Colon cancer, the third most common cancer for both men and women is estimated to have 49,700 deaths this year (2015). Although incidence rates have actually declined overall in the past decades, there still is a 1.8% increase per year among adults younger than 50. Colon cancer is associated with obesity; physical inactivity; high consumption of red meat; moderate to heavy alcohol consumption; long term smoking; low calcium intake; and very low intake of whole-grain fiber, fruit, and vegetables.
Numerous natural remedies have been linked to the prevention and control of cancer. When naturopathic doctor and coconut expert Bruce Fife discovered the coconut oil’s resistance against cancer, the American Institute for Research (AICR) warned against false hopes considering that not enough research has been done. Regardless, people were optimistic and believed that its high selenium content which slows the ageing process in human cells can also beat cancer. But a new study shows that its active anti-cancer component is what constitutes 50% of coconut oil: Lauric acid.
A 2013 study led by Jane Fauser, Cancer Researcher at the University of Adelaide, found that lauric acid exterminated over 93% of colon cancer cells after two days of treatment. It weakened the immunity of cancer cells by decreasing their glutathione level which acts as their protective shield. Once the cancer cells were vulnerable, the lauric acid increased the cells’ oxidative stress which leads ultimately to cell death. The study concludes that lauric acid, a saturated fat, is more effective than butyrate in eliminating colon cancer cells.
Numerous other health benefits of coconut oil have already been well established through medical research. It kills multiple viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. It also promotes healthy skin and faster wound healing when applied topically. It has been shown to improve the LDL:HDL (good cholesterol/bad cholesterol) ratio in women. Coconut oil is in clinical trials for patients with chronic heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and for improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Coconut oil is – uniquely – around 50% lauric acid; a medium chain triglyceride that is otherwise very hard to find in our diets. It is interesting to note that lauric acid makes up about 2% of the fat in cow’s milk but 6% of the fat in human milk, suggesting that humans may derive a natural benefit from lauric acid.
