There is a reason why heart disease is low in tropical countries. The individuals eat a coconut rich diet. Yes, this is a saturated fat, but not all fats are created equal. Coconut oil is nature’s miracle oil, as it is a rich source of lauric acid – found in mother’s milk. A baby’s immune system can be strengthened when it is fed the right concoction of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins. Children are susceptible to an array of childhood illnesses, but with a strong immune they have a fighting chance of survival.
Lauric acid is just one of the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil. It is converted into monolaurin by the body, and this fatty acid has antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and ant parasitic effects on the body. It works wonders on a newborn’s immune system.
Baby formulas contain medium chain fatty acids, but minimal lauric acid – unlike mother’s milk, which is rich in this essential oil.
In a study, babies with a low birth weight were fed either a baby formula containing coconut oil or vegetable oil. The findings were that the babies who were fed the coconut oil gained weight quicker, and this was not fat gain but physical growth. The reason why this occurred is because the human body readily absorbs medium chain fatty acids. Therefore, the babies were able to digest the oil with minimal effort. The babies who were fed the infant formula with vegetable oils were deprived of nutrients, as the oil passed through the digestive tract undigested. Medium chain fatty acids are essential to babies and infants, as they help the child to build a strong immune system, whilst also supporting the body absorb proteins and fat soluble vitamins and minerals.
