Benefits Of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has several health benefits. Some of the more commonly known health benefits include skin care, wound treatment, hair care, improved digestion, weight loss and increased immunity. Other less common benefits are due to coconut oil's more active ingredients such as polyphenols, lauric acid components and medium-chain fatty acids. Please consult your health care provider before using any supplement.

Antiviral Properties

Coconut oil contains a component of lauric acid called monolaurin, according to the book "Integrative Medicine" by Dr. David Rakel, M.D. Monolaurin is a monoglycerol ester that has been shown to destroy the fatty coating of viruses. This fatty coating is what allows viruses to attach to human cells and spread infection. This substance is currently under further investigation into its effects upon the common cold and flu viruses.

Lowers Lipids

In a study published in "Clinical Biochemistry" in 2004, coconut oil was found to significantly lower serum lipids and oxidize low-density lipoproteins, LDL. Although coconut oil is 90 percent lipid itself, the polyphenols within it, such as gallic acid, have been shown to reduce triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoproteins or VLDL and LDL.

Therapy for Poisoning

In a study published in the journal of "Human & Experimental Toxicology" in April 2005, researchers found that coconut oil has a clinical effect in the treatment of aluminium phosphide poisoning. Used to kill rodents, aluminium phosphide produces a gas that destroys the mitochondrial cells, which are responsible for cellular respiration and energy. There is no known cure for aluminium poisoning. Coconut oil was shown to prevent further absorption of the chemical along with gastric lavage, oral charcoal which is a binding agent, magnesium and calcium gluconate.