Coconut oil soap has traditionally been used by people living in tropical regions. These people lovingly refer to the coconut palm as the “tree of life.” A little background on the uses and benefits of coconut oil will demonstrate clearly why people venerate the fruit of the palm, especially with its great ability to heal, cleanse and protect the skin. It has proven ability to fight cancer and not to promote it in the first place. Animal studies indicate that when animals are fed carcinogens and a variety of oils, the animals that do not develop cancer are those that eat coconut oil.

Coconut oil has amazing anti-inflammatory effects. For the past 20 years, health practitioners have said that it is beneficial to patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease. It also seems to have a concerted effect in restraining inflammation and repairing tissue. Coconut oil may also control parasitic intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic digestive upset.

According to Raymond Francis, M.I.T. – trained scientist and registered nutrition consultant, coconut oil keeps skin vibrant and slows formation of wrinkes. Used as a lotion, it protects against sun damage, and strengthens underlying tissues. It moisturizes, heals sores and injuries, and prevents production of “liver spots” that are caused by oxidation (which is when skin literally ‘breaks down’ or ‘becomes rancid’). Remember, when these spots emerge, the same oxidative damage is also occurring in other tissues such as the brain, eyes, and heart.

According to Bruce Fife, ND, author of The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil, at least one half of the oil is lauric acid. The only other dependable source of lauric acid is mother’s milk. Dr. Mary Enig, a leading authority on fats, informs us that,

“Approximately 50 percent of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid.”

One way to enjoy the incredible benefits of coconut is to use coconut oil soap. But tracking down a quality soap can be grueling. U.S. companies, who bring the soap into the States from countries such as the Philippines, must do business with micro producers who don’t speak much English and can’t always answer technical questions in a way that makes sense to those importing. This creates difficulty in understanding, which, in many cases, leads to importation of second-rate handmade natural soap. For example, most oils used to make coconut soap are made from the copra (desiccated coconut meat), which can be contaminated with detrimental mold spores.

Be sure that the soaps you buy are made from pure, virgin coconut oil – the least processed oil on the market. This magnificent oil never degrades due to reaching high temperatures, and it is made from freshly harvested coconuts.

An exceptional coconut oil soap is a boon to good health. So now you know, you could still purchase coconut soap made with inferior oils…but should you?

For further reading, see Raymond Francis book, Never Be Sick Again: Health Is a Choice, Learn How to Choose It.