We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Some Health Benefits of Coconut Oil?

By C. Ausbrooks
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,076
Share

The health benefits of coconut oil are related to the length of its fatty chain acids. Coconut oil is made up of medium chain fatty acids, sometimes referred to as medium chain triglycerides. These fatty acids penetrate cell membranes more quickly than long chains, without the need for special enzymes.

Medium chain fatty acids are also sent directly to the liver, without circulating through the blood stream like other fats. Here, they are immediately converted to energy instead of being stored as body fat. This process results in many other health benefits of coconut oil, including increased metabolism and weight loss.

Other health benefits of coconut oil are related to its high concentration of lauric acid. This acid is transformed into monolaurin by the body. Monolaurin is an immune boosting anti-viral, antibacterial monoglyceride which the body uses to destroy viruses such as herpes, influenza and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is commonly used in the treatment of patients infected with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The many health benefits of coconut oil have recently been the subject of much research within the medical science community. In 2004, a study published in Clinical Biochemistry stated that coconut oil reduced cholesterol and triglycerides in laboratory animals.

Coconut oil can lower cholesterol as a direct result of its ability to stimulate the thyroid. When sufficient thyroid hormones are present in the body, cholesterol is converted by enzymes into steroids. These steroids include progesterone, deydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone. They are necessary to help prevent heart disease, obesity, cancer and many other degenerative diseases.

Other health benefits of coconut oil include skin and hair care. It is able to penetrate the hair shaft easily because of its low molecular weight. As a result, coconut oil can deep condition the hair and reduce protein loss.

Its antioxidant properties fight damaging free radicals in the skin. Free radicals are chemical particles that cause age spots, wrinkles and sagging of the skin as they chip away at cell walls. Coconut oil, when applied topically, reduces the production of these free radicals by penetrating the skin and creating a protective barrier against them.

Coconut oil is also used to promote healing. When applied to infections, the oil creates a chemical layer that protects from external irritants such as dust and bacteria. It is also known to expedite the repairing of damaged cells and tissues.

In order to experience all the health benefits of coconut oil, only products of the highest quality should be used. Refined, bleached and hydrogenated coconut oil will not produce beneficial effects. These chemical processes strip the oil of its naturally occurring nutrients and should be avoided.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Carol Flett — On Jan 13, 2011

My husband had dementia with cognitive skills of 11 out of 30. We found out about coconut oil and I gave him some. Within three hours his speech had improved and he could think clearly again. Two weeks later after daily coconut oil, he had another cognitive skills test. He was 24 out of 30. Anyone who had seen him the way he was (including the doctor) is totally amazed. He gets better every day.

By anon133584 — On Dec 11, 2010

My daughter has mono and I've been told that coconut oil may help boost her immune system and heal the healing process. She has been taking coconut oil capsules (4 in AM and 4 in PM) and it seems to be helping!

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-some-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.