Is Coconut Oil the Fountain of Youth?
If you think coconuts are just for macaroons and piña coladas, you're missing out on the health benefits of this miraculous natural food. Learn more!
For most North Americans, coconut is a fun flavor, enjoyed shredded, sweetened, and made into cookies or candy, or perhaps whipped up in a piña colada.
For much of the rest of the world, though, coconuts are more than just an occasional addition to a tasty confection; they are a staple of nutrition and traditional medicine. Coconut oil, especially, is used to promote health and treat an amazing variety of ailments.
Coconut Oil – Healthy Fat?
Until recently, coconut oil was out of favor because of its high saturated fat content. Saturated fats are often implicated for contributing to heart disease and high cholesterol. Paradoxically, though, nutritionists now know that coconut oil is possibly the most healthy oil in existence, surpassing even olive oil. As scientists learn more about the composition of various fats, and their effect on health, they discovered that the length of the fat chains that make up coconut oil allow them to be more readily used for energy than some other fats, so they don’t hang around clogging up the bloodstream, or settling in around vital organs. In fact, coconut oil may even help to clear other, less healthy fats, away.
Beyond just that, though, coconut oil contains three compounds — lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid — that make it useful as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and moisturizer. Here’s a look at just a few of the health benefits attributed to coconut oil:
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Skin and hair care: Coconut oil is an exceptional moisturizer for both skin and hair. It can help to fight dandruff, whether caused by a dry scalp or a more serious condition, and breathe new life into dry, brittle hair. It has been shown to heal flaking, cracked skin, forestall wrinkles, and help in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic conditions, and to speed up the recovery of bruises. It also makes a great natural alternative to commercial hair conditioners or skin lotions.
Immune support: The lauric acid in coconut oil is converted by the body into monolaurin, which is key to a strong immune system. As a result, coconut oil can help the body fight off a variety of viruses and infections, such as cold, the flu, and even harmful parasites such as giardia lamblia. It can also be used topically to heal skin abrasions and fight fungal infections. It kills harmful bacteria and fungi without damaging tissues, and also moisturizes wounds to prevent them from drying out.
Cardiovascular health: The lauric acid in coconut oil can help to prevent or lessen issues such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It can also contribute to greater elasticity in the veins and arteries, for a more healthy circulatory system
Healthy organ function: Coconut oil supports the function of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and gall bladder, ensuring that everything operates smoothly, and preventing disease in these important organs.
Digestion: The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil fight off bad bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can take up residence in the digestive tract, helping to promote healthier digestion. This can prevent issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, and also allow the body to more efficiently absorb the nutrients in food.
Blood sugar: Coconut oil improves the secretion of insulin, which helps the body to regulate blood sugar, and also enables the body to more efficiently use glucose for energy. This makes it helpful in preventing and treating diabetes.
Bones and teeth: Coconut oil can improve the body’s ability to absorb minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which contribute to strong bones and teeth.
Weight loss: The fatty acids in coconut oil are easy to digest, and are used up quickly by the body, in the form of energy. In addition, healthy dietary fats speed up the body’s metabolism, allowing it to burn more calories, while at the same time contributing to a sense of feeling full, which can prevent overeating.
Can coconut oil help your pet’s skin issues?
Jaime McLeod
Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.
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Jaime McLeod#molongui-disabled-link
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Jaime McLeod#molongui-disabled-link
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Jaime McLeod#molongui-disabled-link
I drink a shot glass full of Virgin Coconut Oil everyday in the morning before coffee. It takes a few weeks to start feeling the benefits but I DEFINATELY know I rarely get sick, I am leaner, I have heaps more energy and my overall feeling of good clean health is high.
When i stop taking it I realize the difference. My gut feels heavier and more sluggish, my moods are less stable… I always know when I need to get back on coconut oil again.
For me the best example is in Bali, the balinese people use coconut oil to get chewing gum out of a little kids hair. That is exactly what happens in your intestine tract when coconut oil passes through… It releases all of the toxins that are enjoying themselves (at your expense) throughout your entire digestive tract. Toxins create illness and slow us down sucking all our energy. Coconut oil helps free them from your intestines and send them to where they should be… in the toilet bowl.
Im not selling anything… Im just amazed at what great things a few tabelspoons of pure virgin coconut oil do for me.
The only way I can eat coconut oil is to make cake icing out of it for baking. Powdered sugar, milk and vanilla,and butter. All organic. Store bought icing it not good for you at all!
