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Tooth Decay

Coconut oil is able to fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay, according to scientists who recently presented their work at the University of Warwick in the UK. What’s more, coconut oil appears to have a broad impact against many pathogens – making it an important, natural weapon in fighting infections which have grown increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Researchers from 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 once consumed. They found that coconut oil, once ingested, is able to halt the growth of Streptococcus bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. This type of bacteria is a primary cause of cavities because it produces tooth-damaging acid.

In addition, the research team discovered the enzyme-modified coconut oil was also active against Candida albicans, which causes thrush and other health problems. Now the scientists are working to find out how coconut oil interacts with Streptococcus bacteria at the molecular level and which other harmful bacteria and yeasts it might be able to quell.

Hippocrates Organic Food-Grade Coconut Oil is available.

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