What’s the big deal with coconut oil?
Coconut oil which is extracted from coconut meat is one of the world’s richest sources of saturated fat. So what does that mean?
For decades we’ve been warned that eating saturated fat, the type found in meat, cheese, and other dairy foods, can lead to heart disease. Instead, we’ve been told to choose healthy fats from nuts, seeds, fish, and vegetable oils.
A recent review of 72 studies found no link between saturated fat and heart disease. The review also showed that monounsaturated fats like those in olive oil, nuts, and avocados don’t protect against heart disease.
Coconut fat is unique
But coconut fat is unique because it consists almost entirely of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
MCTs are metabolized differently from the long-chain fatty acids found in most other foods, and have many potential health benefits.
The most predominant MCT found in coconut oil is lauric acid. Coconut oil is about 50 percent lauric acid, making it nature’s richest source of lauric acid.
Our bodies break lauric acid down into a compound called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses in the body.
Coconut oil and your teeth
The most popular ways to use coconut oil for your teeth are using it in a process called “oil pulling” or making toothpaste with it.
Lauric acid attacks harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
Oil pulling your teeth with coconut oil
Oil pulling is a growing trend, but it’s not a new concept. The practice of oil pulling started in India thousands of years ago. Also known as “kavala” or “gundusha” it is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health.
Oil pulling is the act of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes and then spitting it out. In other words, it’s like using oil as a mouthwash.
Here’s how to do it:
- Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around for 15 – 20 minutes, pushing and pulling it between teeth.
- Spit out the oil into the trash since it can clog sink pipes.
- Brush your teeth.
- The fatty acids in the oil attract and trap bacteria so each time you oil pull, you are removing harmful bacteria and plaque from your mouth.
- It’s best to do this in the morning before you eat or drink anything.
Homemade toothpaste with coconut oil
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 tblsp baking soda
- 10 – 20 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil
Method
Heat the coconut oil until it becomes soft or liquid. Stir in the baking soda and mix until it forms a paste-like consistency. Add the essential oil. Store toothpaste in a sealed container. To use, scoop it with a small utensil or toothbrush. Brush for 2 minutes, then rinse.