I am interested in using the coconut oil, but I don’t like doing the popcorn in it. Also, I tried cooking the eggs in it and they stuck to the pan so I went back to using the butter for that. I have so many allergies to many chemicals and fragrances (like lavender and the whole lily family). I can’t use bleach or ammonia products, which rules out most shampoo and conditioners… How would I be able to use the coconut oil for these things? Can you give me some recipes that I can use? I would be very greatful for them. 🙂
I have been having multiple skin and scalp issues lately, so after reading all the comments here, today I decided to create my own skin & scalp balm. Mixed about 1/4 cup of coconut oil with several drops each of Lavender, Copaiba, Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oils — known to support healthy skin, scalp & hair — and rubbed it all over my trouble spots. Used a mini funnel to fill a small plastic bottle with a flip top so I can grab it and go during the week. Hoping this custom blend does the trick!
Where do we find answers to all the great questions being asked
I have been using coconut oil for 6 -8 month both internal and external but see NO DIFFERENCE in either skin or other , yes I use the good kind , what am I doing wrong ?
IMPORTANT!
I’m reading a lot of comments that raise concern about where they’re buying their coconut oil and the type.
It’s imperative that you buy ONLY 100% ORGANIC, UNREFINED coconut oil.
Many brands claim to be organic. Many of those are processed. Even putting processed oil on your skin is unhealthy because as we know what we put on our skin goes into our bloodstream, which in turn goes into our organs, etc. So ALWAYS look for organic AND unrefined oil. It’s the healthiest for consuming and topical use.
I have skin issues; I have Rosacea. I read that Coconut oil helps with other skin issues such as Psoriasis and Eczema. Will it hopefully also help with Rosacea?
I Coconut oil is the best for so many things !!! I use it all the time and its great for your pets too. Love all the many ways you can use it. I will never stop using it. !!!
How do you take it for weight loss and how do you use it in cooking…It has a very distinctive taste?
How do you take it for diabetic and to lose weight.
Adlis has it for a good price
I have organic coconut oil I was told I could use it yo loose weight how much to I ingest like a teaspoon every day ? An answer would be appericated
I make an excellent Coconut Body Polish, comes in luscious lavender and just a hint of rose, ALL NATURAL ingredients, so wholesome for all over the body conditioning. Come to my shop ScentofZen/Etsy.com
Great stuff. I use it on hands, body, feet, cuticles, etc. I also mix it into my dog’s food for dry skin. Get organic stuff. Lots of brands available on Amazon at good prices. It is available in capsules from Puritan’s Pride for taking it internally. Their price is good.
I transfer my solid coconut oil to a jar and use a “stick mixer” and whip it, doing that to the solid oil lets it stay soft and more useable for using topically.
I melt two tablespoons of coconut oil and put it in my morning smoothie. Went down one pants size since starting that. I also use q tip and rub it up in my nose no more sinuous affections. I pray it on cuts and they heal quicker. Bruises disappear faster. I fry my husband fish in small amount of coconut oil he loves it. I can small jars in both bathroom a jar on my nightstand and one on table unloving room. I use it for many things.
i am very interested in use of coconut oil. I would like to know more about how to use it.
Since this is so good for humans and skin problems, is it also good to put it on dogs coats for instance if they have dry skin or dandruff. I know you can give it to dogs, but my dog isn’t crazy about eating it, so I was wondering if I could just put it on her coat for the dry skin?
How do you ingest it?
I have been using it for about five months, it has done wonders for my face/neck areas and I use it on top of my hands and have noticed a difference. I have used it in my mouth to help fight tooth decay, BUT I have not done it seven days in a row, so I will try that. I love it! Will not use anything else on my face and neck. I have noticed that since I bought mine, the shelves seem to remain empty of it I guess as people are discovering its benefits!!
I read an article that if you use a tablespoon and keep it in your mouth for 20 minutes then spit it out rinse and do this for 7 days it actually kills tooth decay. I have bought some to try it I found it at Aldi’s Grocery store. Worth a try!
I use coconut oil every night to remove my eye make up. It’s better than any make up remover I’ve ever tried, and my eyelashes are thicker and softer than ever!
How do we store it?
Best to have some in the bathroom and some in the kitchen!
i keep a jar of the solid in the bathroom. This is easy to scoop into you hand and warm a bit until it liquified to go on your body. If you leave some water on your skin from your bath or shower it will actually smooth over your skin nicely and then just pat yourself dry. Experiment to see how your skin responds. It’s a low sun protectant too and I have much better skin tone! I think the mosquitoes don’t like it either , especially with a bit of lavender oil. While my hair is still damp I rub a tiny amount on the ends. Tames it and keeps it shiny. Do not use on dry hair or use too much, it will look oily! Although it will be healthy! Same jar I can scoop a teaspoon out to use for pulling in my mouth. You should spit that out though.
