Coconut oil, a rich source of saturated fat, has been praised as one of the healthiest oils you can consume. This is mainly due to its unique composition, being primarily made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) instead of long-chain triglycerides like most saturated fats. These MCTs are absorbed and metabolized by the body differently, which has been linked to numerous health benefits.
Reducing waist circumference
Excess belly fat increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Research has shown that the use of coconut oil can help reduce waist circumference in men, therefore lowering their risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Reducing prostate size
Coconut oil may also be helpful in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. In a study, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and saw palmetto lipid extract all significantly reduced the increase in prostate gland weight.
Boosting testosterone levels
A study examining rats showed that use of coconut oil was associated with the least amount of oxidative stress. The highest testicular levels of antioxidants were seen in the animals given coconut oil or olive oil, and coconut oil was linked to significantly higher levels of testosterone.
Reducing hunger
MCTs in coconut oil have been found to reduce hunger. When ingested, the MCTs go from the digestive tract straight to the liver, where they are used for energy or transformed into ketone bodies, which have an appetite-suppressing effect.
Managing Alzheimer’s disease
A study with individuals who had Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment showed that those in the coconut oil group with less severe cognitive problems had measurable improvement in cognitive abilities.
Healing wounds
Applying coconut oil to wounds can accelerate the healing process by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes, stimulating collagen’s ability to repair tissue, and accelerating re-epithelialization (the growth of epithelial cells over damaged skin).
Improving cholesterol levels
Use of coconut oil can improve cholesterol levels, specifically the ratio of bad-to-good cholesterol. A clinical trial showed that supplementation with coconut oil did not cause abnormal levels of lipids and/or fats and seemed to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.
Improving bone health
Coconut oil could help promote bone health and prevent damage associated with osteoporosis. In an animal study, those treated with coconut oil showed improvements in factors linked to better bone health.
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
Coconut oil has demonstrated not only the ability to reduce inflammation but also relieve pain and reduce fever.
Fighting ulcers
Compared with the drug sucralfate, coconut milk (which contains coconut oil components) can be as effective in managing ulcers.
Treating fungal infections
Virgin coconut oil has been proven to be effective against Candidiasis, one of the most common fungal infections.
Protecting skin against sunburn
Coconut oil has a sun protective factor (SPF) of 8. Although this is lower than the minimum recommended SPF, choosing a sunscreen that contains coconut oil can be a wise choice, as it also helps hydrate the skin and keep it soft.
