Why Should You Take Monolaurin?

January 15, 2024

Monolaurin can encourage the functions of the immune system and improve your general wellness. Research studies that investigated the antimicrobial properties of monolaurin and lauric acid derived from coconut oil have shown encouraging results. The findings of these studies have revealed that the regular use of monolaurin could play a significant role in reducing the risk of infections, allergies, and other immunological disorders. It may also help improve digestive and skin health and improve the quality of your life. The natural health benefits of monolaurin as revealed by research studies are discussed below.

Antibacterial Properties

Research has shown that monolaurin possesses strong antibacterial properties that could be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of infections caused due to a wide range of bacteria. It can be highly effective in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections caused due to Staphylococcus aureus. Monolaurin would support the functions of the immune system and destroy the colonies of Staphylococcus aureus thereby clearing the infection in a shorter duration. [2] [3]

Improves Gut Health

Monolaurin can inhibit the activities of a broad range of bacteria including Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis that are known to cause severe gastrointestinal infections. What makes Monolaurin a safer and more efficient antimicrobial agent for treating these infections is its ability to destroy the pathogens without causing any adverse side effects or antibiotics resistance. [4]

Supports Skin Health

The use of monolaurin is recommended for patients who have a tendency to develop recurrent skin infections and related consequences such as acne, boils, pustules, and abscesses. The antibacterial properties of monolaurin are comparable to those of some antibiotics commonly used in the management of superficial skin infections, especially in children. Research studies have revealed that a significant broad-spectrum antibiotic effect could be achieved through the use of monolaurin, without the risk of developing resistance that is common with those antibiotics. [5]

Seasonal Threats

Monolaurin is found to be effective against common seasonal threats such as influenza. It has been reported to inhibit the risk of viral infections, specifically those caused due to the lipid-coated viruses such as influenza virus, Pneumonovirus, and the Herpes simplex virus. [6] Patients with a weak or compromised immune system or those with a history of recurrent viral infections should include Monolaurin-rich foods in their diet. Monolaurin would strengthen their immune system and produce an antiviral effect thereby reducing their risk of seasonal infections.

Antiviral Benefits

Monolaurin is effective against infections caused due to other viruses including Cytomegalovirus, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus. It would restore the healthy functions of the immune cells, and enable the body to fight these infections more efficiently thereby preventing the long-term consequences caused due to the same.

Antifungal Properties

Monolaurin is one of the best-known natural antifungal agents. It is particularly effective against Candida albicans, a common fungus that can affect the skin, throat, and oral cavity and cause symptoms like itching, white patches, irritation, and rashes. The findings of research studies have suggested that the use of Monolaurin could help clear the infection caused due to C. Albicans in a shorter duration while also providing relief from the symptoms of these conditions. It would control the inflammatory response of the immune system to the fungi and restore the healthy functions and appearance of the affected tissues. [7] Monolaurin can also destroy or deactivate some other fungi including the species of ringworm and parasites like Giardia lamblia. [8]

Tick-Borne Diseases

The recovery of patients diagnosed with tick-borne diseases could be faster and smoother when monolaurin is added to the treatment protocol. One research study has shown that monolaurin can produce a strong antimicrobial effect against the bacteria known to cause tick-borne diseases like Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia burgdorferi. [9]

Improves Immune Health

Monolaurin is revered for its ability to promote the functions of the immune system. It is being explored as a natural immunity-booster for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. The immunomodulatory properties of Monolaurin are expected to be beneficial for reducing the severity of the infections caused due to coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical studies have shown that Monolaurin could offer protection against the coronavirus in several ways. It would facilitate the disintegration of the membrane of the viruses rendering them unable to survive. It would also inhibit the ability of the viruses to mature, as a result of which their potency to attack and destroy healthy tissues would be reduced. Monolaurin would also prevent the binding of the viral proteins to the cell membrane in the host. As a result, the inflammatory response triggered by the viruses on the healthy tissues at the cellular level would be prevented. The immature viruses would be eventually eliminated from the body without creating any severe symptoms or complications. This study has provided insights into the mechanism of action of Monolaurin and how it could help in the prevention and treatment of viral infections. [10]

Increases Energy Levels

Monolaurin, being derived from lauric acid, would provide the body with an efficient source of energy. Lauric acid is one of the MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) that are metabolized in the body resulting in the release of ketone bodies. These ketone bodies can provide an alternative source of energy to the body, especially when the primary source of fuel, which is carbohydrates, is unavailable. Hence, the use of Monolaurin is considered effective for patients who are following a low-carb diet for weight loss or other purposes. It would help them avoid symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, body aches, headaches, and confusion that commonly occur due to the deprivation of the primary source of fuel in the form of carbohydrates. Monolaurin, by providing an alternative source of fuel to the body, would help improve energy levels, support bodily functions, and prevent the symptoms caused due to a low-carb diet. This would enable the person to stick to their healthy dietary habits for longer allowing them to achieve their fitness goals more easily.

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