John Myers
The effect of lauric acid is quite controversial. While some studies pinpoint the benefits, others advise against overuse of the medium-chain fatty acid. That lauric acid must have certain advantages is shown by the fact that it is contained in breast milk, among other things.
Lauric acid has a deterrent effect on ticks, mites, etc.
Lauric acid is a medium-chain, saturated fatty acid that makes up the bulk of laurel oil from the laurel plant. Lauric acid is also found in large parts in coconut oil (around 50 grams per 100 grams) and palm oil (around 45 grams per 100 grams).
- In addition, lauric acid is found in other foods, including breast milk and goat’s milk in low concentrations .
- Lauric acid is extracted from the oil of the laurel plant to make hand wash soap.
- In everyday life, lauric acid is also often used in the form of coconut oil as an “insect repellent”. Coconut oil is used as a natural anti-tick spray. Mites, fleas, lice and other parasites also don’t particularly like the smell of lauric acid.
Lauric acid has many advantages, but also disadvantages
A large number of good properties are ascribed to lauric acid. According to a study from 2009, the acid has an antimicrobial effect. In concrete terms, this means that lauric acid protects against viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
- Furthermore, lauric acid provides the muscles with energy quickly and effectively. This is because the medium-chain triglycerides containing lauric acid are metabolized to ketones in the liver.
- The ketones are absorbed directly from the intestine and can penetrate the cell without the help of insulin and supply the mitochondria with energy there. It is believed that lauric acid can help diabetics absorb insulin better. However, this assumption has not yet been scientifically proven.
- However, what research has been able to prove sufficiently is that lauric acid is rich in so-called HDL cholesterols. They ensure better vascular protection and thus reduce the risk of metabolic disease. In addition, according to another study, lauric acid improves cholesterol levels.
- However, there are concerns from the Federal Center for Nutrition, which, among other things, classifies coconut oil as questionable. The reason: the saturated fatty acid is suspected of increasing cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
