17 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

By our mothers and grandmothers, coconut oil was regarded as a miracle substance and was frequently used for a variety of things. It's because they respected coconut oil as a regular part of their daily routines and were aware of its advantages. There are many uses for coconut oil, including in cooking, hair and skin care, and other things.

The advantages of coconut oil are currently supported by research. Unfortunately, not many of us are familiar with this excellent oil.

Coconut meat contains a rich, fatty oil called coconut oil. It is offered separately or utilized in confections, prepared foods, and cosmetics. Its use has come up frequently in discussions about health, although not all of its alleged advantages have been proven. 

How Does Coconut Oil Work?

Coconut oil is an edible oil produced by pressing the light-colored coconut flesh. When heated, it transforms from a solid at room temperature to a liquid. It has a lengthy history in the places where coconut trees are found, such as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Polynesia, and Indonesia.

Coconut oil has been more well-liked recently all around the world. It can be used in a variety of items, including deodorant, food, sunscreen, and hair products. It's the ideal ingredient to incorporate into a variety of items thanks to its delectable flavor and versatile qualities. For those on plant-based diets or with allergies, coconut oil can be a great dairy substitute in several recipes.

The coconuts on coconut palm trees (Cocos nucifera) are where coconut oil is derived from. Copra oil and virgin coconut oil are the two main varieties of coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil includes more minerals like vitamin E and bioactive components like polyphenols (plant elements with antioxidant effects), although having the same amount of fatty acids.

Numerous nutrients included in coconut oil can improve your diet and overall health. It is packed with essential fatty acids that your body needs and may enhance mental performance, metabolism, and the quality of your hair and skin.

 1-Coconut Oil Promotes Mental Health:

To definitively state that consuming coconut oil enhances cognitive function, more research is required. By giving damaged brain cells new energy sources, the molecules in the oil, particularly the ketones, have been linked to a reduction in the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. 

By giving the brain a fuel source other than glucose in the form of ketones, medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to lessen the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other age-related impairments in cognitive function. Even those with epilepsy have proven to experience fewer seizures while using coconut oil.

2-Better Hair and Skin Health:

Coconut oil is used by many businesses and individuals to create cosmetic items for their hair, skin, nails, and teeth. For skin problems like xerosis, or dry, rough skin, coconut oil has been proven to be a secure and reliable moisturizer. Additionally, coconut oil can reduce protein loss in your hair, enhancing the health of your hair.

However, one study discovered that coconut oil is comedogenic, or pore-clogging. For those with a darker complexion or oily, prone to acne skin, it might not be the ideal option.

Coconut oil provides the ideal fatty acids to aid with dandruff and dry hair, so use it if you have either of these diseases. In actuality, coconut oil has numerous benefits for hair.

To improve your hair, you can make your own homemade coconut lavender shampoo and use straight coconut oil as a natural hair conditioner.

Massage your scalp for three minutes with one tablespoon of coconut oil and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to get rid of dandruff and thicken hair. then take a shower after 30 minutes.

3-Loss of Weight:

Coconut oil provides the largest concentrations of lauric acid in a natural source, and lauric acid is a form of saturated fat. Lauric acid is transported to the liver where it is transformed into energy rather than being stored as fat, which may aid in weight loss, according to studies. To be certain that coconut oil specifically helps with weight loss and faster metabolism, more data is required.

4-Coconut Oil is Bacterial Resistant:

By destroying harmful pathogenic bacteria and fungi preferentially while leaving desired species unharmed, coconut oil can help your immune system as well as the healthy bacteria in your mouth and gut. For instance, studies have demonstrated that the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of lauric acid in coconut oil are effective against a variety of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutants, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori.

Lauric acid (monolaurin), which is present in coconut oil, has been demonstrated to lessen candida, fight germs, and foster an unfavorable environment for viruses. The body's overpopulation of harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites is the root cause of many ailments today.

According to a review from 2020, it has antibacterial properties and aids in triggering the immune system's anti-inflammatory components.

5-Coconut Oil Might Accelerate Fat Loss:

Medium-chain triglycerides, which are abundant in coconut oil and have been demonstrated to increase metabolic rate and aid in the mobilization of fatty acids for the production of energy, are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies looking at the benefits of medium-chain triglyceride supplementation have shown that these saturated fats can improve weight loss.

