Design Pics/Tomas del Amo/Design Pics/Getty Images
Dealing with yeast infections can be challenging, with organisms like Candida albicans proving resistant to a range of interventions. While the dietary restriction of carbohydrates remains crucial to the success of any anti-candida plan, coconut oil may play a useful role in eradicating the pathogenic yeasts. You will find a variety of coconut oils available in shops.
Yeast Infections
Although yeast infections can refer to incidences of thrush, where yeast organisms colonize areas like the mouth or the vagina, or to systemic infections; in these cases, the yeast population move into the bloodstream and can take residence in any organ across the body. A whole host of different symptoms can result; poor concentration, low-energy levels and carbohydrate cravings appear common among sufferers.
Coconut Oil
Found growing in tropical locations across the globe, the coconut contains a highly different nutritional profile to most foods. The oil, which accounts for 60 percent of the edible portion of the fruit, stands out as the best source of medium chain fatty acids. These acids, in particular caprylic acid, demonstrate a strong effect against yeast organisms and can help eradicate them from the body. About three-fourths of the oil comes in the form of medium-chain fatty acids.
Different Types of Oil
Coconut oil has gained popularity due to its health benefits, but some confusion remains over the different types of oil available. "Virgin" refers to oils that have only undergone extraction through mechanical means and not with chemicals, bleaches or deodorants. Virgin oils retain their flavor and polyphenol content, which gives them improved antioxidant effects. Unlike in the olive oil industry, an extra virgin label on the coconut oil does not have any official meaning. The use of the word "extra" remains a marketing practice, rather than useful information for consumers. Any products labeled "organic" has been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. While virgin oils remain nutritionally superior overall, the medium-chain fatty acid content remains similar; as a result, all types work just as effectively against yeast infections.
Evidence
In 2007, Nigerian scientists looked into the effectiveness of coconut oil against a range of Candida species. Using 52 strains of the organism, a common infectious agent in humans, they exposed the yeasts to coconut oil in their laboratories in the University College Hospital in Ibadan. They found that the coconut oil proved effective against 100 percent of the Candida strains. They published their results in the “Journal of Medicinal Food."
Related Articles
Initial Cleansing Effects of Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil & Nail Fungus
Eucalyptus Oil & Acne
How Are Perfumes Tested on Animals?
Effectiveness of Non-Alcohol Hand ...
What Are the Health Benefits of ...
Coconut Oil Vs. Oregano Oil for Candida
Does Yeast Turn Juice to Alcohol?
Effects of Antibacterial Soap on the ...
Purpose of Perfume
What Kind of Oil Do You Use in Brownie ...
Advantages of Paper Bags vs. Plastic ...
Is Coconut Oil the Miracle Food It's ...
Neutrogena Ingredients
What Does Kigelia Fruit Extract Do for ...
Acne & Antibacterial Soap
How to Find Date of Birth Using Social ...
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Scabies
Is Allantoin a Relative of the Lanolin ...
A List of Foods Containing Microbes
References
Writer Bio
A London-based personal trainer, nutritional therapist and allergist, Marek Doyle runs Blueprintfitness.co.uk and counts world champion athletes and TV personalities amongst his clientele. He has contributed to various publications, including Good Life magazine, Natural News and PTontheNet.
Photo Credits
Design Pics/Tomas del Amo/Design Pics/Getty Images