Lauric Acid: Hidden Benefit In Coconut Oil
Posted on: 25 January 2015
Lauric acid is a medium chain triglyceride that makes up about half of all the fatty acids found in coconut oil. It is a saturated fat, but don't let that scare you! Saturated fats aren't always bad. Lauric acid, and therefore coconut oil, can actually be very beneficial in many ways. Lauric acid is actually found in human breast milk.
Effects of Lauric Acid on the Body
Since lauric acid is a medium chain triglyceride, your body metabolizes it differently than other types of triglycerides. Lauric acid goes straight to your liver, where it is changed into ketones. These ketones have been found to help certain brain disorders and also help prevent seizures in epilepsy patients.
Lauric acid also helps increase HDL, which is the "good" cholesterol, in your blood. It also reduces LDL, which is the "bad" cholesterol, in your blood. Overall, this can lead to reduced risk of developing heart disease.
If you are trying to lose weight, lauric acid could help with that. It is said to increase your energy, which often results in weight loss.
Lauric Acid to Treat Medical Issues
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many people believe that lauric acid (and therefore coconut oil) can help in the treatment of many different diseases and problems. It is thought that lauric acid kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Lauric acid might be useful in the treatment of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital warts. It is also said to be helpful in preventing the spread of HIV from mother to child. While not a sexually transmitted disease, lauric acid is also believed to help treat yeast infections.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
Influenza and the common cold can be treated with lauric acid. When applied to a cold sore or a fever blister, lauric acid can heal and relieve pain. Bronchitis sometimes can be treated with it, also.
Fungal Infections
Some people say that lauric acid can cure fungal infections. Many people swear by applying coconut oil to rashes.
Coconut Oil and Lauric Acid
The best place to get lauric acid from is CBD coconut oil, since it makes up over half of the fatty acids in the product. Many people use coconut oil as a butter substitute. When cooking, coconut oil can be used instead of other cooking oils. People who are approved to use medicinal marijuana find mixing cannabis with coconut oil often produces positive results.
Share