6-Might Function as an Instant Source of Energy:

A rapid source of energy is provided by the MCTs in coconut oil.

Long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) that you ingest are carried by your blood to tissues like muscle and fat that require them.

On the other hand, MCTs, your body's preferred source of energy, travel directly to your liver where they quickly turn into a source of energy.

MCTs have long been utilized in sports nutrition solutions for athletes who need a quick-acting energy source.

7-Might Lessen Seizures:

The ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbohydrates and high in fats, has long been used to treat a variety of illnesses, including drug-resistant epilepsy. They have been demonstrated to contribute to a decrease in the frequency of seizures.

A probable explanation for the decrease in seizure frequency in epilepsy patients following a ketogenic diet, according to researchers, is the lack of glucose available to fuel brain cells.

Overall, nevertheless, there isn't enough data to support the use of ketogenic diets in children and adults with epilepsy.

Your blood glucose levels decrease when you eat fewer carbohydrates, and your blood ketone levels rise when you consume more fat. Ketones rather than glucose can be used by your brain as an energy source.

8-A Good Source of Antioxidants:

Antioxidants, such as those found in coconut oil, aid in scavenging dangerous chemicals known as free radicals. This in turn aids in the prevention of some chronic and degenerative disorders.

the following principal categories of antioxidants are present in the oil:

tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols

flavonoids polyphenols

Coconut oil may have anti-inflammatory and brain-protective properties due to its antioxidant content.

one study raises the possibility that coconut oil, in particular the MCT lauric acid, may help to lessen subsequent diabetic problems.

9-Might Lessen Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms:

The most typical cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.

The disorder makes it harder for your brain to burn glucose for energy. However, by giving brain cells an alternate energy source, ketones may be able to counteract the early symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Because of this, specific foods, such as coconut oil, have been researched for their possible involvement in treating Alzheimer's disease.

Ketones are produced when the liver breaks down medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and they are easily absorbed by the brain to provide energy. Without the requirement for insulin to convert glucose into energy, ketones provide the brain with energy.

According to research, the brain produces its insulin to digest glucose and fuel brain cells. According to studies, coconut oil's ketones may act as a substitute energy source for the brain of an Alzheimer's patient when their ability to produce insulin declines. This may aid to restore brain function.

10-Contributes to the Prevention of High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease:

Coconut oil has a lot of unsaturated fats naturally. In addition to raising the amount of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in your body, saturated fats also aid in the transformation of LDL "bad" cholesterol into HDL cholesterol.

A randomized crossover trial demonstrated that daily ingestion of two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil by young, healthy adults significantly raised HDL cholesterol. The study was published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Additionally, eating virgin coconut oil every day for eight weeks was determined to have no significant safety risks.

The same findings were found in a later study that was published in 2020, and it was concluded that coconut oil consumption considerably raises HDL cholesterol compared to nontropical vegetable oils. Boosting the body's HDL levels lessens the risk of heart disease and promotes heart health.

 11-Might Enhance Dental Health:

Oil pulling, which involves using coconut oil as a mouthwash, has been shown to improve dental hygiene in a way that is both effective and affordable.

Coconut oil is swished around in the mouth like mouthwash when oil pulling. When compared to a conventional mouthwash, it may considerably lower the amount of dangerous bacteria in the mouth, specifically S. mutans.

Lauric acid's antibacterial activities are likely to be the cause of this.

 The lauric acid in coconut oil combines with saliva to create a material that resembles soap and protects cavities as well as gum irritation and dental plaque formation.

Oil pulls doesn't substitute dental care, according to the review studies, which also point out that there isn't much evidence on the subject. The effects of oil pulling on tooth health require additional study.

The oil denatures the germs and adheres to them when you swish them around in your mouth. Your risk of periodontal disease is significantly reduced by eliminating mouth microorganisms.

Try oil pulling for 20 minutes a day, three times a week, to repair your teeth and gums.

12-Treats UTI, Kidney Infection, and Liver Protection:

Kidney infections and UTI symptoms have both been known to be cleared up and improved by coconut oil. By destroying the lipid covering on bacteria and killing them, the MCFAs in the oil operate as a natural antibiotic.

Additionally, studies demonstrate that coconut oil directly guards the liver against harm.

