Coconut Oil: Beneficial or Harmful?

Coconut oil, derived from mature coconuts, has gained popularity for its perceived health benefits. It contains various fatty acids, with lauric acid being predominant. Coconut oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an oil to treat many illnesses. However, there was a dearth of understanding about the use of coconut oil as an ingredient. Furthermore, the saturated fat level of coconut oil has been a source of controversy. Coconut oil’s impact on health has been a topic of dispute for many years. 1 

How is Coconut oil beneficial for you? 

1. Encourages Fat Burning: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat. Research done on humans suggests that MCTs may increase the number of calories burned by the body. However, consuming coconut oil alone may not have the same effect, and more studies are needed to confirm its fat-burning properties.

In this study, researchers looked at whether adding special fats called medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) to a very low-calorie diet could help people lose more weight. They studied 263 women who were overweight or obese. These women followed different diets for 45 days (about 1 and a half months): some only followed the diet, some took MCTs during the diet, and some started taking MCTs a few days before starting the diet. The results showed that adding MCTs helped people lose more weight, especially when they started taking MCTs before starting the diet. It also helped reduce inflammation in the body. So, adding MCTs to the diet might make it easier for people to lose weight. 2  

Note: Researchers discovered that taking MCTs, a type of saturated fat found in coconut oil, may help you burn more calories. However, it is still uncertain whether coconut oil has this impact. 

2. Quick Source of Energy: MCTs in coconut oil provide a rapid supply of energy as they are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and can be immediately used for fuel. This makes MCT oil derived from coconut a suitable option for athletes or those in need of quick energy. 3

3. Antimicrobial Effects: Due to its MCT content, particularly lauric acid, coconut oil exhibits antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that it may help combat various disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. 

The study explores the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on various bacterial isolates obtained from clinical samples and pure cultures. Conducted through agar well diffusion method, the research found coconut oil to exhibit notable antibacterial activity, with Streptococcus species displaying the highest susceptibility and Escherichia coli the lowest.  

The presence of lauric acid in coconut oil, known for its bactericidal properties, underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent. The study advocates for the promotion of coconut oil as a functional food and encourages its inclusion in diets for health benefits.  4 

4. Helps in Alzheimer’s disease: Coconut oil may help in Alzheimer’s disease. The study aimed to investigate if a diet enriched with coconut oil could improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Forty-four patients were split into two groups: one following a coconut oil-enriched Mediterranean diet for 21 days (about 3 weeks) and a control group. 

Also Read: Anti Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Plant Extract

Cognitive functions were assessed using the 7 Minute Screen test before and after the intervention. Results showed improvements in episodic, temporal orientation, and semantic memory, particularly in women with mild-moderate AD. Some improvements were also seen in men and those with severe AD.  

The study suggests that the diet may enhance cognitive functions in AD patients, with differences based on sex and disease severity. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these findings. 5 

5. Boosts Skin Health: Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer for all skin types, even dry skin. It’s as good as mineral oil but without any harmful side effects. Coconut oil prevents dryness and flakiness while delaying wrinkles and skin sagging as you age. It’s also effective against skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. That’s why it’s used in many body care products like soaps and lotions. 

Coconut oil has moisturizing properties that can improve skin hydration and barrier function. It may also alleviate symptoms of skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. 6 7 8 9 

6. Protects Your Hair: Applying coconut oil to hair can help strengthen strands and reduce breakage, making it a popular choice for hair care. Coconut oil is great for your hair! It helps it grow healthy and shiny by reducing protein loss, which can make hair look unhealthy. 

Many people in places like India use coconut oil daily after washing their hair. It works as a conditioner and helps damaged hair grow back healthier. Research shows it protects hair from damage and can even prevent dandruff and lice. 9 

7. Source of Antioxidants: Coconut oil contains antioxidants that can neutralize harmful free radicals, offering protection against chronic diseases and inflammation. 

 Coconut oil, commonly used in South Asian cooking, contains beneficial compounds. This study explored its potential to prevent complications from diabetes, like retinopathy and nephropathy. The research found that one of coconut oil’s main components, lauric acid, can inhibit enzymes involved in the polyol pathway, which contributes to diabetic complications.  

Also Read: 6 Incredible Benefits of Herbal Extracts

 Tests on animals and cells supported these findings, suggesting that coconut oil, especially lauric acid, could help reduce the risk of such complications in diabetes. 10 

8. Heart Health Considerations: While coconut oil has been touted for its potential benefits on heart health, evidence regarding its effects on cholesterol levels is conflicting.

A study looked at how coconut oil affects heart health. They reviewed many trials and found that coconut oil can raise “bad” cholesterol (LDL) more than other cooking oils. However, it also raised “good” cholesterol (HDL). Coconut oil didn’t affect other heart risk factors like blood sugar, inflammation, or body fat.  

So, while coconut oil can raise LDL cholesterol, it doesn’t seem to affect other heart health factors. This means people should consider this when choosing cooking oils. 11 

Misconceptions:  

In 2008, a study suggested that medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), found in coconut oil, might be beneficial for health. However, some misunderstood this to mean that coconut oil itself is healthy. The study used a special MCT oil, not coconut oil. Coconut oil contains only about 14% MCT, much less than the oil used in the study. To get the same benefits, one would need to consume large amounts of coconut oil, which isn’t healthy due to its high saturated fat content. Most studies supporting health benefits use MCT oil, not coconut oil. Additionally, studies supporting coconut oil are often small-scale or involve animals, making their findings less reliable. Overall, it’s better to focus on unsaturated fats for health benefits. 12  

Available as Coconut Oil Powder:  

Coconut oil powder is a flexible product made from coconut oil that provide ease and stability in a variety of applications. MCT oil, derivative of coconut oil, is especially popular among athletes and keto dieters because of its energy-boosting effects. MCT are also available in the market as MCT oil Powder for various applications. Coconut oil powder, however, serves as an emulsifier and thickens in cooking.   

These powder make it easy to incorporate the advantages of coconut oil into regular dishes without having to deal with the mess and hassle of liquid oil. Additionally, coconut oil powder have a long shelf life and are simple to utilize in a range of culinary preparations.  

Summary: 

While coconut oil can enhance flavor and diversify meals, it’s doubtful that research will categorize it as a superfood. Simply swapping one oil for another might have health benefits, but increasing overall oil intake won’t necessarily aid weight loss or enhance overall health. It’s crucial for individuals to consume oils and fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle is important to offset the calories consumed from oils and fats. 

We at NaturMed Scientific, can make you available with Coconut oil powder and MCT oil powder.  

Note: While the information provided is based on credible references, we do not make any specific claims or guarantees. It is important to consult with your healthcare advisor for personalized advice and guidance related to your health.