The Philippines is developing a genetically modified (GM) coconut with at least as much lauric acid as canola to allow it to hold onto its leading share of the world's vegetable oil market.
Lauric acid, a medium-length long-chain fatty acid, is found in the form of glycerides in a number of natural fats, especially coconut and palm kernel. It offers advantages in food processing as it acts as a kind of preservative, staving off oxidation and spoiling.
Lauric acid is also believed to have antimicrobial properties and is frequently exploited by pharmaceutical companies as well.
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