The humble coconut tree is the source of one of nature’s greatest oils credited with a dizzying array of benefits. Virgin coconut oil is linked to boosting brain function in Alzheimer suffers, reducing seizures, helping with cholesterol and heart health, and managing weight. It also has significant cosmetic benefits which is why Health Pak’s South Pacific Soap Co range of hair and body care products are infused with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
The potent anti-oxidising, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties of pure organic coconut oil means this botanical range has wide ranging proven cosmetic benefits, says Health Pak’s general manager of sales and marketing, Jimi Kennedy-Grant. “As a botanical active ingredient, it’s completely organic and there’s thousands of years of traditional healing and beauty treatments that we have complemented with modern cosmetic science.”
The coconut tree is often called the “tree of life” as it provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses. The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, forms a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics.
The name, coconut, comes from 16th century Portuguese sailors who thought the three holes of the shell looked like a grinning face so nicknamed it ‘coco’. The ‘nut’ was later added even though it’s a fruit. Precise numbers are hard to calculate but it’s thought about 50 million tonnes of coconuts are produced worldwide each year with one tree supplying up to 150 nuts each year.
Asian countries grow almost 87 per cent of the international supply and though the Pacific is important to our countries – and to Health Pak – Oceania supplies just under four percent of coconuts. Wherever it’s grown, coconuts really are a wonder product with a simple Google of virgin coconut oil producing long lists of products and the oil’s remarkable qualities.
Medical News Today says virgin coconut oil not only moisturises dry skin but helps with conditions like eczema. It can also reduce inflammation, promote wound healing and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. If that’s not enough, the Love, Beauty and Planet website suggested the oil has many benefits for hair including helping to slow balding, with dry and dull hair, repairing hair and taming frizzy hair. With Australia and New Zealand poised to have a hot and humid summer, taming frizzy hair will be on many people’s ‘to do’ list. Tests are even being done to prove anecdotal reports that gargling the oil helps with bad breath and dental health (please don’t try this with the shampoo!)
It’s the skin and hair benefits that Health Pak is tapping into with its Soap Company range. South Pacific Soap Co is made to the same formulation in both New Zealand and Fiji which is where we source our Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from. That oil is used by Health Pak to make South Pacific Soap Co shampoo, conditioner body wash, body balm and soaps as well, these are then supplied to hotels around Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
South Pacific Soap Co. Made IN the Pacific. Made OF the Pacific
