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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

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Human health is strongly influenced by the trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive system bearing the common name intestinal microbiota. They are many species that coexist in a strictly defined balance. As amazing as it sounds to us, and even slightly frightening, we should be grateful to them because they perform a number of important functions for us.

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Read more in the <a href="../p/chrievniiat_mikrobiom_i_nashieto_zdravie_62aa84cd_b51a_41ac_a714_087565dd2382" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Gut Microbiome and Our Health</a>

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For example, it is known these microorganisms modulate our immune system and any disturbance in their balance of communities increases the risk of developing various diseases. A link between many chronic diseases and the microflora has already been proven, such as inflammation, obesity and type 2 diabetes. There are studies in both model animals and humans that reveal differences between the microbiota of healthy organisms and those with type 2 diabetes <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS235239641930800-X/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>. According to a new study from Oregon State University, four specific types of bacteria are particularly important in whether or not we develop type 2 diabetes <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20313-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>.

What-is-type-2-diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is a metabolic disease in which metabolism is impaired and blood glucose levels are increased due to decreased cell sensitivity to the hormone insulin. As a result, the body tries to increase insulin production, and over time this leads to a disturbance of the functions of the pancreas and the need to take insulin medicated.

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Read more in <a href="../p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All About Type 2 Diabetes.</a>

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The most significant risk factor for developing diabetes is obesity - which has also increased significantly in recentbdecades.The main reason for this is the change to a sedentary lifestyle, combined with the growing abundance of foods rich in saturated fatty acids and sugars - the so-called "Western diet"."t in turn leads to changes in the composition of intestinal communities, and hence follows one of the links of obesity with type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;

4-Types-of-Bacteria-May-Be-Affecting-Type-2-Diabetes

4 Types of Bacteria May Be Affecting Type 2 Diabetes

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It is not entirely clear whether single bacterial species or complex changes in whole communities affect the development of type 2 diabetes, and there are studies to support both claims. The one that is the subject of this article falls into the first category.

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With the help of a new methodology in systems biology, scientists at the State University of Oregon were able to predict the key species that they believe influenced the host's glucose and lipid metabolism.&nbsp;They analyzed a huge amount of data related to both the diversity of the microbiota and changes in metabolic parameters due to exposure to the "Western diet" in hosts, being able to predict 4 specific bacteria related to type 2 diabetes - Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus gasseri, Romboutsia ilealis, and Ruminococcus gnavus.

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Moreover, the method allows them to guess what effect they would have. Researchers believe that the first two species of the genus Lactobacillus have a positive influence in terms of glucose metabolism, and the second two - negative.

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To confirm this hypothesis, the team conducted experiments on laboratory mice, which they put on a "Western diet". Model animals received a supplement containing bacteria from one of the two groups for eight weeks. The result confirms the assumption of the researchers. Mice supplemented with lactobacilli showed improved blood glucose tolerance. In contrast, mice supplemented with Romboutsia ilealis showed impaired glucose tolerance.

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The study shows two potential types of probiotic bacteria that could be used in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

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Sylvia Marinova has a BSc in Molecular biology (Sofia University, Bulgaria), and a MSc in structural biology (Grenoble, France). She is currently a doctoral student at the Laboratory of Genomic Stability at IMB, BAS. Her research interests are in the field of DNA repair, microscopy and biophysics. She loves photography, painting and sports.

Role of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology, 2020, Lancet

Transkingdom interactions between Lactobacilli and hepatic mitochondria attenuate western diet-induced diabetes, 2021, Nature Communications

Probiotics and type 2 diabetes

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 Probiotics and type 2 diabetes

Силвия Маринова

<h4>Author: Ivelina Yankova, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences</h4>

What-is-HPV?

What is HPV?

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Human papilloma virus, or HPV, is a highly contagious viral infection. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection and affects the genitals, mouth, throat and anus. The virus can also be transmitted to people who are not sexually active – it is enough to have had longer contact with infected skin. The virus is found mainly in young people.

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There are over 100 different types of HPV and some of them can lead to cervical cancer. The most common symptoms of HPV are the appearance of warts on the genitals, mouth, throat and anus; in women: pain during sex or in the pelvic area, unusual vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding after sex. However, most people are asymptomatic and do not even understand that they have HPV. There is no need to worry, it is believed that after a year or two the immune system copes with the virus, it clears out and can no longer be transmitted to other people.

