Uses of Virgin Coconut Oil

For last couple of years, scientists have turned their attention to virgin coconut oil and its health benefits. This write-up will not be complete if we fail to mention Dr. Bruce Fife and Filipino doctor Conrado Dayrit for their extraordinary contribution, extensive research and belief in virgin coconut oil and its miraculous powers. Although, we will see the numerous uses of virgin coconut oil in subsequent articles, let us have a look at some of them in brief: Virgin coconut is known for its use in heart-related problems which includes lowering of triglycerides, lowering of cholesterol etc., virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid (medium chain fatty acid), which is found in mother’s milk that helps the newborn’s body fight against various diseases and helps build their immune system. Once our body digests the lauric acid, it is converted/transformed into Monolaurin acid which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antifungal and antimicrobial properties and its action against lipid-coating of viruses. It also contains other important acids such as caproic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid and oleic acid etc. Because of these acids, coconut oil is known to have effective use against viral diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, influenza, and various bacteria generated diseases. Virgin coconut oil is also known for its effective use in healing injuries (internal as well as external). From ancient times, people in India, Philippines and other tropical countries have used it as a protective and healing lotion for injuries. In recent researches, it has been found out that people who are suffering from herpes and HIV type of viruses can take help of virgin coconut oil in order to get some relief. HIV viral load has been found to lower after use of lauric acid, as it directly breaks down the protective lipid-coating of the HIV virus, hence killing it efficiently rather than just stopping it. This has given a new hope to people suffering from diseases for which there is no permanent cure available.