How to Choose Coconut Oil for Healing Minor Wounds
There are several coconut oil options on the market with a wide range of prices. However, the studies published by certified research centers like the National Center for Biotechnology Information use virgin coconut oil in their testing.
But going one step further it is best to choose an oil listed as cold-pressed, since the extraction process in temperature-controlled environments aids in preserving the integrity of the coconut oil.
And if you choose an organic variety of virgin cold-pressed oil it will ensure you are purchasing one of the purest types.
If your dog has a minor injury that does not require veterinary care, like:
How Coconut Oil Helps to Heal Wounds
Studies have proven that the use of coconut oil on wounds can aid in faster healing and reduce the risk of infection. There are three main reasons coconut oil works so well for injuries.
First, coconut oil contains a variety of antiseptic properties that fight bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections, as well as prevent these infections from developing in the first place.
One of those properties is called lauric acid, commonly used as an anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and antifungal. And coconut oil contains a significant amount, 45-53%, of lauric acid, which is why it is so effective.
Second, coconut oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory which can reduce discomfort and swelling, allowing the wound to better and faster heal.
And third, coconut oil increases collagen production, helping the wound to heal quicker. Collagen is a significant building block found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels5, to name a few. Collagen is essential for wound healing as it promotes the growth of new healthy skin and aids in clotting blood.
These three primary factors are why coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for minor wounds.
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Coconut oil has become a popular supplement for humans. Its thought to have benefits like boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss, working as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, and improving cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimers. Used topically, coconut oil is an effective moisturizer and lip balm. But pet owners are asking: Is coconut oil beneficial to dogs? The answer is a qualified “yes.” Some holistic and naturopathic veterinarians believe that coconut oil has qualities that can aid in many types of canine conditions.
Coconut oil comes from the meat of coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. Coconut oil consists of at least 90% saturated fats, most of which are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). Although were used to thinking of fats as bad for us, MCTs are “good” fat and can provide several benefits, including being a source of fuel and energy. The components of MCTs include lauric acid, which is antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral; capric acid and caprylic acid, which are known for their anti-fungal effects; and other acids that are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, MCTs are quickly metabolized to provide energy. For a more in-depth explanation of the components of coconut oil, take a look at the presentation from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University.