What is the most important component of Coconut Oil and why?
Lauric Fatty Acid (C12). Since 1984, increasing number of literatures are appearing regarding the anti-viral; anti-microbial; anti-fungal and anti-protozoal properties of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) (C8, C10, C12) with Lauric Acid (C12) and its monoglyceride form- monolaurin being mentioned as the most potent against lipid coated micro-organisms which are not normally cured by ordinary antibiotics. Among the vegetable oils traded in the world, coconut oil is the richest source of MCFA (64%) and Lauric Acid ( 48-53%). Apart from coconut oil, the only other source of lauric acid found in such high concentrations is in mother’s milk. Tropical oils and mother’s milk are by far the richest food sources of medium chain fatty acids available. Any other vegetable oil is completely deficient in these MCFA’s. Lauric acid is the most important essential fatty acid in building and maintaining the body’s immune system. The medium chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found primarily in coconut o