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There are complications only in limited cases when the immune system fails to cope with the virus on its own. In these cases warts can be formed in the aforementioned places and, in rare cases, develop cancer in the same places, not necessarily accompanied by the appearance of warts.

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Mothers infected with the virus can transmit the infection to their children during childbirth, after which the children tend to develop typical respiratory papillomatosis – warts on the throat.

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What-is-the-HPV-vaccine?

What is the HPV vaccine?

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About 80% of people who lead sexual lives are infected with HPV, increasing the number of cases by about 14 million each year (2). This makes the virus so common that it is considered a normal consequence of a person's sex life.

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The HPV vaccine is made from one of the proteins on the surface of the virus. It is produced in vitro – in a laboratory, by the fermentation process of yeast cells. After it is formed, it forms viral particles, which are arranged in a hollow, spherical form, as is the form of the virus. After injection into the body, the immune system recognizes the virus in this spherical form and begins to attack it, hence creating immunity. In a subsequent encounter with the real virus, the organism is immediately ready for defense and clears the infection uncompromisingly.

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The vaccine does not contain the genetic material of the virus, and therefore it can not infect a person. In addition, after already 15 years of use, no serious side effects have been found, only the expected pain and redness around the injection site and sometimes fainting. Yes, fainting sounds serious, but it is completely innocent and is a common side effect of all vaccines. The HPV vaccine is safe to use and to date an average of over 300 million HPV vaccines have been administered worldwide (3).

What-is-cervical-cancer-and-why-is-it-dangerous?

What is cervical cancer and why is it dangerous?

What-is-cervical-cancer-and-why-is-it-dangerous?_2_0

<h4>The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive tract and is located between the vagina and the lower part of the uterus. When the cells of the cervix begin to multiply more than usual, then we say that a person has cervical cancer. This enhanced cell formation is a result of a mutation in the DNA of the cells and causes their continuous reproduction instead of their destruction.</h4>

What-is-cervical-cancer-and-why-is-it-dangerous?_2_1

<h4>Cervical cancer mainly affects people after the age of 30 and is considered one of the treatable ones, especially if caught in the early stages. The most common cause of its occurrence is infection with certain types of human papilloma virus, especially if the virus is not cured for a long time.</h4>

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<h4>What makes cervical cancer dangerous is the high risk of its occurrence. Since HPV is a common and relatively "dormant" infection, it is easy to ignore the recommendations for routine check after no symptoms are available. Over time, a tumor can develop without any noticeable signals for help, and only when it becomes large and dangerous to be noticed.</h4>

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<h4>For this, it is advisable to annually check the state of your reproductive tract in order to avoid serious problems in the future.</h4>

How-does-the-HPV-vaccine-protect-us-from-cervical-cancer?

How does the HPV vaccine protect us from cervical cancer?

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Almost every type of cervical cancer is a result of HPV infection. Immunization with any of the HPV vaccines (three have been approved so far) can prevent infection with the virus and therefore getting cervical cancer.

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On November 3, 2021, a study was published in The Lancet, which tracked the effect of the vaccine in England 13 years after administration (4). The vaccine was offered as a routine for 12-13-year-old girls in 2008. Using scientific methods of comparing cervical cancers in 2008 with those in 2021, there was an 87% decrease in cases in 2021. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine against this disease and proves that immunization must be made available and offered in all countries, even in low and middle income countries.

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Unfortunately, there are no preventive tests that can detect other cancers that HPV causes and it is most often too late when they are detected. This is another reason for the creation of the vaccine against papilloma virus – to protect against the serious consequences that one, often "simple", infection can create.

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When-to-get-vaccinated?

When to get vaccinated?

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It is accepted that the HPV vaccine should be given around 11-12 years of age and the vaccination course can be started as early as 9 years. The age of administration is early because it is believed that children's immune response is better than that of adolescents. In addition, the vaccine is most effective in people who have not been sexually active. This prevents a person from meeting the virus before vaccination. If for some reason the infection is already in the human body, then the vaccine will not protect against the consequences that the virus can have.

