stroke, heart attacks and many other lifestyle diseases, it stated.

According to the statement no change was seen in the fat profile and other parameters of the placebo group, adding that doctors and scientists from the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University had also reviewed the study and declared it sound and scientific.

It indicated that, Hon. Proceso Alcala, Agriculture Secretary of Philippine said at a press conference held at the Philippine Coconut Authority building in Quezon City on February 29, 2012 that “Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is not only for cooking but also for sex. In the past, we only hear anecdotes of the benefits of VCO. Now, it’s the doctors and scientists who have confirmed it.

“Those who would benefit from the study are not only those hoping to be more active in the bedroom. It will also help the country’s coconut farmers as the medical evidence will boost the demand for VCO”.

The Philippines is the world’s top exporter of coconut products. In 2011, export earnings from coconut products reached $1.95 billion. In view of the export potential of VCO, a replanting programme of 20 million coconut trees, aimed at providing a sustainable livelihood for the coconut farming communities, has been launched in Philippine.

Recommending the trend in Ghana, Virgin Coconut Oil Producers’ Association of Ghana led by the Chairman, Mr George Mochiah appealed to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and government to provide members with a bigger capacity grinding machine to produce more oil to meet the demand of their customers.

This according to the Association, would help provide employment for the youth to reduce unemployment rates, help Ghanaians to become healthy by reducing the disease burden of users among other benefits.