Coconut oil helps prevent tooth decay

That is the latest discovery by Irish scientists, opening up the prospect of creating new types of oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash with ingredients made from coconut.

Experts at Athlone Institute of Technology found that when coconut oil is treated with digestive enzymes, it becomes an effective 'killer' for oral cavity bacteria, including Streptococcus - a bacterium produces acid and is the main cause of tooth decay. Tests show that this coconut oil is also effective against Candida albicans - the cause of thrush.

Dr. Damien Brady, the lead researcher, said: ' The combination of coconut oil treated with digestive enzymes into oral hygiene products will be a great alternative to chemicals'. .

In the near future, experts will conduct further studies to observe how coconut oil impacts on bacteria at the molecular level and determine which strains of bacteria and yeast that coconut oil can against.

Reference: Telegraph