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Provided that a person is not vaccinated at an early age, it is possible to do so in later years. Consult your GP if you are considering vaccination. &nbsp;

2021. Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society

2018. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Cleveland Clinic

2020. HPV Vaccine Facts. American Cancer Society

Falcaro, M., et al. (2021); The effects of the national HPV vaccination programme in England, UK, on cervical cancer and grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia incidence: a register-based observational study; The Lancet

Over 50% of the population is infected with the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Although in many cases it remains asymptomatic, it often leads to diseases such as gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer. Conventional treatment is not always effective due to the growing resistance of the bacterium to existing antibiotics. This requires looking for alternatives and concomitant therapies and here we will look at what science says about 5 natural remedies in the fight against Helicobacter pylori.

Natural Treatments for Helicobacter pylori

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Marijuana is a plant with various effects on human health. Nowadays, its use for personal or medical purpose is becoming more prevalent. What is the story, are there enough studies to justify the positive and negative effects of marijuana use on health and what are these effects? The answers to these questions can be found in this article.

Marijuana – a peek into the history, the science of its active substances and their effects on health

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Silymarin has been used as a healing agent since ancient times. How its healing properties are manifested in the organism and what they are, you can find out in this article.

Silymarin - a well-known ancient herb - for the benefits in humans and animals

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There are various medical methods for the treatment and therapy of cancer, such as chemotherapy, interventional oncology, radiation therapy, surgery, hematological oncology, and others. One of the most promising methods is aimed at destroying tumor cells and preventing their metastasis.

A light at the end of the tunnel - cancerous tumors and their "Achilles heel"

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Snake venom is known as a method of treatment from antiquity, but only today science manages to unravel some of its secrets. In this article you will learn what snake venom contains, in which medications it is found and how it is used, as well as if it has any application in the treatment of cancer.

The Healing Properties Of Snake Venom - From Ancient Times To Modern Cancer Treatment

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What are the most famous natural sweeteners, what they are and from which plants are extracted. The answers to these questions can be found in the following article.

Sweetness From Nature Or How To Replace Sugar With Natural Sweeteners

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In this article, you will learn what health benefits spirulina consumption brings according to science, as well as tips for growing it at home.

5 Reasons Why Spirulina Truly Is A Superfood And How To Grow It Home

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In this article you will find useful information about the healing properties of the broadleaf plantain according to the Iranian traditional medicine and modern science.

The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

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How can the HPV vaccine protect us from cervical cancer?

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 How can the HPV vaccine protect us from cervical cancer?

Ивелина Янкова

Essence-of-coconut-oil

Essence of coconut oil

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Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera) is a type of tropical oil obtained from the fleshy part of coconuts. Both unprocessed and refined coconut oil can be found commercially. Therefore, you should always read the information on the label and know which type you are buying from, as their benefits differ by this criterion.&nbsp;

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Coconut oil can be produced globally, but the largest producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.

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Unprocessed coconut oil is less processed than the refined version and this retains a sweet and fresh tropical taste. Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, goes through more processing, which leads to a more neutral smell and taste. Therefore, refined oil is suitable to use as the main cooking oil in various recipes. Such you will find a little later in the article.

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There is also a third type of coconut oil according to the method of preparation - partially hydrogenated. It is further processed and transforms some of the unsaturated fats (good fats) into trans fats (unhealthy fats).

Composition-of-coconut-oil

Composition of coconut oil

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Coconut oil has an interesting and complex background in terms of its nutritional composition. Even his most sworn supporters can't deny the high content of saturated fat (estimated at 83 percent), but that's the chemical composition we need to pay attention to.

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Saturated fats in coconut oil are made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolised differently in the body compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCT). The latter are contained in saturated fats of other oils and animal products.

