
What are the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil?
Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 09:53 am
5 minutes read.

In this article:
Drug interaction
Overview
Coconut botanically known as Cocos nucifera (L.), is a simple fruit with multiple gifts to offer! People call it different names such as aku oyibo, coco, nariyal, coco-da-bahia, etc.
It belongs to the family Arecaceae. The plant originated from Southeast Asia and islands between the Pacific and Indian Oceans; it was brought to India and East Africa.
The coconut palm is either utilized as a whole or in sections to produce milk, husk, or the widely used coconut oil. Coconut oil is prepared by pressing dried coconut meat (copra) or fresh coconut meat.
The oil prepared using fresh coconut meat is known as virgin coconut oil, and the one prepared using dried coconut meat (copra i.e. the dried brown covering) is called refined coconut oil.
Coconut oil has benefited much more than you can expect.
This article highlights the benefits of virgin coconut oil and some special considerations to be kept in mind if you plan to include coconut oil in your diet. (1, 2 )
Nutrition facts of coconut oil. (3)
Coconut oil contains various nutritional components including bioactive compounds such as that given below:
Nutritional Value per 100 g
Energy (calories): 1866 kcal
Saturated fat: 185g
Total fat: 222 g
Carbohydrates: 1.9g
Calcium; 2.2 mg
Iron: 0.1 mg
Properties of Coconut oil
The consumption of coconut oil shows numerous scientifically proven properties. Some of these properties are mentioned below:
- It may have antioxidant properties.
- It may act as an anticancer agent.
- It might have anti-inflammatory properties.
- It may have anti-nociceptive properties, and inhibit the sensation of pain.
- It may have antimicrobial properties.
- It may have anti-fungal properties. (1)
Health benefits
Here are the science-proven uses/health benefits of coconut oil.
1. Potential uses of Coconut oil on hair
Coconut oil prevents damage to various hair types. Rele et al. conducted a review in 2003 to assess the effect of different types of coconut treatments on hair.
This study concluded that, among all other treatments, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce protein loss for damaged and undamaged hair types.
In addition, coconut oil is a triglyceride of lauric acid that has a high affinity for hair proteins that can penetrate hair shafts due to its low molecular weight.
This indicates that coconut oil may have a positive impact on hair. However, we need more studies to support these claims. (4)
2. Potential uses of Coconut oil on lipid profile
Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid known to have several benefits. Scientists conducted a systematic review in 2020 to assess the effects of coconut oil consumption on lipid profile.
The summary estimate of 12 meta-analysis studies showed that consumption of coconut oil increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL- good cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol.
A better lipid profile is demonstrated with the use of virgin coconut oil. This indicates that using coconut oil may improve HDL but can also have a harmful effect by increasing low-density lipoprotein.
Therefore, more studies are needed to support the use of coconut oil in humans, especially those focused on virgin coconut oil. (5)
3. Potential uses of Coconut oil for cancer
Few studies support the anticancer role of coconut oil. Verma et al. conducted a study in 2019 to assess the in-vitro anticancer activity of virgin coconut oil in cancer cell lines in the liver.

This study showed positive results for cancer cell lines treated with virgin coconut oil. In addition, the fatty acid component of coconut oil is known to target the liver by portal circulation directly.
This indicates that using coconut oil may help manage liver cancers. However, more studies are needed to support these claims. (6)
4. Potential uses of Coconut oil for Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease characterized by a decline in cognition. Jose et al. conducted a study in 2017 to assess the effect of coconut oil consumption on Alzheimer’s disease.
The results of this study showed that the consumption of coconut oil had a positive impact on cognitive function. This suggests that coconut oil may help manage Alzheimer’s disease by improving cognition. However, more studies are needed to support these claims. (7)
5. Potential uses of Coconut oil on bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
The antiviral and antibacterial properties of coconut oil are attributed to the presence of lauric acid.
Khairiyah et al. conducted a literature review in 2017 on the nutraceutical properties of coconut oil, which suggested that consumption of coconut oil can have a positive impact on gram-positive bacterial infections.
A group of scientists conducted a study in 2021 to assess the effect of virgin coconut oil on Covid-19 patients. The results of this study support the use of virgin coconut oil by reducing C-reactive protein levels that may help manage viral infections like Covid-19.
In addition, the presence of caprylic acid and lauric acid may help in managing fungal infections. The above-mentioned studies indicate that the consumption of coconut oil may help in managing bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
However, more studies are needed to support these claims. (8,9)
6. Other potential uses of coconut oil
- Being a good source of polyphenols, it may help reduce inflammation and thus may have the potential to reduce gingivitis and plaque. (10)
- It may help in managing atopic dermatitis. (11)
- It may help obese individuals to manage body weight. (11)
Though there are studies that show the benefits of coconut oil in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of coconut oil on human health.
How to Use Coconut oil?
It can be used in the following ways:
Coconut oil can be used for cooking. Majority of the South Indian cooking is done using coconut oil.
It is recommended to start with consuming 1 teaspoon of coconut oil daily which can gradually be increased after consultation with a doctor. (9)
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking coconut oil. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with coconut oil without consulting your health professional.
Side Effects of Coconut oil
A few side effects related to the consumption of coconut oil include the following:
(9)
- Consuming coconut oil increases the level of low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol.
- Due to the presence of saturated fatty acids, excess consumption can be unhealthy and can increase the risk of stroke and cardiac diseases.
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to coconut oil, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.
Precautions to take with Coconut oil
Eating coconut oil is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed in the following conditions:
- It is advised to avoid the use of coconut oil consumption during breastfeeding and in children because the data regarding the safety of its use is limited.
- People who have high cholesterol should discontinue the consumption of coconut oils, as there are a few studies that suggest its use can increase bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein. (11)
Interactions with Other Drugs
There are no significant interactions of coconut oil with other drugs.
However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician (traditional doctor) about the possible interaction of coconut oil with other drugs, and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.
Side Effects
Consuming coconut oil in excess can result in headaches, nausea, swollen glands, dizziness, chills, and loose stools. (9)
What exactly is the difference between refined coconut oil and virgin coconut?
Answer:
The oil prepared using fresh coconut meat is known as virgin coconut oil, and the one prepared using dried coconut meat (copra i.e., the dried brown covering) is called refined coconut oil. (2)
Can coconut oil help in managing gingivitis?
Studies that show a positive result between the consumption of coconut oils and gingivitis, attributed to the presence of polyphenols which show an anti-inflammatory effect.
However, more studies must be done to support this claim in humans. Therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment of gingivitis.
Can coconut oil help with liver cancer?
Yes, in-vitro studies show that consumption of coconut oil may have a positive impact on liver cancers; however, more studies are needed to ensure this.
Therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment of liver cancer and not consider the consumption of coconut oil as an alternative to modern medicine. (5).
Conclusion
The coconut palm is either utilized as a whole or in sections to produce milk, husk, or the widely used coconut oil. Coconut oil is prepared by pressing dried coconut meat (copra) or fresh coconut meat
Scientific studies have shown that coconut oil prevents damage to various hair types. Virgin coconut oil has anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral effects. Being a good source of polyphenols, it may help reduce inflammation and thus may have the potential to reduce gingivitis and plaque. It may help in managing atopic dermatitis.
Studies indicate that as much as consuming coconut oil may improve HDL it can also have a harmful effect by increasing low-density lipoprotein as a result excess consumption can be unhealthy and can increase the risk of stroke and cardiac diseases. This may be the only side effect of coconut oil.
I hope you get the value worth your time. I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment if you find this article helpful. Do you have any other questions regards this virgin coconut oil I didn’t touch here? Feel free to share with me in the comment below.
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