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The hidden health benefits of coconut oil
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Coconut oil is still an exotic product, so few people know about its powerful healing properties. Currently, coconut oil is used for various cosmetic and industrial purposes, for many centuries it served as an excellent source of nutrients in the tropics.
Not so long ago, coconut was associated with distant atolls of unprecedented beauty and palm trees. But coconut is not just a "paradise fruit", but also a whole set of natural medicines.
Coconut oil contains a large number of very useful substances:
- saturated fatty acids (lauric, caprylic, myristic and palmitic acids);
- polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid);
- monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid);
- polyphenols (gallic acid);
- fatty acid derivatives (betaines, ethanolamide, ethoxylates, fatty acid esters, esters);
- fatty chlorides, which are derivatives of fatty alcohols;
- vitamin E, vitamin K and minerals (iron).
All these components create a rich arsenal that can provide serious protection against many risk factors for disease development.
Protection against infections
In the human body, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin. This compound has strong antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Monolaurin has the ability to destroy lipid membranes and practically destroy many pathogenic microorganisms. Coconut oil can be a good alternative for various viral infections, such as measles, flu, hepatitis C and even HIV. For example, researchers from the Philippines are studying the effectiveness of lauric acid in the treatment of HIV infection.
Coconut oil can also be used to treat Candida Albicans and fungal infections of the skin of the feet and nails. Unlike antibiotics, it has no side effects. Lauric acid is not produced in the human body. We could only get it from our mother's milk. Another chance to get it again is to consume coconut oil.
Hair care
The unique fatty acids in coconut oil are small in size and can easily penetrate through the cell membranes of the hair. This allows for a high concentration of coconut oil inside the hair. Rubbing the oil into the scalp can help prevent dandruff, which is caused by dry skin or fungi. With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus and eliminate dandruff.
Healthy skin
Coconut oil is an excellent skin conditioner. It contains medium chain triglycerides, natural fats that deeply penetrate and moisturize the skin, creating a protective barrier against environmental damage and free radicals. Coconut oil also provides protection against UV radiation, reducing its intensity by 20%.
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, so it is ideal for preventing age-related changes. In addition, it contains vitamin E and accelerates the regeneration of skin in case of abrasions, burns and other damage.
Weight loss
The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil boost metabolism because they are easily digested and converted into energy. According to Natural News, studies have shown that medium chain fatty acids are three times more effective at boosting metabolism than long chain fatty acids.
Prevention of diseases of civilization
Coconut oil reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Research confirms that coconut oil helps reduce body mass index (BMI) and the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Coconut oil also helps keep bones healthy. Research has shown that coconut oil helps prevent osteoporosis by enhancing the absorption of nutrients and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.