How coconut oil boosts your Immune System

Saturated fats found in coconut oil are used in the body as an important source of energy and an integral part of the cell membrane structure. Short to medium chain fatty acids are more water soluble than longer chain fatty acids and thus require less energy for the body to absorb and utilize. They are freely absorbed into the bloodstream and are thus an important source of energy, raising the metabolism of the body. Furthermore, this reduced metabolic load allows the liver to optimise its detoxifying functions, bile production and regulating of blood sugar levels.

Short and medium chain fatty acids contained in virgin coconut oil such as Caprylic (C8), Capric (C10) and Lauric (C12) have been found to have strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal properties and are essential building blocks in boosting the bodies immune system. The essential fatty acids in coconut oil have been shown to be active in combating Candida Albicans. Furthermore, the digested form of lauric acid, monolaurin, has been shown to be active against lipid-coated viruses and has shown to be a successful resource for the reduction of the viral load in HIV patients.

The consumption of saturated fat in the form of coconut oil has shown to assist in regulating the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and combating hypothyroid-like symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and water-retention that may arise through a modern diet high in polyunsaturated fats.

Shorter chain fatty acids have a lower calorific value per gram of fat and thus coconut oil may assist in weight loss due to the lower consumption of calories when taking in the daily recommended intake of fats for the healthy functioning of the body. The consumption of shorter chain fatty acids in coconut oil also assists in weight loss due to their ability to help people feel satiated.

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