Coconut oil health benefits are many. For some people, accustomed to hearing how bad saturated fats are, that can come as a surprise. Yet coconut oil has a lot to offer the health conscious person despite - or perhaps because of - being a saturated fat. Coconut oil can assist the immune system, the thyroid, the skin, hair, and even the heart.

Coconut Oil - What Makes It So Special

Unlike many saturated (and unsaturated) fats, coconut oil is predominantly made of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). The molecules in fats can be classified as being either medium, short or long chain triglycerides. Most fats, including vegetable oils we are familiar with (including olive oil), are actually long chain fatty acids. Long chain fatty acids take longer to be digested than do medium and short chain fatty acids. They have to be first broken down by enzymes and only then are they absorbed through the intestinal wall. Then they're "packaged into lipoproteins and released into the bloodstream ... As they circulate in the bloodstream they supply the fat that collects in fat cells and the fat that collects in artery walls." (B Fife interview coconut-connections.com)

Medium chain triglycerides are, on the other hand, digested very easily. Early on in the digestion process, they are broken down into free fatty acids, without needing the assistance of pancreatic enzymes. This is one of the features that make them so beneficial for people with poor digestion and malabsorption problems, and is why they are used in hospital formulas. They then diffuse into hepatic portal vein and go straight to the liver. The liver doesn't store them, it releases them to be used as energy.

"they bypass the lipoprotein stage, and they don't circulate in the bloodstream to the degree that other fats do. Consequently, they do not supply the fat that collects in fat cells or the fat that collects in artery walls. They produce energy not body fat and not arterial plaque." (B Fife interview coconut-connections.com)

Coconut Oil & Health - Lauric Acid

Lauric acid is the main constituent in coconut oil, comprising about 47%. It is one of the main fats in breast milk, and coconuts are one of the few dietary sources we have of lauric acid. Lauric acid is metabolized into monolaurin in the small intestines. Monolaurin is able to inactivate fungi like candida, bacteria like Listeria, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus, and viruses like herpes, influenza, measles, cytomegalovirus, and even AIDS. Not only has science produced results that validate these properties according to Dr. Stephen Byrne and others, but there is much anecdotal evidence from people who have used coconut oil for such conditions and found it to be of benefit. Lauric acid is also effective against acne.

Lauric acid is not the only biologically active constituent responsible for coconut oil health benefits. It also contains Caprylic acid (8%), which is an anti-microbial and anti-fungal that has been used as a candida remedy for many years. And capric acid (7%), which is also effective against chlamydia, herpes simplex 2, and HIV-1.

Coconut oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect, and virgin coconut oil has antioxidant compounds (Phenols).

Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Coconut Oil & Health - Cholesterol

Studies on people with high cholesterol show that using unrefined coconut oil improved their HDL to LDL ratio. It increased the amount of HDL, whilst reducing the LDL, and in general in these groups, lowering total cholesterol. In those people with low cholesterol, their total cholesterol levels increased slightly, and in particular, their HDL levels increased. The increase still left them in the 'ideal' range below 180. (Mary G. Enig)

HDL cholesterol is considered the 'good' cholesterol, and LDL the 'bad'. In people with high cholesterol, their HDL to LDL ratio is often poor.

Coconut Oil & Health - Weight Loss

Many people have reported losing weight after incorporating coconut oil in their diet. Coconut oil generally makes you feel fuller, reduces your cravings for carbs and sweets, and increases energy levels. I can certainly testify to all of that. I had a terrible sweet tooth, and my cravings have nearly gone.

The results of a number of studies are summarized below:

• Medium-chain triglycerides, which coconut oil is mostly composed of, "suppress fat deposition through enhanced thermogenesis and fat oxidation in animal and human subjects." (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19931617) Thermogenesis from the diet is defined as: "a portion of dietary calories in excess of those required for immediate energy requirements are converted to heat rather than stored as fat." (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/thermogenesis)

Thus, coconut oil facilitates the use of heat production to burn excess calories rather than store them as fat. A problem with thermogenesis has been identified as being a possible contributing factor in people who are overweight, so a product like coconut oil that increases thermogenesis could be beneficial.

• A study on women who had abdominal obesity showed that supplementing the diet with coconut oil "does not cause dyslipidemia and seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity." (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19437058) Dyslipidemia is where you either have too much lipids or lipoproteins in the blood, or not enough. Usually, in Western societies, it's a case of too much. It's a fancy way of saying coconut oil id not cause abnormal cholesterol levels, or other abnormal blood lipid problems.

• A human study quoted at coconutdiet.com looked at the effect on metabolism of meals that contained medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), and long-chain triglycerides (LCT). The metabolic rate of participants was measured before a 400 calorie meal, and 6 hours afterwards. "The results showed that the MCT-containing meals caused an average 12 percent increase in basal metabolic rate as compared with a 4 percent increase with the LCT-containing meal. The authors concluded that replacing dietary fats with MCTs could "over long periods of time produce weight loss even in the absence of reduced [caloric] intake."" (coconutdiet.com/weight_loss.htm)

It's important to mention that not everyone who has used coconut oil has lost weight, with some needing to eliminate all polyunsaturated fat from their diet. Some have even put on weight, though not much. Coconut oil appears to increase muscle mass whilst reducing body fat in some people. So, some have said they have put on a few pounds but their clothes started to fit better. (coconutdiet.com/weight_loss.htm)

"Here is what one weight lifter, known as MG in the Coconut Diet Forums, reports:

Last year I was measured at 10.5% body fat. Last month, I hiked up my consumption [of Virgin Coconut Oil] from 4 tbsp /day to 6 tbsp/day. At the same time, I limited my carb intake at dinnertime. In a few weeks time, my bodyweight increased by about 4lbs. but body fat decreased to 9.6% - I did not change my workout intensity or frequency. My trainer is wondering what the heck am I taking (chest and thigh measurements increased). It blows 'em away when I say that I take Virgin Coconut Oil straight up. MG" (coconutdiet.com/weight_loss.htm)

Dose may be important, and other compounding factors, in people who were overweight who did not lose weight taking coconut oil. But it has certainly helped many people, and shown results in studies.

