Virgin coconut oil is naturally high in lauric acid, the same disease-fighting medium-chain fatty acid found in breast milk that protects infants from viral and bacterial infections. According to Dr. Mary Enig, author of "Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils, and Cholesterol," lauric acid is converted by the body into a substance known as monolaurin, which possesses antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Enig recommends a daily intake of 10 to 20 grams of lauric acid, or 3 tbsp. of coconut oil, for its health benefits.
Viruses and Infections
Monolaurin destroys certain viruses, fungi and bacteria by dissolving the cell membrane, making it effective against lipid-coated viruses such as herpes simplex virus-1, influenza, the measles, hepatitis-C and organisms associated with infections in HIV patients. (reference 1) Enig also recommends lauric acid in the treatment of HIV-positive or AIDS patients.
Virgin coconut oil can be used as a treatment for bacterial infections such as strep throat or staph infections, or for fungal infections such as yeast infections, ringworm or athlete's foot.
Weight Loss
According to Mercola.com, coconut oil can assist with weight loss. Medium-chain fatty acids are quickly converted into energy, as opposed to the long-chain fatty acids found in vegetable or seed oils, which are stored as fat. Removing these oils from your diet and replacing them with coconut oil can lead to reduced fat deposition. Coconut oil also stimulates metabolism and thyroid function, which can both assist with weight loss.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Bruce Fife, doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle," recommends coconut oil for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that affects roughly 3 million Americans. Though the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are not well understood, Fife speculates that coconut oil's antimicrobial properties help eliminate bacteria that may contribute to the illness. The energy boost created by coconut oil's medium-chain fatty acids may also help individuals suffering from fatigue.
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