For centuries, coconut oil has been considered a vital source of food for health and general well-being. In tropical countries where coconut palm trees abound, locals have long been benefitting from this so-called “Tree of Life”. Research shows that virgin coconut oil, like mother’s milk, is rich in lauric acid which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties needed for good health and well-being.

Like all things pure and natural, virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconuts, unlike other commercial-grade oil which came from dried coconut meat of copra. Virgin coconut oil has an important role in finding cures and remedies for many of the illnesses brought upon by unhealthy lifestyles and the refined diet of modern living.

According to research, coconut oil has the highest source of saturated fats and medium-chain fatty acids which are necessary to increase metabolism and are more easily digested than fats found in other oils. And because the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are absorbed quickly by the tissues and converted into energy, people suffering from chronic fatigue would gain a lot of benefits when they take coconut oil into their diet.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome used to be considered an imaginary ailment. But nowadays, it has been affecting women between 30’s and 50’s and has become a problem of growing concerns among 3 million Americans and 90 million people worldwide.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by prolonged and extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. Such fatigue is so severe that it keeps one from getting involved in regular activities. Thus, CFS may cause possible social isolation as well as lifestyle restrictions.

Researchers are still in a quandary as to the cause of this condition. However, some quarters suspect that it could be caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), though no definite viral cause has been identified.

According to research, CFS may be caused by inflammation of pathways in the nervous system. This inflammation seems to act as an immune response. CFS may develop when a viral disease is complicated by a problem with the body’s immune response. Different factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs, based on ruling out other possible causes. The number of persons with CFS is unknown.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be similar to those of common viral infections such as muscle aches, headache, and fatigue often developing within a few hours or days and lasting for six months or more.

Main symptoms:
· Fatigue or tiredness – a kind of exhaustion that lasts for at least six months and not relieved by bed rest
· Fatigue that is so severe it restricts activity (serious fatigue develops with less than one-half of the exertion compared to before the illness)

Other symptoms:
· Fatigue lasting more than 24 hours after an amount of exercise that would normally be easily tolerated
· Mild fever (101 degrees F or less)
· Sore throat
· Lymph node tenderness in the neck or armpit
· Muscle weakness all over or multiple locations, not explained by any known disorder
· Muscle aches also known as myalgias
· Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping an adequate amount of time
· Headaches, different from previous headaches in quality, severity, or pattern
· Joint pain, often moving from joint to joint (migratory arthralgias), without joint swelling or redness
· Forgetfulness or other similar symptoms including difficulty concentrating confusion, or irritability

Once you experience persistent, extreme fatigue, with or without other symptoms of this disorder, contact your professional health care provider. Other more serious disorders can cause similar symptoms and should be ruled out.

With coconut oil now considered as a functional food, modern medicine is looking at it as a powerful tool against the disease of the immune system as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. Much research has been undertaken on its effectiveness, and further studies are currently underway on the outstanding nutritional value of coconut oil.