Also sometimes referred to as octanoic acid, caprylic acid is a kind of saturated fatty acid that offers a number of health benefits. It’s something that you can obtain from the likes of coconut oil and palm oil, as well as cow’s milk and various dairy products.
One of the most popular uses of caprylic acid, whether through the diet or through the intake of it in supplement form, is the elimination of fungi and yeast. That is why caprylic acid is commonly utilized by those who are suffering from candidiasis, a kind of yeast infection. However, there are so many other health benefits that caprylic acid is known to bring, and here are 10 of them:
- Promotes a Healthy Gut
Because caprylic acid is very good at zapping fungi and yeast, the overgrowth of the said microbes in the gut can be warded off. It is definitely a smart idea to also increase your intake of kimchi, yogurt and other fermented foods in order to increase the number of good bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthier digestive system.
- Cures Candidiasis
Just like what’s stated earlier, one of the most popular uses of caprylic acid is for the treatment of candidiasis. It is highly effective for those who are suffering from the likes of vaginal yeast infection.
- Maintains Good Oral Health
Yeast infection is also something that may strike the mouth, leading to what’s known as oral thrush. It causes the formation of white bumps on the tongue and inner cheeks that may bleed when scraped off. Gargling with and consuming coconut oil that contains caprylic acid is known as an effective remedy for oral thrush.
- Keeps Bad Cholesterol in Check
Some studies indicate that a diet that contains caprylic acid may help prevent or lower bad cholesterol. You don’t want your bad cholesterol to increase as it puts you at risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Prevents Unnecessary Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics are very good at killing off disease-causing bacteria. However, they also tend to wipe out even the good ones that your body benefits from. It is said that relying on caprylic acid rather than a course of antibiotics in treating certain types of infections helps prevent unnecessary elimination of beneficial bacteria within you.
- Treats and Wards Off Acne
Caprylic acid-containing coconut oil is a wonderful treatment for acne. It helps kill off acne-causing bacteria. It also soothes inflamed skin, thus considerably improving the appearance of acne.
- Deals with Other Skin Problems
Aside from acne, there are numerous other skin issues that can be resolved with the help of caprylic acid. For instance, since it is a powerful zapper of fungi, it is very good against the likes of ring worm, jock itch and athlete’s foot. Caprylic acid is also proven effective against eczema and psoriasis.
- Puts an End to Dandruff
Dandruff caused by fungi can be remedied with the help of coconut oil as it is packed with fungus-fighting caprylic acid. Massaging coconut oil on the scalp regularly helps put an end to itchy and embarrassing dandruff naturally.
- Fends Off Crohn’s Disease
Experts say that caprylic acid may help prevent the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the intestine that can cause fatigue, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Studies reveal that caprylic acid helps suppress the release of a type of protein that triggers the inflammation of the intestine of those with Crohn’s disease.
- Supports Immune System Function
It is said that caprylic acid may help stimulate the activity of T helper cells, which are some of the important components of your immune system. What these cells do is regulate the immune response, which protects the body from invading microbes that can cause all sorts of health problems.
