Populations in tropical countries have lower rates of heart disease, according to Peace Health, which could be related to their consumption of coconut oil. Natural health practitioners recommend coconut oil for heart disease, thyroid conditions, weight loss and even hair care. While most of these claims haven't been backed by solid science, studies have begun to emerge that show coconut oil may be a promising element in disease treatment.
Damaged Hair
Coconut oil restores damaged hair and prevents further damage. Scientists compared coconut oil's effect on hair with sunflower and mineral oil in a study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 2003, and found that coconut oil was the only oil that prevented hair protein loss. The other oils, commonly added to conditioners and moisturizers, did not demonstrate the same ability. Coconut oil may benefit people with conditions like hyperthyroidism who commonly suffer dry, brittle hair as a side effect of their condition.
HIV/AIDS
Coconut oil has been shown to lower viral load in HIV and AIDS patients, according to Dr. Conradop S. Dayrit in his article "Coconut Oil in Health and Disease: Its and Monolaurin's Potential as a Cure for HIV/AIDS." As coconut oil is metabolized, it releases lauric acid which works like an antiviral drug. These results came from small studies, but they indicate that coconut oil may help lead to more effective management of HIV and AIDS.
Fungal Infections
A 2007 study published in "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that coconut oil was just as effective as prescription topical agent fluconazole in curing Candida albicans infections, more commonly known as yeast infections. These infections occur in warm, moist areas of the body, such as in the genitals, feet and underarms. During the study, scientists at University Hospital in Nigeria reported that coconut oil performed so well as an antifungal agent that it may be beneficial at treating new strains of Candida which are resistant to drugs.
References
- Peace Health: Coconut Oil
- "Journal of Cosmetic Science": Effecct of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil and Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage
- Acudoc: Coconut Oil in Health and Disease: Its and Monolaurin's Potential as a Cure for HIV/AIDS
- "Journal of Medicinal Food": In Vitro Antimicrobial Properties of Coconut Oil on Candida Species in Ibadan, Nigeria
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