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Coconut oil is extracted from coconut meat, which is devoid of fiber, carbohydrates and proteins and remains pure fat. As we know, there are many different types of fat. The two main types are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saturated fats (unhealthy fats that are associated with a rise in blood cholesterol)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">unsaturated fats (healthy fats that may reduce the risk of heart disease).&nbsp;</li></ul>Saturated fats make up 83% of coconut oil – a higher percentage of cow's butter, for example. Saturated fats have been found to be able to increase ldl cholesterol levels in the blood and should be consumed moderately to limit the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.&nbsp;

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The evidence suggests that coconut oil is especially rich in a type of saturated fatty acid called "lauric acid". This type of fatty acid has the ability to mimic healthy unsaturated fats by raising HDL cholesterol. This can make it a potentially less harmful species than other saturated fats.&nbsp;

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However, studies have shown that with the consumption of coconut oil, while healthy HDL cholesterol levels seem to be rising, total cholesterol and unhealthy LDL cholesterol in the blood can also increase. Therefore, coconut oil is recommended for use, but not as the main cooking oil, but rather as secondary in some cases and in limited quantities. However, as a product for culinary and cosmetic purposes, coconut oil has its proven benefits and positive effects.

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Do you remember those MCTs we mentioned at the beginning? They are composed of fatty acids called "medium-chain fatty acids," or MCFA, which have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Coconut oil acquires these qualities when converting fatty acids into the body and thus manages to realize its health benefits.

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Benefits-of-Coconut-Oil

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut-oil-and-obesity

Coconut oil and obesity

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In a randomized, double-blind, clinical study examined the effects of taking a dietary supplement with coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of obese women. [ref.2] The results showed that there was a decrease in body mass index in both groups, as well as a decrease in waist circumference in one of the groups. Similar results are in another study, but this time in obese men. Coconut oil included in an energetic balanced diet can raise HDL cholesterol and reduce the TC/HDL cholesterol ratio in obese men. [ref.3]

Antioxidant-action

Antioxidant action

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The antioxidant properties of unprocessed coconut oil, obtained by cooling and fermentation, have been studied and compared with refined, bleached and deodorized coconut oil in the publication "Antioxidant capacity and phenolic acids of virgin coconut oil". The unprocessed oil contains the phenolic acids ferrous and p-cumacic acid, which are due to the antioxidant capacity of this type of coconut oil, which is significantly better than that of processed oil [ref.4] In mice, it was found that the intake of untreated coconut oil leads to higher levels of antioxidants in the brain, lower levels of cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine and reduced load on the adrenal glands. In addition, levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and corticosterone are also lower, suggesting a potential area of beneficial action of the oil as an anti-stress agent. [ref.5] More studies on this are needed in both animals and humans.

Antiviral-action

Antiviral action

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It is believed that the medium-chain fatty acids of coconut oil fight against lipid-coated viruses, such as influenza and Epstein-Barr. MCFA have the ability to destroy viral membranes, which interferes with their growth and&nbsp; maturation.&nbsp;

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An August 2021 study showed that unprocessed coconut oil is effective in lowering C-reactive protein levels among suspected and probable cases of COVID-19. [ref.6] A twenty-eight-day randomized, double-blind, controlled intervention was conducted among 63 participants at two isolation facilities in the city of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a standardized meal (control) or a standardized meal mixed with a predetermined dose of untreated coconut oil. Participants in the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the level of C-reactive protein, with the mean CRP level normalised to≤5 mg/dL on the 14th day of intake.

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Another study from 2020 points us to three mechanisms by which lauric acid and monolaurin - components of coconut oil, realize antiviral activity, namely;

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<ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Destruction of the viral membrane. The antiviral actions of lauric acid and monolaurin were first documented in 1979, and then in 1982.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inhibit late maturation in the replication cycle of the virus</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prevent the binding of viral proteins to the host cell membrane. [ref.7, 8]</li> </ul>

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Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that makes up about 50% of coconut oil. Monolaurin is a metabolite that is produced naturally by the body's own enzymes when taking coconut oil (also available as a dietary supplement). Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common surfactant that is produced by lauric acid, has also been shown to have powerful antiviral properties. [ref.9]

Anti-inflammatory-action

Anti-inflammatory action

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Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of virgin coconut oil confirm the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of untreated coconut oil. [ref. 10] Anti-inflammatory action has also been established by suppressing inflammatory markers, as well as by increasing the function of the skin barrier in vitro. [ref.11]&nbsp;

Anti-inflammatory-action_2_1

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Photo created by jcomp from Freepik