Coconut Oil & Health - Improved Thyroid Function

Many of the positive effects of coconut oil on weight loss come about due to its beneficial effect on the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is intimately involved in metabolism, energy, and temperature regulation, amongst other things.

There are some in the medical profession who dispute a link between the thyroid gland and coconut oil. There was a discussion on about.com dismissing it, and also a rebuttal of that doctor's position by Bruce Fife, who has done extensive research into coconut oil.

In a nutshell, Bruce writes:

"As I stated previously, coconut oil by itself is not a thyroid cure. But when used as part of a thyroid-enhancing program is can be invaluable in improving some forms of hypothyroidism and even bring about complete recovery."

You can read more about coconut oil and the thyroid gland here. It contains testimonials from many people who have found it has helped their thyroid condition. Dr. Ken Woliner, in the article referenced above, is disparaging of testimonials from a medical point of view, citing them as 'unreliable'. However, much of herbal and traditional medicine developed from feedback by people using things and reporting their effects, rather than scientific studies. And these testimonials were unsolicited, provided by people in a forum. I personally find them powerful, though it is up to the individual the position they take on the matter. Certainly, if you have a problem with your thyroid and are interested in natural ways to support thyroid function, then coconut oil may well be worth trying. Ultimately though, each individual has to see or feel where they sit on the spectrum of thought surrounding coconut oil, health, and the thyroid.

Coconut Oil & Health - Skin

Coconut oil and its derivatives have demonstrated a positive effect in scientific studies against acne bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis. It has traditionally been used as a beauty aid and moisturizer, and people taking it in their diet have described how their skin becomes very soft.

Coconut oil has also been used topically for ringworm, athlete's foot, and plantar warts. People have reported wounds and burns healing much faster after applying it topically. An important note regarding burns - never apply any fats to the burn whilst there is still heat in the skin. Fats hold temperature very well, and if you apply any fat, including coconut oil, to a fresh burn it will make it worse. It can only be used after the burn has cooled completely.

I've found it's great for cat scratches, helping them heal much faster, and making them nearly painless even when touched after a couple of hours.

Coconut Oil & Health - Diabetes

Many people have reported that taking coconut oil has helped them with their diabetes. It helps some people by having a direct effect on blood sugar levels, with others it helps reduce the cravings that can raise blood sugar. According to the coconutresearchcenter.org, it helps improve insulin secretion, and use of blood sugar.

In a study on the effect of different diets on rats, it was found that coconut oil reversed the toxic and diabetogenic effect of alloxan, which was a consequence of the low fat diet given to the rats. And in high fat diets of olive oil and butter that caused similar toxic effects of alloxan, those fed a high fat coconut oil duet did not suffer from those effects at all.

Bruce Fife also writes:

"As mentioned earlier in this chapter, coconut oil puts less of a demand on the enzyme production of the pancreas. This lessens the stress on the pancreas during mealtime when insulin is produced most heavily, thus allowing the organ to function more efficiently. Coconut Oil also helps supply energy to cells because it is easily absorbed without the need of enzymes or insulin. It has been shown to improve insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.15,16 Coconut oil in the diet enhances insulin action and improves binding affinity compared to other oils.17,18 The Journal of the Indian Medical Association has reported that Type II diabetes in India has increased as the people have abandoned traditional oils, like coconut oil, in favor of polyunsaturated vegetable oils which have been promoted as "heart-friendly." The authors comment on the link between polyunsaturated oils and diabetes and recommend increasing coconut oil consumption as a means to prevent diabetes.19" (coconut-connections.com/diabetes.htm)

Coconut Oil & Health - Alzheimers

Dr Mary Newport used coconut oil for her husband, Steve, who has alzheimer's, with very positive results. You can read her account here. They also now have a website here. There are also some testimonials from people who have tried this for their loved ones with alzheimers here.

Coconut Oil & Health - Dental & Bone Health

Coconut oil's antibacterial effect helps maintain dental health. It also increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium, which is good for both strong teeth and bones.

There are reports of many other health benefits associated with taking coconut oil daily, including improvements in chronic fatigue, crohns, irritable bowel, even eliminating tapeworms and other parasites. I have not seen any studies done with these yet, but certainly, there is anecdotal evidence. There are many more success stories of people who have used it for a wide variety of ailments, and to improve health, here.

Typically, people take 3 tablespoons of coconut oil a day, 1 with every meal. Some people take more, some less. The recommended oil is virgin, unrefined coconut oil - it is naturally trans fat free, and has been used in many of the studies showing a benefit in taking coconut oil. You can add coconut oil to smoothies, use it in cooking, salads, or even freeze or refrigerate it and take it straight in the mouth.

Check out a good quality, virgin, organic coconut oil here. It's made from the first pressing!