13.10.2017

Coconut oil

The composition and characteristics of coconut oil

Coconut oil is mostly made up of saturated medium-chain fatty acids that have antioxidant properties. It is mostly made up of lauric fatty acids (50%). In contrary to trans-saturated fats, this type of fatty acid has many beneficial effects.Our bodies convert it into energy and do not store it. It gets converted into monolauric acid and has antiviral and antibacterial properties, while not damaging the intestinal bacteria required for a healthy metabolism.

Lauric acid is a natural fatty acid that is an important substance in mother’s milk. The richest and most easily available source is coconut oil. In the intestines, lauric acid turns into monolauric acid, which can even protect infants from viruses that are covered in a fatty coating, as well as from pathogen bacteria. It is important that we include lauric acid in out diet to maintain a healthy immune system.