By Cory QuirinoPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 20:38:00 03/17/2008
MANILA, Philippines—There was a time when all one needed to do was to walk in a garden and pick an herb or harvest vegetables. Today, cheaper and mass-produced foods have flooded the market.
Beware
It's called convenience foods. They are processed, tasty and filling. Stop for a moment. Many if not most of these foods contain hydrogenated oils. Polished rice is grown with chemical fertilizers. Certain softdrinks and beverages are loaded with refined sugars and chemicals.
The patient is out
Because of the alarming rate of increase in the incidence of cancer, diabetes and heart disease, the medical community is looking into the more serious role that lifestyle plays in the health of an individual. Just the word patient alone already connotes illness. So, let's not get into the mindset of becoming a patient. It's time to try a gentle, yet natural way to better health.
Natural life
It's all about embracing what Mother Nature continues to give us—a beautiful harvest of goodness from the earth. And the best gift is the coconut.
A dietary staple in the tropics, the coconut or buko is local fare. Because it grows in abundance in the Philippines, many Filipinos ignore its wondrous benefits. Before World War II, lifestyle diseases that plagued the Western World were unheard of in this country. Then, the native diet included the use of coconut oil and other coconut ingredients. Sadly, this traditional way of living is dying except for certain regions like Bicol.
The coconut as staple food is fast losing its popular place on the dining table.
With the entry of the Western diet/foods that have saturated the market, a host of diseases have cropped up.
The coconut contains MCT's—medium chain triglycerides which burn up quickly in the body. It promotes energy and weight loss because it is transported directly to the liver where it is converted into energy. It increases the rate at which the body burns fat, thus earning its nickname—diet oil.
As an antibacterial/fungal/microbial, there have been testimonials by patients with herpes (who have not had a breakout for one year after taking three to five tablespoons daily in the morning on an empty stomach).
Obesity (a lady lost 10 lbs in six weeks by consuming three tablespoons daily mixed with her oatmeal).
Diabetes (a man's blood sugar stabilized after taking three tablespoons for three weeks).
Depression (a patient's mood levels improved via two tablespoons daily mixed with juice within one week).
Coconut house
Finally, a home for coconut producers/traders and coco lovers. The Coconut House is found in Xavierville Village along Esteban Abada Street. Organized by COVCOP (Cooperative of Philippine Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Allied Products Manufacturers and Traders), the showroom/shop and resto serves every imaginable coconut product—cosmetics, fashion accessories and food items with VCO as the star of the store. Good news for diabetics. If white sugar rates 100 percent on the glycemic index, coco sugar is only 35 percent. Thus, it is safe for those with diabetes.
At the resto can be found an ice cream bar whose main attractions are the popular smoother than silk coconut ice cream in ube, corn and regular flavors as well as the skimmed coco milk whose light nutty flavor is undeniably refreshing. It is the best non-daily milk in the world. You may want to try pancit buko and buko-okoy, its bestsellers. Call 4893166.
Skin luster
Left-over grated coconut meat can be scrubbed all over the face and body for a smoother, softer skin. Try it!
Holy Week fast
If you want a healthy energizing fasting regimen, take one glass coconut water every hour alternating with purified water. At day's end, drink three tablespoons of VCO.
Affirmation
"I am one with the heart of heaven."
Love and light!
