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Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a "superfood." Its unique combination of fatty acids can have positive effects on your health. This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other impressive benefits.
Here are the top 10 evidence-based health benefits of coconut oil.

1. Coconut Oil Contains Fatty Acids With Potent Medicinal Properties

Coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fats that have different effects than most other fats in your diet. These fats can boost fat burning and provide your body and brain with quick energy. They also raise the good HDL cholesterol in your blood, which is linked to reduced heart disease risk.
Most fats in the diet are called long-chain triglycerides, but the fats in coconut oil are known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). What this means is that the fatty acids are shorter than most other fats (1Trusted Source).
When you eat these types of fats, they go straight to the liver, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into ketones. Ketones can have powerful benefits for the brain, and are being studied as treatment for epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other conditions.
SUMMARY: Coconut oil is high in fats called medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolized differently than most other fats. These special fats are responsible for a lot of the health benefits of coconut oil.

2. Populations That Eat a Lot of Coconut Oil Are Healthy

Coconut is an exotic food in the Western world, primarily consumed by health conscious people. However, in some parts of the world, coconut (loaded with coconut oil) is a dietary staple that people have thrived on for many generations. The best example of such a population is the Tokelauans, which live in the South Pacific. They used to eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts. When studied, they were found to be in excellent health, with very low rates of heart disease (2Trusted Source). Another example of a population that ate a lot of coconut and remained in excellent health is the Kitavans (3Trusted Source).
SUMMARY: Several populations around the world have thrived for multiple generations eating massive amounts of coconut.

3. Coconut Oil Can Increase Fat Burning

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world. While some people think obesity is only a matter of calories, others (myself included) believe that the sources of those calories are important too. It is a fact that different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. In this regard, a calorie is not a calorie. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase how many calories you burn compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats (4Trusted Source). One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totalling about 120 calories per day (5Trusted Source).
SUMMARY: The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to increase calories burned over 24 hours by as much as 5%. powered by Rubicon Project

4. Coconut Oil Can Kill Harmful Microorganisms

The 12-carbon lauric acid makes up about 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil. When lauric acid is digested, it also forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi (6Trusted Source). For example, these substances have been shown to help kill the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (a very dangerous pathogen) and the yeast Candida albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
SUMMARY: The fatty acids in coconut oil can kill harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. This could potentially help to prevent infections.

5. Coconut Oil Can Reduce Your Hunger, Helping You Eat Less

One interesting feature of the fatty acids in coconut oil is that they can reduce your hunger. This may be related to the way the fats are metabolized, because ketones can have an appetite reducing effect (9Trusted Source). In one study, varying amounts of medium and long chain triglycerides were fed to 6 healthy men. The men eating the most MCTs ate 256 fewer calories per day, on average (10Trusted Source). Another study in 14 healthy men discovered that those who ate the most MCTs at breakfast ate fewer calories at lunch (11Trusted Source). These studies were small and only done for short periods of time. If this effect were to persist over the long term, it could help lead to reduced body weight over a period of several years.
SUMMARY:The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may lead to reduced body weight over the long term.

6. The Fatty Acids in Coconuts May Reduce Seizures

A so-called ketogenic (very low carb, very high fat) diet is currently being studied to treat various disorders. The best known therapeutic application of this diet is treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children (12Trusted Source). This diet involves eating very few carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, leading to greatly increased concentrations of ketones in the blood. For some reason, the diet dramatically reduces the rate of seizures in epileptic children, even those who haven't had success with multiple different types of drugs. Because the fatty acids in coconut oil get shipped to the liver and turned into ketones, they are often used in epileptic patients to induce ketosis while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet (13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
SUMMARY: The MCTs in coconut oil can increase blood concentration of ketone bodies, which can help reduce seizures in epileptic children.

7. Coconut Oil Can Raise The Good HDL Cholesterol

Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats that increase the good HDL cholesterol in your body. They may also help turn the bad LDL cholesterol into a less harmful form. By increasing HDL, many experts believe that coconut oil could be good for heart health compared to many other fats. In one study in 40 women, coconut oil reduced total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL compared to soybean oil (15Trusted Source). Another study in 116 patients showed that a dietary program that included coconut oil raised levels of the good HDL cholesterol (16Trusted Source).
SUMMARY:A few studies have shown that coconut oil can raise blood levels of HDL cholesterol, which is linked to improved metabolic health and a lower risk of heart disease.

8. Coconut Oil Can Protect Your Skin, Hair and Dental Health

Coconut oil has many uses that have nothing to do with eating it. Many people are using it for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair. Studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil can improve the moisture content of the skin. It can also reduce symptoms of eczema (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source). Coconut oil can also be protective against hair damage and one study shows effectiveness as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun's ultraviolet rays (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source) Another application is using it like mouthwash in a process called oil pulling, which can kill some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, improve dental health and reduce bad breath (21, 22, 23).
SUMMARY: Coconut oil can also be applied topically, with studies showing it to be effective as a skin moisturizer and protecting against hair damage.

