Ok, so maybe it isn’t MAGIC. In fact, there is a lot of scientific evidence that explains all of the amazing benefits of Coconut Oil!
One big difference between Coconut Oil and other oils is that Coconut Oil is comprised predominantly of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCAs). Fish oils and other vegetable/plant oils are mostly comprised of Long-Chain Fatty Acids (LCAs). Why should you care about the length of the fatty acid chains? Well, MCAs are more easily digested and absorbed by the body. Because they are smaller, they do not require pancreatic enzymes for digestion and so relieve stress on both the pancreas and liver.. And they are quickly absorbed by the body and used for energy. LCAs, on the other hand, tend to be stored by the body as fat or lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are deposited in the bloodstream and that is why some oils can contribute to high cholesterol and arterial blockages.
- MCAs make Coconut Oil great for pets who are suffering from pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases because Coconut Oil does not require pancreatic enzymes to digest!
- MCAs are quickly digested and increase a body’s meestabolism. Coconut Oil has been shown to aid in weight loss - and so is the perfect oil for an overweight pet!
- MCAs increase the rate of vitamin and mineral absorption – which means Coconut Oil is beneficial to older pets or pets with malabsorption problems.
Coconut Oil is also an excellent source of something called Lauric Acid. Why should you care about Lauric Acid? Well, your body and your pet’s body will convert Lauric Acid into a substance called monolaurin which helps the body fight off viruses like flu or FIV, and bacteria like giardia or heliobacter pylori. Only breast milk is higher in Lauric Acid than Coconut Oil! In addition, Coconut Oil contains capric acid, caprylic acid and anti-microbial lipids. Each of these has anti-fungal properties. Anti-microbial lipids can actually destroy certain bacteria on contact!
- The high levels of lauric acid make Coconut Oil a great option for pets with IBS, colitis, or other digestive problems.
- Pets with a compromised immune system will benefit from the virus-fighting properties of Coconut Oil.
- Coconut Oil can help prevent or heal stinky ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria if your pet has a tendency to get them.
- Use Coconut Oil topically to help in the treatment of bacterial and fungal skin conditions like pruritis, dermatitis, psoriasis and mange.
Coconut Oil also contains beneficial levels of Vitamin F, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron and a ton of amino acids and anti-oxidants too. This means that used both internally and externally, Coconut Oil can delay cellular aging AND degenerative diseases! That means fewer wrinkles and less arthritis!
- Massage Coconut Oil into your pet’s skin to remedy dry skin and coats.
When buying Coconut Oil, look for raw and unrefined oil. The dried meat used in making refined oil is exposed to bacteria. In order to make this coconut oil safe for human consumption, it has to go through a refining process that includes the use of bleach. Unrefined oil uses fresh, sanitary coconut meat and does not have to go through chemical processing. We think our pets are good enough for this unrefined oil too! You should also pay attention to the moisture content in the oil. A high moisture content means the oil will have a lower shelf life and will be susceptible to oxidation. Both of the Coconut Oils we carry (Wholistic Pet and Cocotherapy) are raw, organic and unrefined with low moisture contents.
Note: Coconut Oil is not a source for Omega 3 or 6 fatty acids. So if you are home-cooking for your pet, adding coconut oil shouldn’t be a substitute for your Omega 3&6 sources. Keep foods like salmon, flaxseeds or fish oil in the recipe in order to meet the demands your pet’s body has for these important fatty acids!
