SEVERAL years ago, virgin coconut oil’s popularity exploded as health-conscious individuals took notice of its health properties. Over time, research has proven that consumption of coconut oil can has beneficial effects.
More recently, a more concentrated form of coconut oil is starting to gain traction in the global health industry. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) is derived from coconut oil.
Because it is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, it brings about a number of health benefits.
When ingested directly or added to salad dressings, smoothies, coffee, or just about any beverage or food, MCT increases the body’s natural production of good cholesterol (or high-density lipoprotein) that counters excess or bad cholesterol. This way, it can help prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
During the 2nd World Coconut Congress held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia, several health professionals delivered their findings and insights on the benefits of coconut oil.
Dr. Mary Newport is an advocate for the consumption of MCT as alternative fuel for the brain in the management of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike most fats which have longer chains, MCTs are shorter which allows the body to quickly use them for energy. The US-based medical doctor shared the effectiveness of MCT consumption based on how her husband, who is diagnosed with the condition, has responded to the use of the supplement.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nick Dimitri Costa, professor emeritus of the Murdoch University in Australia, shared more insights about lauric acid, the multi-functional medium-chain fatty acid from coconut oil.
When lauric acid is digested, it also forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. He, along with other panelists in one of the sessions, tackled many other health benefits from consumption of various forms of coconut oil.
The Health and Wellness session was chaired by Dr. Fabian Dayrit, a professor at the Ateneo de Manila University. Dayrit has published several research papers about coconut oil in the Philippine Journal of Science, the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society, and the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.