Nephroprotective-action

Nephroprotective action

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Supplementation with virgin coconut oil demonstrates nephroprotective activity by weakening the oxidative nephrotoxicity of methotrexate (a chemotherapeutic and immune-suppressing agent) by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the kidneys. The results suggest that untreated coconut oil may be beneficial for patients with MTX chemotherapy cancer against kidney damage. [ref.12] Unprocessed coconut oil has potential benefits in preventing nephrotoxic damage in rats caused by diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases). [ref. 13]

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Coconut-oil-in-Alzheimer's-disease

Coconut oil in Alzheimer's disease

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In patients with Alzheimer's dementia who received 40 ml/day extra virgin coconut oil, a statistically significant increase in the MECWOLF test result was reported and therefore an improvement in cognitive status, especially in women, people without type II diabetes mellitus&nbsp; and patients in severe condition [ref.14] Many other factors are relevant for the positive influence of coconut oil on the cognitive status of patients with Alzheimer's disease, including the extent of memory problems, gender and other predisposing factors.

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Antibacterial-action

Antibacterial action

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At certain concentrations, coconut oil "exhibits bactericidal activity" against E. coli [ref.15] and several other bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. Untreated coconut oil can inhibit the growth of S. aureus with destructive mechanisms aimed at bacterial cell walls and increase the ability of phagocytic immune cells. [ref.16]&nbsp;

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There is evidence of innovative areas of application of antibacterial and softening effects of coconut oil in adults with atopic dermatitis. [ref.17] Traditionally oils such as olive oil and coconut are used to moisturize and treat skin infections, and in this study untreated coconut oil and virgin olive oil were compared.&nbsp;

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How-to-use-coconut-oil-for-cooking

How to use coconut oil for cooking

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Coconut oil is a&nbsp; suitable choice for sautéing, roasting and even frying (depending on the degree). Note, however, that one tablespoon of coconut oil contains about six times more saturated fat than olive oil.&nbsp;

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You can include coconut oil in your diet, but you should use mainly unsaturated fats that have a significantly greater number of health benefits.&nbsp; You can use coconut oil for french fries, for frying eggs or for popping popcorn - just be sure to use virgin or refined according to your taste preferences.

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Coconut oil is also extremely suitable for vegetarian, vegan or keto regime, as well as for preparing keto/vegan desserts. Replace the coconut oil with other fats in a ratio of 1:1. And another valuable tip: unless you're making a pie crust, use ingredients at room temperature when cooking with coconut oil. Since coconut oil hardens when it is below 24 degrees Celsius, combining it with cold ingredients can lead to the same effect.

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Image by Huyền Lương Ngọc from Pixabay

How-to-use-coconut-oil-for-cosmetic-purposes

How to use coconut oil for cosmetic purposes

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<ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Moisturizer for the skin - a study on humans reveals that coconut oil increases hydration and reduces inflammation in the skin.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A remedy for makeup - apply a little coconut oil on the eyelids with a cotton wool to remove the durable mascara.&nbsp;</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lip balm - softens and hydrates lips in no time. It also tastes good.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eczema - the anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can soothe the exacerbation of eczema.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bath oil - add the aromatic oil to a warm bath to further improve the hydration and nourishment of the skin.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Body scrub - combine 1/2 cup slightly melted or at room temperature coconut oil and 1/2 cup of coffee grounds. Pour into a small container. Freeze and then refrigerate between body cleaning procedures.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hair mask - for deep nourishment of the hair and protection against breakage, apply a few tablespoons of coconut oil on your hair and cover with a shower cap. You can leave the oil for a few hours or while you sleep.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Taming skinning hair - for lush hair and anti-entanglement, add a little coconut oil to the ends of your hair and dry.</li> </ul>

Coconut oil is revered by proponents of paleo and keto nutrition, but not only - for it there are established health benefits, ranging from nourished and protected skin and hair, to weight loss and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Coconut oil finds a place not only in the culinary arsenal for certain dishes, but also in our cosmetic bag for personal care with natural means. Its benefits are scientifically researched and justified, and in some areas, for example, for protection from Alzheimer's and viruses, it is very interesting to thoroughly examine its potential contribution.

Diseases conditions and symptoms