Coconut Oil for a Happier Cold and Flu Season

Coconut oil has an incredibly long list of therapeutic uses and health benefits.  Of interest this time of year is its application toward colds and flus.  Most over the counter medicines are aimed at symptom relief, but coconut oil is actually known to kill viruses and bacteria.   In fact, research on this particular benefit of coconut oil was emerging way back in the 1960's!  

Coconut oil has unique medium chain fatty acids (MCT's for short), that inactivate bacteria, yeast, fungi, and enveloped viruses.  Lauric acid is the predominant MCT found in coconut oil.  

Mary Enig, Ph.D writes regarding its effects, "Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body.  Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria, including listeria monocytogenes and helicobeter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia.  Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

Coconut oil can assist you with prevention or recovery during the cold and flu season.  The recommended daily maintenance dose of coconut oil is one to three tablespoons per day for adults.  If you are new to coconut oil, begin taking one tablespoon and increase your intake gradually.  If you are ill, a therapeutic dose ranges from three to six tablespoons per day, depending on your tolerance level.  

Note:   Coconut oil enhances metabolic rate.  Most people find that they lose weight when they add a few tablespoons per day.

Sources:  

Virgin Coconut Oil:  How it has changed peoples lives, and how it can change yours by Brian Shilhavy and Marianita Shilhavy
Eat Fat, Lose Fat:  The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats by Mary Enig and Sally Fallon

Cold Relief Tea: 

8 ounces of boiling hot water

1 bag of Echinacea tea (or your favorite cold-

relief blend) 

1 T. coconut oil 

1 tsp. raw honey

Directions:  Brew the tea.  When it is cool enough to touch, stir in the coconut oil and raw honey.