Bruce Fife

Tropical trade winds and swaying palms aside, an invariable element of Polynesian life is the widespread use of coconuts. They eat them, drink them, use the extracted oil for medicinal purposes and for skin and hair care.

Could this have something to do with their smooth, acne-free skin and silky hair? Could the coconut be responsible for the lack of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases amongst native islanders who have maintained a traditional diet high in coconut oil?

The answer is a big yes according to Bruce Fife, N.D., author of The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil. Despite the popularity of chemical-based "miracle-of-science" skin care products and the widespread belief that eating saturated fats (coconuts included) is unhealthy and causes heart attacks, "virgin coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth," said Fife.

"If you're not using coconut oil for your daily cooking and body care needs, you're missing out on one of nature's most amazing health products." According to Fife, when used topically and/or taken internally, virgin coconut oil helps keep skin soft and smooth; helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin; reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, cancer and other degenerative conditions; fights bacterial, fungal and viral infections of the skin and body; and provides a host of other health benefits obtainable from no other natural source.

"Because of its unique cellular structure, virgin coconut oil helps prevent free radical damage, is easily absorbed by the skin and has absolutely no adverse effects on the human body," he said.

All this from the simple coconut, the staff of life and the secret of good health for Polynesians -- including native Fijians -- whose Reniu brand of skin care is made from 100 percent extra virgin coconut oil and is now available in the United States. "Virgin coconut oil skin care products are exploding in the U.S. market among the health-conscious public," said Michael de Geus, president of Pure Fiji, importers of the Reniu products.

"And we're proud to say you can now find virgin coconut oil products in the United States at eBubbles.com, Wild Oats Markets and Tommy Bahamas -- progressive retailers who are taking the initiative to educate and provide the consumer with these incredible gifts from nature."

eBubbles.com specializes in unique, natural skin care products and body care practices from all over the world. Wild Oats Market is North America's premier natural foods retailer operating more than 110 markets throughout the United States. Tommy Bahama's Cafes and Emporioums offer fine dining and shopping in a relaxed island realm.