by Carl Marshall

Created on: November 25, 2010

The popularity of coconut oil is increasing as it is being marketed as a product which has a wide range of health benefits. There are populations around the world which rely on it as being both a valuable export and an important oil to help fulfill nutritional requirements. Specifically, Virgin coconut oil is produced from coconuts which have been grown organically in Sri Lanka, traditional methods are used to retain the maximum health properties.

Over 90% of the fat in coconut oil is saturated fat. This makes it surprising that it is associated with good health. What is so special about this oil? In general, unsaturated fat is considered better for health than saturated fat. However, classing a fat as either saturated or unsaturated is only one method of classification. Another method used is based on the length of the fatty acid carbon chains. The fatty acids in coconut oil are known as medium chain. Almost all other fats are made up of long chain fatty acids. The body metabolizes medium chain fatty acids differenty to long chain. This means that the negative health effects of the vast majority of saturated fats cannot be associated with those contained within coconut oil.

There seems to be something particularly beneficial about three of the saturates, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid.

Reported health benefits

Coconut oil is considered to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It can be used orally or topically. One might take it to strengthen immunity against infections, improve digestion, increase energy, reduce inflammation, maintain heart health, teeth cleaning, slow aging, aid weight loss, get rid of dandruff, skin moisturizing.

Scientific evidence

Research conducted by Ibadan University College Hospital, Nigeria, showed coconut oil to be effective in the treatment of Candida species. It was therefore decided that coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections.

Another interesting study looked at the effects of supplementing coconut oil on women presenting abdominal obesity. It was found that there was a reduction in body mass index and reduction in waist circumference.

Summary

As is so often the case with most health products, the scientific research lags a long way behind what people say a product does for them. There are clearly many people using coconut oil and believing they are getting benefits, how much of this is real and how much is placebo is difficult to determine. However, there has been some research to back up the claims. Of course, the researchers will carry on their investigations, while people continue to use it and benefit from it.

Reference sources:

                                     coconutresearchcenter.org

                                     coconoil.co.uk

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