Table 2 shows the variation of TEAC of the blood serum of rats
fed with CECO and HECO. There is a better improvement of TEAC in
the blood serum of rats fed with HECO, compared with those fed
with CECO. Studies have shown that VCO, with more vitamin E
and polyphenols than copra oil, exhibits increased levels of antioxidant
enzymes in rats fed with diets containing these coconut oils
for 45 days (Nevin & Rajamohan, 2006). The present study, involving
the monitoring of TEAC for 84 days, indicates that HECO is always
superior to CECO (VCO) in improving the antioxidant status
in blood. According to Table 2, the baseline serum TEAC of the
HECO-fed rats was maintained for 28 days. Then the TEAC increased
further after 28 days. The maximum TEAC was maintained
during the 56–84 day period.