As many of my friends and clients know; I am a big fan of coconut oil. There are many thoughts, assumptions, observations and myths about its quality. Here are some of those which I have found a scientific background for.
- coconut oil is good for your brain
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, which are metabolized a little differently than most types of fat. The MCTs in coconut oil break down into ketones, which can be used by brain cells for fuel. Under normal circumstances, brain cells use (burn) glucose for energy (if it’s available). If you run out of glucose, your body starts to convert stored fats into ketones, which are transported to the brain.
Here is the research showing MCTs having a positive effect in people with first stage of Alzheimer.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15123336
- coconut oil speeds up wound heling process
Applied externally, coconut oil stimulates collagen fibres in the tissue. Contained antioxidant enzymes build a barrier against bacteria and viruses. I am not a fan of using animals in any form of testing, but I found a study on group of rats supporting that statement.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20523108
- coconut oil helps in treatment of Candida Albicans
This is an opportunistic fungus (or form of yeast) that is the cause of Candida Related Complex and many undesirable symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, and gas. The Candida albicans yeast is a normal part of your gut flora, a group of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. Most people have some level of Candida albicans in their intestines, and usually it coexists peacefully with the other bacteria and yeasts that live there. But a combination of factors can lead to the Candida albicans population getting out of control, establishing fast growing colonies and biofilms, and starting to dominate your gut.
Caprylic acid in coconut has fungicidal properties
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17651080
- coconut oil has antiviral and antibacterial activity
Lauric acid and monolaurin in coconut oil destroy harmful patogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus.
