LAURIC ACID -MIRACLE MEDICINE

Lauric acid is found in many natural sources, such as breastmilk,coconut oil, pam oil, butter, egg yolk. It is enzymatically digested, shuttled straight to the liver, and metabolized into a monoglyceride called monolaurin, increases energy levels and stamina, and boosts “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels. It acts as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial agents that potentially safeguard against common illnesses and ailments.

A pilot study was conducted for 1 month among general public to assess the familiarity,attitude, knowledge and use of Lauricamong public. study questionnaire was sent through online. A total of 100 participant participated in the study among which 56 were male and 44 were female, observing educational details of the respondents 95% of study participants were degree holders and all population above 15 years were included in the study.

As oils are the chief source of Lauric acid the knowledge of public in purchasing oil were questioned as familiarity about type of oil, reasons for its selection, purpose of using and their preference in purchasing. Public responded various reasons for the purpose of using cooking oil viz., 60% for frying 30% for grilling and 10% for preparing soup, out of which 78% of people preferred refined oil, 16% people opted for both which depends on the meal to prepare. Their reasons for selecting refined oil was nutritional value (23%), quality (66%), availability 5%,type of meal to be prepared 6%. To check their familiarity in identifying various unrefined oil separate questions were asked answering that question it was found that 59% people identified coconut oil as unrefined oil, 29% familiar with pam oil, 8%, 14%, animal fat and ground nut oil respectively. While analyzing the reasons for not selecting unrefined oil it was found that 42% people said about poor quality and 37% reasoned it as high cholesterol, 16%, 5%, poor package and taste respectively. When coming to the health concern 50% people said coconut oil and 38%, 10% sunflower, ground nut oil respectively.

Conclusion:

Coconut oil contains unsaturated fatty acid having many benefits because of the presence of Lauric acid, which is used widely to know their knowledge about the key ingredientsLauric acid a question was asked 53% participants were not known about Lauric acid.Lauric acid is having many of the therapeutical application its awareness should be generated with the public.

Key words: Lauric acid, coconut oil, breast milk, cooking oil