In this article we’ll cover the following:
Lauric acid and coconut oil have been linked since day one. It’s one of the coconut oil’s essential components. The lauric acid plays a significant role in delivering most of the health benefits of coconut oil as it contains most of the germ-killing and disinfectant agents. It’s a healthy saturated fat because it belongs to the medium-chain triglycerides along with capric and caprylic acids. Pure coconut oil contains about 50% of lauric acid.
Lauric acid, when it’s consumed in our body, is converted into monolaurin. Monolaurin is a monoglyceride component which produces agents that fight against virus, bacteria, fungi, microbes, and protozoa. It works by distracting the lipid membranes in the mentioned organism that could lead to several infections. Another source of monolaurin is a mother’s breast milk.
Yes, it’s a fatty acid. However, since the liver immediately processes it, it doesn’t get stored in our body. It then speeds up the fat burning process and converts to energy.
Lauric acid and coconut have been linked with weight loss for some time. A study tested regular consumption of lauric acid leads to fewer calorie intake and better metabolism in its subjects. It can also help regulate one’s blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The lauric acid in coconut oil can even aid in maintaining healthy teeth through oil pulling. It kills the bacteria on a decayed tooth and prevents it from affecting other teeth.
As mentioned earlier, lauric acid contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties so it can strengthen our immune system. One good thing about lauric acid is that it’s non-toxic. It isn’t made from chemicals that could give us adverse reactions.
To get the most of lauric acid’s benefits, you can typically ingest it or apply directly to your skin. Or you can use it for cooking or mix it with your favorite beverages.
There’s no relatively solid dosage of lauric acid that a person should take. But a coconut oil expert, Dr. Mary G. Enig, suggested that adults and growing children can take about 10 to 12 grams of lauric acid in a day. It’s important to note that a tablespoon of coconut oil contains about 2 grams of lauric acid.
As lauric acid is best produced by mothers with breast milk, it seems impossible to have the required amount of lauric acid. Good thing we have coconut oil! It’s the second best source of lauric acid (48-50%). With regular use of coconut oil, you can surely attain all the benefits lauric acid is ready to offer you.
Lauric acid and other components in coconut oil can really benefit your health. So, be wise and keep a jar of coconut oil in your homes. Search for several uses of coconut oil and you might find it really effective.