Romy Posadas’ secret to staying healthy

VCO FOR LIFE Experts have recommended that virgin coconut oil be incorporated into our daily diet.

Almost every day now, we hear of someone who has been infected with COVID-19.Just a few days ago, well-respected and much loved veteran journalist, former board director of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and former station manager of Radio Veritas, Melo Acuña, passed away only three days after announcing he tested positive for coronavirus. We extend our deepest condolences to his family as well as to friends in media who were close to him and who were like family to him.

I have a friend who just went to the grocery store and now also has the virus. It makes you realize that we just really have to do our best to stay at home.

And then there are those who have passed away from other illnesses, but whose families are unable to fully grieve with a proper burial because of community quarantine restrictions. Our deepest condolences go to the family of Pascual Laguerta, who joined the Lord over the weekend, especially to Fr. Jason Laguerta, our spiritual father at online faith community Dominus Est.

It is true what Jack Ma said when the pandemic started: “For people in business, 2020 is really just a year for staying alive. Don’t even talk about your dreams or plans. Just make sure you stay alive. If you can stay alive, then you would have made a profit already.”

I don’t know if he foresaw that 2020 would extend its stay and slide into 2021 and now maybe even 2022.

So how do we stay alive?

First, get vaccinated. Take it. It will lessen your chances of visiting the ICU.

Second, follow the same protocols as if you were not vaccinated because the jab does not necessarily prevent you from getting infected. I personally know someone who was vaccinated and still ended up in the ICU. Continue to wear your face mask properly, covering your entire nose and mouth area; leave your clothes and shoes by the door when you get home and take a bath right away; wash your hands; and as much as possible, stay home.

Third, eat. This is the fun part. We are so lucky that we live in a country that loves deliveries. So support the food community that has been struggling due to the lockdown rules and order away.

Still, do eat healthy. It is also highly recommended to incorporate virgin coconut oil (VCO) into your diet. My good friend, the legendary jazz pianist Romy Posadas, who is over 90 years old and healthy, takes a spoonful of this with his coffee every morning.

Last year, it was recommended for those with mild COVID-19 symptoms but just last April, researchers said those with serious cases should likewise take it. While VCO is not a cure, it is still recommended as a supplement. A study conducted by the Food and Nutrition Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Ateneo de Manila University showed VCO has antiviral properties such as lauric acid and monolaurin that can disintegrate the virus envelope, inhibit virus replication and prevent the binding of viral proteins with the host cell membrane.

Chit Juan of Echostore (echostore.ph), where I buy my VCO, shared that VCO also helps reduce heart disease risk. Both refined and VCO contain healthy fatty acids that can encourage the body to burn fat and raise good cholesterol in your blood; it can aid weight loss as it is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which curb hunger and increase metabolism as well as improve brain function; and best of all, since 40 percent to 50 percent of the fatty acids in VCO is lauric acid, which possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties, it helps in gut health, which makes us better equipped to fight the virus.

How to enjoy VCO? You may do as Posadas does: take one to two tablespoons daily either as is or with your coffee or tea. Or you can just incorporate it into your meals.

For the DOST study, the individuals who were part of the research program were given VCO mixed into their meals, with dosages based on the body weight of each subject.

Finally, don’t forget the other, stronger Virgin: the Blessed Virgin Mary. Or whatever your spiritual alignment may be, don’t forget to pray.

Another member of the Dominus Est web ministry, Clyde Nolasco, is a COVID-19 survivor and I remember him saying it is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. You need to be alert, with the will to eat even when you cannot smell, and the determination to overcome it all especially when you are finding it hard to breathe. So pray. Spiritual strength works wonders and translates to physical strength as well. And pray for others, especially for the souls who have gone ahead in these miserable times.

We are undoubtedly in a global, historical rut. But we hope! Great is the Lord’s faithfulness. I pray that all of you and your families stay healthy and safe.