Can coconut oil help fight viruses including the dreaded novel coronavirus or SARS-nCOV-2?
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Coconut oil experts Dr. Mary Newport of Spring Hill Neonatology and Dr. Fabian Dayrit of Ateneo de Manila University believe so.
Newport and Dayrit have released a report on the potential of coconut oil in fighting viruses, and possibly SARS-nCOV-2.
“Given the considerable scientific evidence for the antiviral activity of coconut oil, lauric acid, and its derivatives and their general safety, and the absence of a cure for nCoV-2019, we urge that clinical studies be conducted among patients who have been infected with nCoV-2019,” The Potential of Coconut Oil as an Effective and Safe Agent Against the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) dated Jan. 31, 2020, says.
“This treatment is affordable and virtually risk-free, and the potential benefits are enormous.”
According to the study, lauric acid (C12) and its derivative monolaurin have three significant and powerful antiviral activities.
Lauric acid dissolves the cell membrane of the virus, inhibits virus maturation and prevents it from spreading, and also prevents the virus from replicating.
“Three mechanisms have been proposed to explain the antiviral activity of lauric acid and monolaurin: first, they cause disintegration of the virus envelope; second, they can inhibit late maturation stage in the virus replicative cycle; and third, they can prevent the binding of viral proteins to the host cell membrane, the report says.
The antiviral properties of lauric acid, with its derivative monolaurin, have been recognized for many years. As lauric acid is ingested by the body, it turns it into monolaurin.
Lauric acid and monolaurin are known to have powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-pathogenic properties. Similarly, capric acid (C10) has also shown promising activity against other viruses.
The study says at least two fatty acids have antiviral properties: C10 and C12.
“Both C10 and C12 are present in Laurin® MCT, a patented formula that contains a 60% blend of capric and lauric acid. These valuable fatty acids give your immune system a broader spectrum of protection against bacteria and viruses, said Chemrez Technologies Inc. managing director Dean Lao Jr.
Lao says the proper way to take it is to start with one teaspoon a day and gradually increasing intake to one to three tablespoons a day.
“Laurin® MCT can be taken daily, on its own, or mixed with any food or drink, Lao said.
Laurin® MCT is Philippine-made and manufactured by Chemrez, a subsidiary of D&L Industries, Inc.
It is an all-natural, non-GMO and Food and Drug Administration-approved product found in Mercury Drug stores, Watsons branches and selected health and wellness shops.
Laurin® MCT is also available for purchase online through Shopee and Lazada.
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