In the kitchen I mostly keep a bottle of liquid for easy cooking, but also have a solid spread.
If you have any that has spoiled I have used it outside on my garden tools, gate hinges etc. it can’t hurt anything outside and is better than oil!
Any health food store will have both and some grocery stores. Just research the brand, but most are good!
I add 1/2 tsp turmeric paste to my coffee every morning and I also take fish oil capsules. Fish oil absorption is better when taken with some fat and turmeric is fat-soluble so you need to use some kind of fat to get the benefits from it, so I also add 1 tsp coconut oil to my coffee daily to aid absorption. I don’t know much about the health benefits of the coconut oil, but I do know it doesn’t have any taste and not a terribly “oily” consistency in the coffee. If it has benefits in addition to the turmeric and fish oil, then I’m truly “golden”…. 😀
I found Coconut oil Organic by Crisco at WalMart this past week. I love it as a moisturizer.
Been using it about a year, mostly internal. I blend it in my coffee each morning, using my blender abt 1 Tbsp. Makes a nice froth on top, cafe style. I love to sear chicken with it, or any sauteed meat or veggie. Docs are happy Ive handled a lot of chemo and some radiation without typical side effects. BTW extra-virgin and organic are usually both on the label and are the same thing if you reseach how its made. I also mix with baking soda and brush with it couple times a week for healthy gums and whiter teeth. I swear blending it in my coffee ea day keeps me regular. Also give my dogs a tsp daily, great for coats, dryness and their breath. Great on my lips.
How much to take and you take it straight from the mat ????
need info on how much to take. , and how to take it, right from the jar , I have some but never used it, please help , thanks
It is found in large containers for cooking and whatever at Sam’s and Costco. It is solid until you warm it a little and then it is liquid and can be used on your face or for cooking. Make popcorn with it, use it instead of butter or other fat in baking, hand cream , body lotion, and many other uses right out of the jar.
Been using it for almost three years. Cook with it. Make toothpaste deodorant skin care hair care has cleared up eczema and other skin issues. Give it a try you will like it.
Coconut oil is know to benefit people with cognitive issues like Alzheimer. 2 or more tablespoons a day.
i have dry skin is there and I am starting to show wrinkles. Also have stomach problems as to some things tears up my stomach. What kind should I buy for beauty and what kind for cooking and what kind of pills do I buy and where do I find these products. Is there a web site that will teach me how to use this .
For most of my life I have avoided anything with coconut oil in it………it was said to be especially bad for you! I have been using it for about 6 months and find my cats love it. One rescue cat who looked terrible now has a beautiful coat and he cries for me to give him some every morning. One person who wrote in said if you have kidney problems you might not should use it. Why? What would it do to kidneys? I use it for many reasons….in place of lotion for one. I also saw where once a day we should put half a tablespoon in our mouths and swish it around for 10-15 minutes…………..that it would benefit our gums and the dentist would notice the next time we see him. I thought that much would gag me but it melted immediately and has little if any taste. I’ll let you know if my dentist says anything when I see him in four months.
‘Pulling’ coconut oil , swishing in your mouth, has been used throughout the world for hundreds of years, we are finally catching up. I love doing it and it is said to grab all the bacteria , just be sure to spit it out and I love the flavor left in my mouth afterwards.
I have had recurring shingles (herpes) on my lower hip for the last 30+ years. Now, soon to enter my senior years, the frequency and intensity of the outbreaks was increasing. I began using coconut oil on the area several weeks ago. I am amazed to find the intensity and duration of the outbreaks have been GREATLY reduced. The scarring caused by years of blistering have also diminished.
Coconut oil is now my only face and body lotion. I now add a few drops of lavender essential oil to my container of body oil.
Pleased to find ALDI’S carries organic cold pressed coconut oil in their baking supplies isle.
I’ve been using it first and foremost except for tumeric… for everything! Donated a kidney and yes~ docs were shocked at my labs. All good, excellent actuslly. As a naturopath i recommend as pure an fresh as possible and if purchasing, stay away from contaminating plastic containers. If you have kidney disease however, seek advise from a professional familiar with medicinal use of coconut oil.
I am a liver transplant patient and immunosuppressed. I was just wondering if it would be contradictory to boost my immune system.
I love using coconut oil on my skin and hair, makes it so soft. I take at least three tablespoons a day, very good in my coffee in the morning, also good to cook with.
