When babies are born, their immune systems are fragile and not yet developed. In other words: newborns are more susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens than the rest of us.  Thankfully mother nature is always on top of things.  Mother’s milk contains generous amounts of a substance called lauric acid, which is able to kill many pathogens and help keep babies safe.  But did you know that coconuts are also a great source of lauric acid? This is your guide to better health with coconuts.

Fifty percent or more of the fat in coconuts is lauric acid. ^{1 2}  And to make the news even better; the fat from coconuts seems to have a positive effect on healthy cholesterol levels (as long as the coconut fat is not hydrogenated).  Coconut fat provides the body with instant energy, and appears to raise the metabolism and boost the immune system.

Click here for a complete nutrition analysis of coconut oil (coconut fat).

What exactly is lauric acid?

Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon structure. ³Saturated fats have a different molecular structure when compared to monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.  Saturated fats, including lauric acid, can be digested without the fat digesting enzyme lipase or the need for bile from the liver. ⁴  This is good news for people who have trouble digesting fats, including people who have lost their gallbladder.

Once inside of the body, lauric acid is often converted into monolaurin; a potent natural antibiotic that kills pathogenic viruses and bacteria. ⁵  For individuals fighting viruses (such as mononucleosis, the flu and AIDS) or bacterial infections, 24 grams of lauric acid per day is a therapeutic dose according to Mary Enig PhD, who is an expert in the field of lipid biochemistry. ⁶  Lauric acid might be one of the most promising natural antibiotics.

Coconut oil and the thyroid gland

Besides inhibiting viruses and bacteria, coconut oil and the fat from coconuts also seems to have positive effects on thyroid function.  How does coconut oil help the thyroid gland?  The saturated fats in coconut oil stimulate the metabolism; therefore helping to stimulate the thyroid gland. ⁷

Sometimes there can be a correlation between weight problems and an under-active thyroid.  Since coconut oil increases the body’s metabolism, it may also be an useful aid in weight loss.  In fact, there are many stories out on the Internet of people have used coconut oil as part of a successful weight loss program.

Coconut oil as an antioxidant

Coconut oil is an excellent antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. ⁷  Coconut oil has also shown promise in the fight against cancer, and the oil is very nourishing to the skin and hair; helping to moisturize and prevent damage.

Coconut fat provides energy

Coconut fat requires very little digestive effort by the body, the fatty acids are quickly put to work, creating a surge energy and vitality.  It is almost as if coconut fat provides the same type of energy as sugary carbs, but without the crash later or the spike in blood sugar.  In fact, many people with diabetes use coconut oil as a source of energy instead of carbohydrates.

In the end coconuts are a functional food with many benefits.  The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of lauric acid are helpful to many suffering from infections, and may also be a useful preventative for the rest of us.  Coconut fat is good for metabolism and beneficial to the entire body, especially the thyroid gland.  And coconuts as well as coconut oil provides healthy energy that does not cause major disruptions in blood sugar.  Here’s to your health!

Sources:

1.  Coconut Oil.  Dr. Bera Dordoni.  Bastis Foundation.  http://www.bastis.org/coconut.htm
2. Vegetable oil, Coconut.  Netrition.com.  http://www.netrition.com/oils/coconut.html
3. The Importance of Saturated Fats for Biological Functions.  Mary G. Enig, PhD.  The Weston A. Price Foundation.  http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/import_sat_fat.html
4. Digestion and Absorption of Food Fats.  Mary G. Enig, PhD.  The Weston A. Price Foundation.  http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/fat_absorption.html
5. The Latest Studies on Coconut Oil.  Mary G. Enig, PhD.  The Weston A. Price Foundation.  http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/coconut-oil-studies.html
6. Mary Enig, PhD On Cholesterol, HIV, and Coconut Oil.  Mark Konlee.  Coconut Research Center.  http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article10089.htm
7. Coconut Oil.  Ray Peat PhD.  RayPeat.com.  http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/coconut-oil.shtml

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 19th, 2009 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Diet, Disease, Hair and Skin Care, Nutrition, Other nutrients. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.