The studies done relating transcutaneous absorption, intestinal absorption and UV (ultraviolet) absorption of coconut oil to our body.
A study2 on 120 babies were randomly assigned to three oil
groups equally divided into;
i) safflower oil
ii) coconut oil and
iii) no oil controls.
5 ml of the designated oil was massaged four times a day for
five days under controlled conditions of temperature and feeding. Pre and post
oil massage samples of blood were analysed for triglyceride and fatty acid
profiles using gas chromatography.
From the study they had concluded that topically applied oil
can be absorbed in neonates and is probably available for nutritional purposes.
The fatty acid constituents of the oil can influence the changes in the fatty
acid profiles of the massaged babies.
A good combination of oil which can work on the facial skin
should have a good combination of fatty acid i.e. oleic acid and linoleic acid
to reduce possibility of acne development for dry skin people.
image source : 1800recycling.com
The thinning of the ozone layer especially over the tropics worries us which make us try any type of creams or moisturisers in attempt to reduce the harmful effects of the ultraviolet (UV) rays on the skin.
An interesting review from a physician in Florida regarding using an alternative treatment for Helicobacter Pylori infected gut after full consultation and investigations, preferred taking a teaspoonful of extra virgin coconut oil taken three times a day from conventional treatment.5
A study
carried out to ascertain qualitatively whether the edible oils applied has any
protection from the UV insolation4.3
There were
eight types of oil used in the study i.e. coconut, groundut, castor, olive,
neem-seed, sunflower, sesame and cod liver oil.
The first
four showed above 70% of transmission in the UVB region indicatinthat these
oils could have reduced UV falling on the skin.
His patients gave a delighted news to him after a month on this "medication".
It is not a surprising factor since Lauric acid (as a constituent of coconut) able to invades the cell wall and kill it.
Coconut oil earns even more "points" because
it's rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin – a
compound also found in breast milk that strengthens immunity.
Caprylic acid, another coconut fatty acid present in smaller amounts, is another antimicrobial component.
Using coconut oil as your primary cooking oil is important because it is stable enough to resist heat-induced damage.
It is not a surprising factor since Lauric acid (as a constituent of coconut) able to invades the cell wall and kill it.
Referring to Dr. Mercola5, MCFAs (medium chained fatty acid) are smaller
than LCFAs (long chained fatty acid), which means they permeate cell membranes easily.
The MFCAs are;
MCFAs are easily digested
MCFAs are sent directly to your liver, where they are
immediately converted into energy rather than being stored as fat.
MCFAs in coconut oil can actually help stimulate your body metabolism.
Caprylic acid, another coconut fatty acid present in smaller amounts, is another antimicrobial component.
Using coconut oil as your primary cooking oil is important because it is stable enough to resist heat-induced damage.
