Health benefits of Coconut Oil

The composition of coconut oil

The coconut possesses a wide variety of health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, but it is the oil that makes it a remarkable source of food and medicine. It has definitely earned its reputation as the healthiest oil in the world despite the fact that its high saturated fat content was once falsely claimed to be unhealthy.

What makes coconut oil different?

Oils and fats are composed of molecules known as fatty acids. They are classified either according to saturation or based on molecular length and size of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are an example of the first class.

The second classification is based on molecular size or length of the fatty acid's carbon chain. Long chains of carbon atoms consist of each fatty acid with an attached hydrogen atom. There are short chain fatty acids known as SCFA, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) such as coconut oil and long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Whether unsaturated or saturated, the majority of fats and oils in our diet are composed of long chain fatty acids. In fact, a majority of the fatty acids commonly consumed are LCFA.

Coconut oil is predominantly medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and the effects of the MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from the LCFA found in other foods. In fact, the saturated and unsaturated fat in milk, eggs, meat and even in plants and most vegetable oils are made of LCFA. Why is this relevant? It is important because our bodies respond and metabolize each fatty acid differently. It is the MCFA found in coconut oil that makes it special because these fatty acids do not have a negative effect on cholesterol. In fact, they are known to lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. There are only few dietary sources of MCFA, and one of the best sources by far is coconut oil.



Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:



Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.


Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.


Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.


Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.


Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.


Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.


Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.


Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.


Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.


Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.


Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.


Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.


Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.


Helps protect against osteoporosis.


Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.


Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.


Improves digestion and bowel function.


Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.


Reduces inflammation.


Supports tissue healing and repair.


Supports and aids immune system function.


Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.


Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.


Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.


Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.


Functions as a protective antioxidant.


Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.


Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.


Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.


Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.


Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).


Reduces epileptic seizures.


Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.


Dissolves kidney stones.


Helps prevent liver disease.


Is lower in calories than all other fats.


Supports thyroid function.


Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.


Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.


Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.


Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.


Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.


Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.


Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.


Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.


Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.


Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.


Helps control dandruff.


Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.


Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.


Is completely non-toxic to humans.