9. The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function in Alzheimer's Patients

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and occurs primarily in elderly individuals. In Alzheimer's patients, there appears to be a reduced ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain. Researchers have speculated that ketones can provide an alternative energy source for these malfunctioning brain cells and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's (24). In one 2006 study, consumption of medium chain triglycerides led to improvement in brain function in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer's (25Trusted Source). However, keep in mind that research is still early and there is no evidence to suggest that coconut oil itself helps with Alzheimer’s disease.
SUMMARY: Preliminary studies suggest that medium-chain triglycerides can increase blood levels of ketones, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients and relieving symptoms.

10. Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Fat, Especially The Harmful Abdominal Fat

Given that coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help you lose weight. Coconut oil appears to be especially effective at reducing belly fat, which lodges in the abdominal cavity and around organs (4Trusted Source). This is the most dangerous fat of all and is highly associated with many chronic Western diseases. Waist circumference is easily measured and is a great marker for the amount of fat in the abdominal cavity. In a study of 40 women with abdominal obesity, supplementing with 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day led to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference over a period of 12 weeks (15Trusted Source). Another study in 20 obese males noted a reduction in waist circumference of 1.1 inches (2.86 cm) after 4 weeks of 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day (26Trusted Source). Coconut oil is still high in calories so you shouldn’t add a ton of it to your diet. But replacing some of your other cooking fats with coconut oil could have a small weight loss benefit.

11. Anything Else?

If you want to buy coconut oil, then there is an excellent selection on Amazon with thousands of customer reviews that are fun to browse through. It is also available in most health food stores. In order to get the impressive health benefits outlined in the article, then make sure to choose organic, virgin coconut oil -- not the refined stuff. This is really just the tip of the iceberg. People are using coconut oil for all sorts of things with great results.

Jackfruit nutritional value (raw, 100g)

Calories 95
Total fat 0.64g
Saturated fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 2mg
Total carbohydrate 23.25g
Dietary fibre 1.5g
Sugar 19.08g
Protein 1.72g
Vitamin A 110IU
Vitamin C 13.7mg
Calcium 24mg
Potassium 448mg
Iron 0.23 mg

Jackfruit nutrition facts (ripe, 100g)

Calories 302kcal
Total fat 0.15g
Sodium 1.62mg
Carbohydrate 14.01g
Fibre 3.62g
Protein 2.74g
Vitamin C 6.73mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0.01mg
Calcium 35.03mg
Potassium 279mg
Phosphorous 23.02mg
Iron 0.36mg

When and how to introduce jackfruit to your baby

Almost all parents are cautious about what they feed their baby. And, when it comes to the jackfruit, it does not figure in the list of foods which parents would generally give their baby. The tough exterior and the fibrous flesh could probably be the reason. But, should babies be kept away from this nutritious fruit which boosts energy levels and promotes good health?
According to medical experts, babies should be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months after birth. Solids can be gradually introduced thereafter. However, as far as jackfruit is concerned, it is recommended to introduce it in a baby's diet only after the child is one year old. And, the flesh should be removed and cut into very small pieces or made into a purée to prevent choking.
While giving jackfruit, parents should remain alert and observe their baby for allergic reactions. Children allergic to birch pollen may be sensitive to jackfruit. Also, parents should be cautious about the quantity of jackfruit they feed their child. Feeding too much could cause diarrhoea.

Jackfruit benefits during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period when the mother-to-be requires good nutrition and care. While certain foods are recommended, some considered 'hot' or 'cold' become a part of taboo foods. So, should pregnant women make jackfruit a part of their diet?
Jackfruit is a storehouse of nutrients. In pregnant women, jackfruit helps regulate hormones, promotes foetal development, normalises blood pressure and boosts immunity. However, it could also cause stomach upsets, high blood sugar levels and allergies.

Jackfruit side effects

There are two sides to every coin, and this applies to consuming jackfruit as well. While eating the fruit confers numerous benefits, health concerns may also arise in some cases. Some side effects of eating jackfruit are:

Increase in coagulation in those suffering from blood disorders.
Allergic reaction in individuals suffering from birch pollen allergy.
Change in tolerance levels of glucose in those suffering from diabetes.
In individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, jackfruit seeds can have an immune-stimulatory effect.
Eating jackfruit at night can make an individual feel sick the next morning, as it takes time for the body to digest the fruit.
Overconsumption of jackfruit can cause a stomach upset.

Interesting facts about jackfruit

It is the national fruit of Bangladesh.
The word jackfruit originated from the Portuguese word 'jaca' which, in turn, is derived from the Malayalam word 'chakka'.
The jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit.
In a year, a single jackfruit tree can produce more than 200 fruits.
You can eat jackfruit either ripe as a fruit or raw as a vegetable.
Jackfruit tree wood is fungus and termite resistant. It is used in making jewellery, furniture, musical instruments, doors and windows.
The leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
Jackfruit root extract is used to cure fever and asthma. So, from roots to leaves, every part of this tree is useful.