Philippines remains world's largest coconut oil exporter

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Philippines remains world's largest coconut oil exporter

Although coconut export statistics may show a fluctuating trend, the Philippines remains as the world's biggest supplier of coconut oil, which is derived from the coconut tree - the tree of life with a thousand uses.

(Video from youtube.com; posted by crisgee 08.11.07)

The United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) had optimistically projected an increase (weather permitting) by ~5% compared to 2007 numbers to 2.5 million tonnes for copra (the term for dried coconut meat from which oil is extracted). Other coconut-related terms include "niyog", "buko", "buco", "coconut juice", "latik" (for the coconut meat), "buko juice", and "virgin coconut oil".

By the way, virgin coconut oil has attracted some attention, as it has been evaluated to have possible health benefits. For example, in an animal study (Sprague-Dawley rats), potential beneficial effects on lipid parameters were shown (Nevin KG, Rajamohan T. Clin Biochem. 2004;37:830-5) while a recent study at the Skin Care and Cancer Foundation at Pasig, Philippines evaluated novel antibacterial and antiemollient effects of virgin coconut oil in patients with a skin condition called atopic dermatitis(Verallo-Rowell et al. Dermatitis. 2008;19:308-15). Perhaps that is why there are some who have advocated a so-called coconut oil miracle. However, more studies may be needed to fully confirm or validate any clinical benefits of virgin coconut oil.

Nevertheless, the coconut tree, including its derivatives, continues its reign as one of the elegant fixtures of the Philippine landscape as well as being an integral part of Pinoy culture and economic life. For more information regarding developments on the coconut industry in the Philippines, one may go to the Philippine Coconut Authority website.