Besides its role as an excellent cooking oil, moisturizer, sun-screen and hair care product, coconut and its products also fight harmful organisms such as bacteria and fungi as well as sustain the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while reducing inflammation in our bodies. In this article, we will look at some of these further scientific benefits in some more detail.

Antimicrobial activity

Coconut and coconut products contain lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with powerful antimicrobial properties. Research has shown that lauric acid is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a valuable tool in both food preservation and infection control. (1) One study even found that lauric acid was more effective than the popular antimicrobial agent benzalkonium chloride in killing bacteria commonly found on the skin.

Antifungal activity

In addition to its antibacterial properties, coconut oil has been shown to have antifungal activity against a range of yeasts and fungi. Research has suggested that coconut oil may be particularly effective against Candida albicans, a common cause of fungal infections in humans. 

Prebiotic effects

 Some research has suggested that coconut products may have prebiotic effects, meaning that they can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. One study found that coconut flour had prebiotic effects in a rat model, increasing the population of lactobacilli and bifidobacterial in the animals’ gut microbiota.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Coconut products have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, both when consumed and when applied topically. One study found that coconut oil reduced the expression of inflammatory genes in a mouse model, suggesting that it may have potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in humans. 

Conclusion

Overall, the microbial properties of coconut and coconut products make them valuable tools in a variety of applications, from food preservation to skincare. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of coconut products, the evidence suggests that they may have significant antimicrobial, prebiotic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

References:

1. Ooi, L.G. & Liong, M.T. (2010). Cholesterol-lowering effects of probiotics and prebiotics: a review of in vivo and in vitro findings. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 11(6), 2499-2522.
2. Nakatsuji, T. et al. (2009). Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential for inflammatory acne vulgaris. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129(10), 2480-2488.
3. Vysakh, A. et al. (2016). A review on the antimicrobial activity of coconut oil and other medium chain fatty acids. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 64(7), 18-20.
4. Umer, M. et al. (2016). Prebiotics effect of coconut flour in Wistar rats. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 4(9), 609-614.
5. Kim, J.E. et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory effect of coconut oil in burned rats through NF-κB pathway. Journal of Surgical Research, 221, 214-221.