Coconut oil attacks the bacteria behind tooth decay and could be used in dental care products, according to research.

Scientists found that coconut oil which had been treated with enzymes stopped the growth of Streptococcus bacteria - a major cause of tooth decay.

Tooth decay affects 60% to 90% of children in industralised countries.

Speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's conference, the Irish researchers say that coconut oil also attacks the yeast which causes thrush.

The research team from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland tested the impact of coconut oil, vegetable oil and olive oil in their natural states and when treated with enzymes, in a process similar to digestion.

The oils were then tested against Streptococcus bacteria which are common inhabitants of the mouth.

Only the enzyme-modified coconut oil showed an ability to inhibit the growth of most strains of the bacteria.

It also attacked Streptococcus mutans, an acid-producing bacterium which is a major cause of tooth decay.

Active acids
 
It is thought that the breaking down of the fatty coconut oil by the enzymes turns it into acids which are active and effective against bacteria.

Previous research found that enzyme-modified milk could stop Streptococcus mutans from binding to tooth enamel.

Researchers now want to look at how coconut oil interacts with Streptococcus bacteria at the molecular level and which other strains of harmful bacteria it can inhibit.

Dr Damien Brady who led the research at the Athlone Institute of Technology with Patricia Hughes, a Masters student, said coconut oil could be an attractive alternative to chemical additives.

"It works at relatively low concentrations.

"Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection."

Their studies are also looking into the workings of antibacterial activity in the human gut.

"Our data suggests that products of human digestion show antimicrobial activity. This could have implications for how bacteria colonise the cells lining the digestive tract and for overall gut health," said Dr Brady.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19435442

I've heard it's good for thyroid disease too.

For those women on a tight budget, coconut oil is great if you'd like to cut down on cosmetic costs.

I've been using straight up coconut oil as facial moisturizer and it has been phenomenal. If I had to guess, i'd say it may take just 1/16th of a teaspoon to adequately moisturize your face. I also use it as an all around body moisturizer about once a week. If you'd like something with more of a lotion feel, mix it with some cocoabutter and olive oil.

Its great for growing strong, healthy hair. Once a week, massage your scalp with it for about 3 or 4 minutes. It makes your hair sleek and smooth and enhances growth.

For make-up wearers, it works like magic for removing eye makeup.

I substitute olive oil for other oils in cooking a lot. I think my favorite use for it in cooking is with sweet potatoes. Coat your raw fries with it, sprinkle it with sea salt, and rosemary if you like it, and bake. It's so good!

I buy coconut oil in bulk (5 gallon bucket) since I use it so frequently and with so many things. Most of it gets used up in soap making.

Coconut oil is great!

Oh and another thing I use coconut oil for is toothpaste. Coconut oil, baking soda, stevia and peppermint extract. It works well, but when the extract wares off it tastes terrible and bitter. I need to experiment with it a bit to see if I can do something about that.

Coconut oil is superb and we use it for all the uses noted in this thread.  Can't praise it high enough.   We've also begun sending it to a relative who suffers from Alzheimers.  It's a little early on in administration, but seems to be helping cognitive function.

Very interesting! What a wonderful, versatile oil it is.

I am sitting here with my mother chatting about coconut oil right now, actually. She puts it in her smoothies every morning. It gives her the needed "good fat". She said she had no idea about the help with alzheimers, and neither did I.

Quote from: jen51

For those women on a tight budget, coconut oil is great if you'd like to cut down on cosmetic costs.

I've been using straight up coconut oil as facial moisturizer and it has been phenomenal. If I had to guess, i'd say it may take just 1/16th of a teaspoon to adequately moisturize your face. I also use it as an all around body moisturizer about once a week. If you'd like something with more of a lotion feel, mix it with some cocoabutter and olive oil.

Its great for growing strong, healthy hair. Once a week, massage your scalp with it for about 3 or 4 minutes. It makes your hair sleek and smooth and enhances growth.

For make-up wearers, it works like magic for removing eye makeup.

I substitute olive oil for other oils in cooking a lot. I think my favorite use for it in cooking is with sweet potatoes. Coat your raw fries with it, sprinkle it with sea salt, and rosemary if you like it, and bake. It's so good!

I buy coconut oil in bulk (5 gallon bucket) since I use it so frequently and with so many things. Most of it gets used up in soap making.

Coconut oil is great!

   I have a gallon . . . where do you get a 5 gallon of CO?

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/pure-coconut-oil.htm

This is the best site, as far as I'm concerened for purchasing coconut oil products.

I like to use the non-processed, virgin coconut oil.

The website is educational as well.

Jen51, I wish I could give you a dozen thumbs up for that link,  but I can't.  So how about a dozen Aves?   :smile:

I'm so glad the link was of good use to you. :) And a dozen Ave's are infinately better than a dozen thumbs up. Thankyou!

You were uppermost as I offered my rosary a few minutes ago.  Thank you again.   CathInfo is filled with tremendous benefactors!

Aw, thanks! I'll return you the favor in my intentions this afternoon. God bless you!