10 Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The benefits of coconut oil are vast, ranging from its use as an anti-ageing product to its medical applications. Coconut oil has a long shelf life and does not need to be refrigerated to stay fresh, making it the perfect natural food preservative and daily supplement. It’s also delicious and adds subtle flavour to meals when used in small amounts. The following are 10 surprising health benefits of coconut oil that you may not have known about before reading this article.

1) Helps with Weight Loss

In a study of 40 obese adults with diabetes, those who took two tablespoons of coconut oil a day lost significantly more weight after three months than participants who were given sunflower oil. This was because they ate fewer calories overall, due to reduced hunger. Other research suggests that when compared to other fats like vegetable oil, coconut oil has been shown to reduce levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing levels of good HDL cholesterol.

2) Boosts Metabolism

Fatty acids in coconut oil are made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs, go directly to your liver, where they are converted into energy rather than being stored as fat. This results in faster metabolism and higher energy levels.

3) Improves Brain Function

While only a few studies have been done on people, it appears that coconut oil has a positive effect on cognitive performance. According to one study, people who ate foods containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) performed better on cognitive tests than those who did not. Medium-chain triglycerides are prevalent in coconut oil. It’s best to look for organic, virgin varieties as they don’t contain any trans fats. A good daily intake is 1 to 2 tablespoons or an ounce daily.

4) Speeds Up Digestion

Aside from being a healthy alternative to butter and vegetable oils, coconut oil has natural digestive-boosting properties. According to a study published in 2005 in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, virgin coconut oil speeds up fat digestion in lab rats. And it doesn’t stop there: Researchers have also found that lauric acid (found naturally in coconut oil) helps increase the production of bile salts, which aids intestinal digestion.

5) Protects from Harmful Bacteria

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is converted into monolaurin in your body. Monolaurin is an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal compound that helps protect you from harmful bacteria such as H. pylori (linked to ulcers), Salmonella (linked to stomach issues) and Candida albicans (yeast infections). Coconut oil can also be used topically to treat skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch.

6) Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Coconut oil is a great source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier to digest than other types of fat. These MCTs, in turn, can be converted into ketones by our bodies and brains. A high intake of ketones leads to weight loss and reduced inflammation throughout our bodies.

7) Anti-Aging Properties

If you haven’t tried coconut oil yet, start now! As we age, our skin tends to become drier and more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. A study found that those who regularly used coconut oil on their skin had a measurable reduction in wrinkles over time. (1) This is likely because of its high antioxidant content as well as fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides which boost collagen production.

8) Promotes Healthy Teeth and Gums

Did you know that coconut oil can contribute to better dental health? When used in combination with regular brushing and flossing, coconut oil is effective at preventing cavities, plaque buildup, and gingivitis. The antibacterial properties of coconut oil help kill bad bacteria associated with these conditions while also promoting healthy teeth and gums.

9) Supports Bone Strength

Coconut oil supports bone strength. According to an animal study published in a 2009 issue of Phytotherapy Research, mice with osteoporosis who were given coconut oil every day for 10 weeks had higher bone mineral density than those fed olive oil or no fat at all. The study authors concluded that their findings demonstrate that dietary coconut oil is beneficial for improving both biomechanical and biochemical properties related to osteoporosis and ageing in laboratory animals.

10) Supports Thyroid Gland Function

We talk a lot about coconut oil boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss, but we often forget that it also has some effects on our thyroid gland. Coconut oil is thought to help maintain normal thyroid function, which may be beneficial for those with an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.