Cultures and countries across the world use and appreciate the coconut tree. Because of its nutritional and therapeutic values, it's referred to as "Kalpavriksha" (the all-giving tree) in India. As the name implies, the coconut palm is exceptionally versatile and used in many capacities. Everything from the coconut water to the leaves to the kernel hull supports human health.[1] Coconut oil, specifically, has become quite popular.
7 Facts About Coconut Oil
Let's look at a few facts about coconut oil that you might not know.
1. The Saturated Fat in Coconut Oil Isn't All Bad
Many people are confused when they see coconut oil at the grocery store, read the nutritional label, and notice the high saturated fat content. "What gives?" they think, "I thought this stuff was healthy?" Well, it is.
Unfortunately, the fat in coconut has been the subject of misinformation. Although we're told that saturated fat, across the board, is bad, the saturated fats in coconut oil are medium-chain fatty acids. They're different than saturated fat from animal sources and do not degrade within the body. In fact, the human body uses them directly as energy. Coconut oil consumption is even associated with normal lipid levels.[2, 3]
Coconut oil is better than other vegetable oils like sunflower or safflower oil. Those oils contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which aren't good for the cardiovascular system. Many nutritional experts recommend switching to coconut oil to avoid health risks.[4]
2. Coconut Oil Is Great for Hair
A staggering amount of shampoos, conditioners, and hair care products contain coconut oil.[5] The reason is quite simple. With its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, coconut oil can effectively penetrate the hair shaft to reduce protein loss, leaving it nourished and healthy.[6]
3. And, It's Great for Skin
Coconut oil can moisturize the skin.[7] In many cultures, it's used as a remedy for skin conditions.[8] The reason? Its chemical structure. The fatty acids are nourishing to the skin and even encourage wound healing.[9]
4. Useful Against Harmful Organisms
Perhaps one of the most amazing things about coconut oil is how potent it is against harmful organisms.
- A 2007 study found that a 25 percent concentration of coconut oil is effective against candida.[10]
- Randomized and controlled research in 2010 reported that a coconut oil and anise spray helped get rid of head lice.[11]
- Coconut oil can repel mosquitoes.[12]
- Coconut oil might be an effective repellant for the flea that spreads Tungiasis, also known as sand flea disease.[13]
5. Can Replace Milk in Ice Cream
Everyone loves ice cream, but not everyone is keen on the milk fat used to make it. What's the alternative? Bland, fat-free ice cream? Maybe not. It seems that virgin coconut oil may be an acceptable replacement for milk fat in ice cream. Those who have tried it claim that the ice cream has a pleasant coconut flavor and an excellent appearance, texture, and aroma.[14]
6. Massage Oil for Newborns
Did you know that giving massages to newborns has been found to improve thermoregulation and encourage healthy weight gain? A 2005 study evaluated the effect of coconut oil on the growth of newborns. Starting on the second day of their lives, an oil massage was given four times a day by a trained person until the baby was discharged. The mothers then continued until their baby was 31 days old. The results? Those babies experienced healthy weight gain and growth.[15]
7. Poison Remedy?
It might be premature to call coconut oil an antidote for poisoning, but a 2005 incident in Iran certainly suggests that it may have something to offer. Hospital officials there reported of a young man who had ingested a pesticide. Upon admittance to the hospital, he experienced severe indications of toxicity and given several counteractive substances, including charcoal, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, and coconut oil. The result? He survived, and the coconut oil was described as an important part of the protocol.[16]
Points to Remember
References (16)
- DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae): in health promotion and disease prevention. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 Mar;4(3):241-247.
- Amarasiri WA, Dissanayake AS. Coconut fats. Ceylon Med J. 2006 Jun;51(2):47-51.
- Feranil AB, et al. Coconut oil is associated with a beneficial lipid profile in pre-menopausal women in the Philippines. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2011;20(2):190-195.
- Sircar S, Kansra U. Choice of cooking oils--myths and realities. J Indian Med Assoc. 1998 Oct;96(10):304-307.
- Burnett CL, et al. Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. Int J Toxicol. 2011 May;30(3 Suppl):5S-16S.
- Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr;54(2):175-192.
- Verallo-Rowell VM, et al. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2008 Nov-Dec;19(6):308-315.
- Saikia AP, et al. Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by Assamese people for various skin ailments and cosmetics. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jun 30;106(2):149-157.
- Sachs M, et al. [Wound management with coconut oil in Indonesian folk medicine]. Chirurg. 2002 Apr;73(4):387-392.
- Ogbolu DO, et al. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. J Med Food. 2007 Jun;10(2):384-387.
- Burgess IF, et al. Clinical trial showing superiority of a coconut and anise spray over permethrin 0.43% lotion for head louse infestation, ISRCTN96469780. Eur J Pediatr. 2010 Jan;169(1):55-62.
- Das NG, et al. Evaluation of botanicals as repellents against mosquitoes. J Vector Borne Dis. 2003 Mar-Jun;40(1-2):49-53.
- Feldmeier H, et al. Tungiasis (sand flea disease): a parasitic disease with particular challenges for public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2013 Jan;32(1):19-26.
- Choo SY, et al. Physicochemical and sensory properties of ice-cream formulated with virgin coconut oil. Food Sci Technol Int. 2010 Dec;16(6):531-541.
- Sankaranarayanan K, et al. Oil massage in neonates: an open randomized controlled study of coconut versus mineral oil. Indian Pediatr. 2005 Sep;42(9):877-884.
- Shadnia S, et al. Successful treatment of acute aluminum phosphide poisoning: possible benefit of coconut oil. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2005 Apr;24(4):215-218.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
