Omega 3 is a term used to indicate essential polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, some vegetable oils and other plant sources. You might have heard that coconut oil also contains some amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in it. So, is there really a thing called omega 3 coconut oil? Let’s find out.
Although coconut oil does not serve as a direct source of omega 3 fatty acids, but it does contain short and medium chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are given the names of lauric acid and capric acid. These acids are converted into long-chain fatty acids in the body. There are many health benefits associated with coconut oil, so yes you can call them omega 3 coconut oil benefits if you feel like it.
Lauric acid fights against many bacterial and viral infections in the body. It has also been found that lauric acid can prevent AIDS, flu and infant illnesses developed during pregnancy. Almost 50% of omega 3 coconut oil is composed of lauric acid. Capric acid found in coconut oil is converted into monocaprin inside the body. It protects against viral infections and sexually transmitted diseases. The other source of medium-chain fatty acids is human milk.
Coconut oil is rich in fat – some content might be good for your health, while other can prove to be detrimental for those who are already overweight. However, omega 3 coconut oil is also rich in monoglycerides that help in healing wounds. Coconut oil is also helpful in preventing heart disease and is overall beneficial to the health. Coming from a plant source, there are no impurities found in it and no adverse side effects associated with its intake. Still, if you are new to coconut oil, first consume little of it and see how your body responds. If you see no allergies and other minor side effects, you can increase its dosage.
You can also eat raw coconut to increase the level of fatty acids in your body. However, if that is not available you can always count on coconut oil bottles available on market. If you find virgin coconut oil heavy for use, you can also look for omega 3 coconut oil that is light and fit for consumption. Also keep in mind that if you are looking for nutritional supplements rich in DHA and EPA – the essential fatty acids – then you have to look for fish oil supplements because fish oil is the richest source of essential omega 3 fatty acids.
Discover the best fish oil product on the market today and the one we ourselves personally use. We reccomend you learn more: Omega 3 Fish OilJean Helmet is one of the editors for a series of health sites, her latest addition is http://www.omega3-health-guide.com
