After decades of warning the public to stay away from coconut oil that supposedly causes clogged arteries, conventional science has recently conducted studies that show that coconut oil not only seems to be good for the heart, but also has a number of other health benefits. More recent research now reveals that consuming coconut oil could save your teeth.
It turns out that coconut oil is able to fight against the bacteria that cause cavities, according to scientists, who recently presented their work at the University of Warwick in England. In addition, coconut oil seems to have a broad impact against many pathogens, making it an important and natural weapon in the fight against infections that have grown increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers at the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland tested the antibacterial action of coconut oil by treating it with enzymes in a process similar to digestion to see how the oil would react when consumed. They found that coconut oil, when ingested, should be able to stop the growth of most strains of the Streptococcus bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. This type of bacteria is the main cause of tooth decay, since it produces acid that damages the teeth.
In addition, the research team discovered that modified enzyme coconut oil was also active against Candida albicans that can cause candidiasis and other health problems. Now scientists are working to find out how coconut oil interacts with Streptococcus bacteria at the molecular level, and what other types of bacteria and yeasts can eliminate.
"Dental caries is a commonly forgotten health problem that affects 60-90 percent of children and most adults in industrialized countries, " said Dr. Damien Brady, who heads the research, in a statement from press. "The incorporation of coconut oil with modified enzymes in dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works in relatively low concentrations. Also, with the increasing resistance to antibiotics, it is important that we put attention to new ways to combat microbial infection.
You may also find it useful to know how to make a toothpaste made from organic coconut oil.
Source: NaturalNews
Coconut oil helps remove bacteria that cause tooth decay