 Hydrating and supporting the healing process is coconut water. For kidney stones, doctors have even administered coconut water through injection.

Given all of these fantastic coconut oil health advantages, coconut is a potent superfood.

13-Cancer Treatment and Prevention:

In addition to the ketones created in the oil, coconut oil has two more properties that aid in the battle against cancer. Because they are dependent on glucose, tumor cells cannot access the energy found in ketones.

It's thought that a ketogenic diet might contribute to the healing process for cancer patients.

The presence of medium-chained fatty acids in coconut oil is the second quality. The helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is known to raise the risk of stomach cancer, can be killed by the Medium-chains fatty acids (MCFAs) as they break down the lipid walls of bacteria.

 Studies suggest that the lauric acid in coconut oil may inhibit cancer cell growth and promote apoptosis.

14-Help with Type II Diabetics:

Insulin-resistant cells are those that do not respond to insulin and do not uptake glucose for energy. To make up for this, the pancreas produces more insulin, starting a cycle of excessive production.

Type II diabetes is a precursor to insulin resistance.

According to studies, the MCFAs in coconut oil support a healthy digestive system and balance insulin reactivity in cells. They relieve pancreatic stress and provide a steady energy source for the body that is not reliant on glucose responses, which can help prevent insulin resistance and type II diabetes.

15-Coconut Oil for Anti-aging:

The medical journal Food and Function reported on research showing that coconut oil boosts antioxidant levels and can delay aging. Coconut oil functions by minimizing oxidative stress and liver stress.

 Due to how coconut oil interacts with the liver, researchers discovered that it might promote detoxification.

Take one tablespoon of coconut oil with antioxidant-rich berries for breakfast to naturally halt the aging process. For additional health advantages and skin smoothing, you may also apply it directly to the skin.

16-Coconut Oil to Balance Hormones:

Hormone balancing is one of coconut oil's health advantages. Because coconut oil is a wonderful source of saturated fat, particularly lauric acid, it may naturally help balance hormones.

Coconut oil may be a great fat to consume throughout menopause and may also have beneficial impacts on estrogen levels, according to studies.

Reduce your intake of sugar and grains, and increase your intake of healthy fats like those found in coconut, avocado, flaxseeds, and ghee to naturally balance your hormones. You can also eat other coconut products like coconut water and coconut butter.

17-Encourage Bone Health:

Free radicals and oxidative stress are the two main causes of osteoporosis. Due to its high antioxidant content, which aids in the battle against free radicals, coconut oil is a popular all-natural osteoporosis treatment.

In the intestines, calcium absorption is boosted by coconut oil. Coconut oil has been shown in studies on osteoporosis to not only increase bone volume and structure in patients but also to reduce bone loss brought on by the disease.

Risks and Negative Impacts:

Coconut oil rarely has any negative effects.

According to research, some people with a coconut allergy may occasionally develop a contact allergy. Although it is uncommon, some cleaning solutions made from coconut oil have been reported to induce contact allergies.

Coconut oil is renowned for minimizing the negative effects of numerous drugs. For instance, research suggests that it can lessen the negative effects and symptoms of cancer therapies.

Remember that coconut oil that has been refined or processed may have been bleached, heated past the desired melt point, or subjected to chemical processing to lengthen its shelf life. The chemical composition of the oil is altered during processing, making the fats unhealthy for you.

When feasible, select extra virgin coconut oil over hydrogenated oils.

Coconut oil's Nutrients:

Due to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil is one of the few plant-based lipids that solidify at room temperature. Coconut oil is entirely composed of fat, principally medium-chain triglycerides, and has no protein or carbs. Coconut oil has a high calorie content as well because fat has the highest-calories per gram of any macronutrient.

Coconut oil contains minimal nutrients because few vitamins and minerals found in coconuts naturally make their way into the oil during processing.

The nutritional value of 1 tablespoon of coconut oil is listed below:

121 calories

Protein  0 grams 

Fat in total: 13.5 grams

Saturated fat  11.2 grams 

Monounsaturated fat 0.86 grams 

Polyunsaturated fat. 0.23 grams 

Grams of carbohydrates: 0

No fiber, grams

Sugar 0 grams 

Calcium 0.14 mg 

Choline 0.04 mg 

Vitamin E 0.015 mg 

Vitamin K 0.082 mg