Caprylic acid a saturated fatty acid that boasts antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. Found in coconut, coconut oil and human breast milk, caprylic acid is one of the three main fatty acids, next to capric acid and lauric acid. Benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to fight candida, treat acne, reduce antibiotic resistance risk and more.
Benefits of Caprylic Acid
1. Provides Antibacterial, Antiviral and Anti-fungal Properties
Benefits of caprylic acid include antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Caprylic acid gives the immune system a natural boost. It helps protect the balance of healthy bacteria in the body to reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of allergies and improve hormonal health, among other benefits.
2. Fights Candida
Benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to fight candida, the overgrowth of yeast fungus in the gut. Candida symptoms include constipation, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal bloating. By naturally fighting yeast, benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to detoxify the digestive tract and speed healing. Research has shown that when taken orally, caprylic acid can help rapidly reduce symptoms associated with viral and fungal infections, including candida and chlamydia. (1)
3. Helps Prevent and Treat Yeast Infections
Benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to help prevent and treat yeast infections that occur on the skin, genitals, toes and other areas of the body. Caprylic acid helps kill yeast infections with little to no side effects, while restoring the balance of health bacteria in the gut.
4. Treats Acne and Skin Infections
Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to treat acne and other skin problems. It works by killing the harmful bacteria on the skin that causes breakouts, inflammation and infection. Benefits of caprylic acid also include the ability to improve hair health. Coconut oil for hair remedies can help naturally nourish and moisturize dry and damaged hair. (2)
5. Helps Treat Inflammatory Digestive Disorders
Benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to help treat digestive disorders linked to inflammation, including Crohn’s disease. Studies have shown that the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil can help fight inflammation and reduce Crohn’s symptoms, such as bloating, pain, bleeding and bowel trouble. Medium-chain triglycerides also help protect the lining of the gut against harmful toxins that cause disease and inflammation.
6. Reduces Risk of Antibiotic Resistance
Benefits of caprylic acid include the ability to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Studies have shown that a variety of fatty acids are able to exhibit antibacterial and antimicrobial activity against harmful microorganisms. In one study, researchers found that caprylic acid was able to reduce five different types of dangerous pathogens, including E.coli. Caprylic acid worked similar to the way antibiotics work, but without the risk of bacterial mutations. (3)