THE BENEFITS OF HOME-GROWN COCONUT OIL ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018.

THE BENEFITS OF HOME-GROWN COCONUT OIL ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018.

Gender equality requires female entrepreneurs. To create them, different resources and education is needed. With this in mind we, the Biodiversity-team, have started to pilot a program which helps women of our neighboring village of Yenbeser to generate their own income from readily available natural resources. They can produce a product that has a positive effect in three different ways: for their health and income and even for the environment!

But before we tell you more about our program, let’s look back to the first Women’s Day.

It was observed in the USA in 1909 and designed by the socialist party of America to honor the garment workers’ strike in New York. There were women protesting against the working conditions. By 1975 the UN had introduced International Women’s Day as an annual event on the 8th of March. It is a symbol for the international standard of equality worldwide. Furthermore, it is a reminder of the importance of working towards a fairer society. These internationally agreed strategies, standards and goals continue to aid the advancement of the status of women worldwide today.

Still there is a long way to go. Especially for women in the world’s remotest communities where tradition and isolation act as a barrier to the message.

So back to our program. By providing a coconut grinder for common use in the village, all women of Yenbeser have the chance to produce their own pure, organic coconut oil. The oil is sold by women to local businesses (including Biodiversity!) As an alternative to palm oil. Palm oil is synonymous with aggressive rainforest deforestation in Indonesia. It destroys the natural habitat of orangutans, which are threatened with extinction today.

We are proud to be able to empower women in the local area and to redirect business from a destructive global industry. Furthermore, we use the local coconut oil to cook with as a part of a healthy balanced menu and sell it in their onsite shop.

So what benefits does Coconut Oil displays?

In addition to its positive influence on skin and hair, coconut oil has the following advantages:

Weight Loss – Coconut oil contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excess weight. It is also easy to digest and helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system.

Immunity – It strengthens the immune system since it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. They have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Digestion Booster – Coconut oil helps to improve the digestive system. It prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It also helpful in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Dental Care – Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates the absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth. It also stops tooth decay. Recent research suggests that it is beneficial in reducing plaque formation and plaque-induced gingivitis.

Speeds Up Healing – When applied to infected areas, coconut oil forms a chemical layer. Therefore, it protects the infected body from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Especially for scars it is a helpful remedy.

At this point it is needless to say, that the whole Biodiversity-team has marvelously strong and shiny hair! We look forward to the weekly delivery of our favorite organic and local product because of two reasons. It improves the lives of those who make it AND of those who buy it.

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Apart from the marine life that you can enjoy diving or snorkeling , Raja Ampat offers many other activities that will allow you to explore this spectacular part of the planet; kayaks, cultural visits to the villages, excursions in the jungle, visits to the small islands, enjoy the fauna and birds of the area (many of them endemic) …

In this blog we will share some of our adventures with you.

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