Lauric acid
Lauric Acid
Lauric Acid (Pronunciation: lor-ic as-id), also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid with a 12-carbon backbone. Lauric acid is found naturally in various plant and animal fats and oils, and is a major component of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Etymology
The term "Lauric" comes from the Latin laurus, which means "laurel". This is because the laurel plant was the first source from which lauric acid was isolated.
Properties and Uses
Lauric acid is a white, powdery solid with a faint odor of bay oil or soap. It is used in the production of soaps, cosmetics, and industrial lubricants. In the human body, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin, a compound with antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
Health Effects
While lauric acid is a type of saturated fat, which is often associated with negative health effects, some research suggests that lauric acid may have some health benefits. These potential benefits include reducing inflammation, killing harmful pathogens, and improving heart health.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lauric acid
- Wikipedia's article - Lauric acid
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