A yeast infection can be a serious matter. C. albicans, a species of yeast, is a normal inhabitant of your gastrointestinal track. But when gut microbes become unbalanced, like often happens following antibiotic use, the single-celled fungus can multiply rapidly, resulting in anything from a common oral yeast infection (thrush) or candida vaginitis, to a life-threatening systemic infection.
For individuals with compromised immune systems, like the elderly, cancer patients, and infants, C. albicans can enter the bloodstream, causing deadly infections. These infections can affect the kidneys, liver, spleen, lungs, brain, and heart valves. Alarmingly, nearly half of all hospitalized patients with systemic C. albicans, or Candida infection, die. What’s more, resistant strains have been on the rise for several decades.
So, what are researchers doing to address this issue? They are looking for natural remedies in foods—specifically fats.
The Power of Coconut Oil
Changes in the amount and types of fat in the gastrointestinal tract can alter the microbes normally present. Therefore, a team of researchers led by Prof. Carol Kumamoto, from Tufts University in Massachusetts, decided to investigate coconut oil. Known for its antimicrobial properties, they sought to establish whether it could combat C. albicans.
A Promising Study
In their study, mice were fed high-fat diets containing either coconut oil, beef tallow, or soybean oil, while another group of mice enjoyed a standard diet. Following 14 days on these diets, all mice were injected with C. albicans.
The mice continued their diets for another 21 days before being checked for C. albicans colonization. The results were promising: the mice fed the coconut oil diet had much smaller colonizations in their guts compared to those that consumed the other diets.
Prof. Kumamoto noted a significant “10-fold drop in colonization” in the mice that consumed coconut oil, compared with those that ate either beef fat or soybean oil.
A Further Experiment
In a further experiment, Prof. Kumamoto and her team switched the mice on the beef fat diet to the coconut oil diet and found that just four days after the diet change, “the colonization changed so it looked almost exactly like what you saw in a mouse who had been on coconut oil the entire time.”
The research group plans to launch a human study in the future, but as far as we’re concerned, this is just one more reason to include coconut oil in your diet.
Coconut Oil: A Natural Remedy
In addition to its potential anti-fungal properties, coconut oil has long been hailed for its numerous health benefits. Here are just a few reasons to consider incorporating coconut oil into your regular diet:
A Healthier Heart
Research has shown that consuming coconut oil can help to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. HDL, or “good” cholesterol, may have a protective effect on your heart, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Weight Loss
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is a type of fat that your body processes differently compared to other fats. MCTs can increase the number of calories your body burns, which can help with weight loss by increasing your metabolism.
Antibacterial Properties
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid known for its antibacterial properties. Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin in your body, which can help fight harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus, and candida yeast.
Brain Health
There is some evidence suggesting that the MCTs found in coconut oil may help support brain function, especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. As MCTs provide an alternative energy source for the brain, they can help improve cognitive function and slow the progression of the disease.
Making the Most of Coconut Oil
Now that we know the numerous benefits of including coconut oil in our diets, it’s important to make the most of this natural remedy. Here are a few ways to incorporate coconut oil into your daily meal plan:
- Use it as a cooking oil for pan-frying, stir-frying, or baking, as a healthy and delicious alternative to other vegetable oils.
- Try adding a spoonful to your morning coffee or tea for an energy boost and added flavor.
- Use it as a moisturizing body lotion, lip balm, or hair conditioner to reap the benefits of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Mix it into your favorite smoothie or protein shake recipe for added texture and nutty flavor.
In conclusion, coconut oil is not only a delicious addition to your diet but may help in battling yeast infections and supporting overall health. So, give coconut oil a try and enjoy the numerous ways it can benefit you.
