Although coconuts contain 90 percent saturated fats, populations in which they are a dietary staple have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease. Medical research supports the idea that not all saturated fats are the same; the fats contained in plants do not increase cholesterol levels in the same way or rate as fat obtained elsewhere. According to the Advanced Health and Life Extension website, this is because two-thirds of coconut oil consists of medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, which contain smaller molecules of fat, and therefore are more soluble.
Lauric Acid
Nearly half of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid. Brian Shilhavy, a Certified Nutritional Counselor writing for the NaturoDoc website, calls lauric acid a key component to health. This fatty acid is beneficial because the body transforms it into monolaurin, an antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used to combat viruses. The only other substantial source of lauric acid is human breast milk, with which it shares similar nutriceutical advantages, such as protecting against the common cold.
Capric Acid
About 7 percent of the fatty acid in coconut oil is capric acid. Capric acid, or decanoic acid, is one of several very similar fatty acids found in small quantities in animal fats, dairy products and tropical oils such as coconut. When transformed by the body to monocaprin, it is a growth-inhibiting substance in certain viral and bacterial infections. A study conducted by the Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Poland tested the effectiveness of capric acid in the treatment of viral and bacterial infections and demonstrated that it was beneficial in inhibiting candidiasis.
Caprylic Acid
Also known as octanoic acid, caprylic acid has widely recognized antibacterial and antiviral properties. Although it is frequently cited as a natural cure for chronic and recurrent yeast-related infections such as candida, the Living Without Drugs website notes that some medical doctors argue that there is no significant clinical evidence to support this assertion. Natural health practitioners, however, continue to endorse the use of caprylic acid for such issues as salmonella, ringworm and gastroenteritis.
References
- Advanced Health and Life Extension: Coconut Oil for Heart Health, Infection Resistance
- NaturoDoc: Coconut Oil, The Healthiest Oil on Earth
- Living Without Drugs: Caprylic Acid Against Candida
- Pubmed: Capric Acid Secreted by S. Boulardii Inhibits C. Albicans Filamentous Growth, Adhesion and Biofilm Formation; A. Murzyn, et. al.; Aug 10, 2010
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