Walgreen’s sells organic coconut oil, their brand and another.I love the oil for my skin and hair and have had no allergic reactions. I take coconut oil capsules which help my digestive system.
How much would you suggest taking orally for health on a daily basis? I have used this on my hair for a conditioner occasionally, and it is great. But would like to know what is a good amount to ingest for both my husband and myself. We both have stomach issues. He has ulcerative colitis and I have a lot of bloating and abdominal pain all the time… Suggestions?
Does coconut oil taste like coconut?
Isn’t there different types of coconut oil. Some for cooking, then another type for use as beauty treatments!
Warning: don’t discard left-over coconut oil into sink drains… unless your pipes rest in 80 degrees F or warmer, year round. Coconut oil can clog drains! You might have to slowly pour boiling hot water down a drain until it flushes the oil (but then doing so could send the oil further into a difficult-to-reach pipe!); you just might have to call a plumber!
Living in Washington state over 50 years, coconut oil is a relativley new product in my home (for the last year or so). Consider how it is a staple of life in most tropical regions, and how healthy peoples from such regions tend to be, compared to the ill health issues commonplace in the USA. I threw out the first couple of jars of coconut oil which I experimented with, for my lack of knowing how to utilize it. Finally I became determined to incorporate coconut oil into our regular diet after a nutritionist showed me a photo of my protein-poor blood cells. She told me to fry two eggs in coconut oil for breakfast each morning. Good hints: try Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, unrefined, 100%, Non-GMO Coconut Oil. Such is becoming easier to find in the health-food sections of grocery stores, supplement/athletic-food stores, and co-ops. In fact, we buy ours by the gallon at Costco warehouse stores. Keep stored at standard room temperature (it softens easily in warm weather, liquifies in hot weather, and hardens in cool storage). One might want to “season” a pan with coconut oil for best cooking performance. To fry: heat enough oil in pan to throughly coat surface (just enough for an egg to swim in). Use medium low heat, and put an apron on (coconut oil splashes are very difficult to remove from garments). As soon as oil is transparent, drop egg in. Be patient, since lower heat takes longer to cook an egg. Gently flip egg after egg-white loses transparancy. Allow bottom to set, then remove egg to plate. After eating eggs from this oil for a couple months, I did a taste test against eggs cooked in unsalted butter (like I used to do). The butter-cooked eggs had a definite BOVINE note, and I WON’T go back to frying with butter! Oddly, frying in coconut oil works better when it is in its second-or-more-day of use in the same pan (fresh oil in a clean pan doesn’t perform as well, making eggs stick!; so if it’s new oil in a clean pan, make sure you keep the heat at medium-low setting). ALSO: leftover meats (especially slices of prime rib, or steak strips) taste fabulous when reheated in a thin film of medium-heat coconut oil. One can STIR FRY as usual with coconut oil (we really like stir-frying in this oil). TOPICAL USE: scoop extra coconut oil into separate, clean container. My husband started applying coconut oil on his lower shins daily, to soften dry patchy skin. He used to think the irritation came from wearing socks, but it is actually a symptom of an ailment. An added bonus to massaging his shins with coconut oil each day was seeing his varicose veins diminish within a couple or so weeks! He decided to massage his scalp & hair with a thin coat of coconut oil most days, and it makes his hair glossy and tamed. I like to rub some into my hair a half hour before shampooing once in a while, for deep conditioning (especially since the last hair dye job made my hair feel coarse). And yes, coconut oil works wonders as a healthy substitute for k-y type gel (ladies with menopause and/or recovering from female surgery can appreciate this!). I recommend reading the “Coconut Research Center” website for much more good reading.
I buy coconut oil from a health store. Am I suppose to use it out of the jar for my hair, skin and cooking?
Lois, Yes. Though you may want to get separate jars for culinary use and cosmetic use, unless you are very careful.
I HAVE CROHN’S DISEASE, WOULD IT BENEFIT ME TO USE IT? sOME THINGS ARE HARMFUL WITH CROHNS.
Teresa, I can’t guarantee that it would help, but I don’t believe it would hurt. Some people with Crohn’s disease swear by coconut oil.
I’ve been using extra virgin coconut oil topically, orally, and in cooking for about 5 months now. I love what it has done for my skin and hair. Also really enjoy it in place of butter on my toast. One of my favorite breakfasts now is steel cut oatmeal with coconut oil, honey, dates, and either walnuts or almonds. YUM
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Sounds like it’s definately worth a try. I know that a few years ago that it was no longer concidered a dietary taboo, and it’s healthy, beneficial qualities were recognized. I’ll be adding it to mine and my familys’ diets!