Coconut oil is prized for its beauty, skin and hair benefits, and it is also believed to have anti-aging properties. It contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that have antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Proponents say it helps reduce body weight and ward off heart disease. But medical experts say more research is needed to support these claims.

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Weight Loss

Coconut oil is a favorite of followers of the Whole30, paleo and keto diets. Although nutrition experts warn against its high saturated fat content — it has about 117 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon — the oil has been shown to reduce belly fat in some studies.

The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil boost energy levels and kickstart a sluggish metabolism, helping you burn more fat throughout the day. Studies also show that coconut oil can suppress appetite and increase satiety.

Adding coconut oil to your diet may also help you cut back on sugar and grains. This can reduce the growth of candida albicans and yeast, which are common causes of thrush and yeast infections. The MCTs in coconut oil can kill candida and create a hostile environment for bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Anti-Inflammatory

Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Its saturated fats increase healthy HDL cholesterol in the blood and convert LDL cholesterol into healthier HDL, reducing the risk of heart disease and other health problems like gallstones, senile dementia and infertility.

The MCFAs in coconut oil are also highly effective at fighting off infections. Lauric acid, which makes up 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil, is converted in the human body to monolaurin, a powerful antiviral and antibacterial compound. Likewise, capric acid has antifungal properties and can destroy fungi like Candida.

The fatty acids in coconut oil can also power brain cells without the need for insulin, making them an excellent energy source for the nervous system. This is especially helpful for people suffering from cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's, because as their brain loses the ability to create insulin, ketones from the fatty acids in coconut oil can provide an alternate source of energy.

Anti-Microbial

The medium-chain fatty acids that comprise coconut oil have powerful antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid, which is the main fatty acid in coconut oil, is converted to monolaurin in the body and has been shown to destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other pathogens. It even kills off Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium that causes inflammatory acne.

Interestingly, unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, MCFAs do not harm beneficial bacteria. In fact, studies show that the antimicrobial effects of MCFAs do not negatively impact gut microbes and instead support a shift towards more desirable species of bacteria. Monolaurin also inactivates lipid-coated viruses like herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza and hepatitis C virus, as well as harmful bacteria like listeria, Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobactor pylori.[8]

Anti-Cancer

Researchers have found that coconut oil helps destroy cancer cells. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and creates a hostile environment for viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

This is due to the fact that it contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). The MCFAs in coconut oil digest the lipid walls of these organisms and kill them. They have been shown to reduce the growth of cancer tumors and kill hepatitis C, influenza, and Epstein-Barr viruses.

A recent study showed that coconut oil can reduce the toxicity of methotrexate, an antineoplastic and anti-rheumatoid drug. In addition, it can help improve the quality of life in head and neck cancer patients who suffer from xerostomia, which is a dry mouth condition. It can be used to help treat the symptoms of this condition by adding it to their diets.

Anti-Aging

Coconut oil can help reduce wrinkles by increasing collagen production and enhancing skin elasticity. It also helps protect against sun damage and keeps your hair healthy and strong.

While the American Heart Association recommends reducing your intake of saturated fats, adding coconut oil to your diet in moderation is safe. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains less than 13 g of saturated fat, which is well within the AHA's recommended limit.

The fatty acids in coconut oil are primarily medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). When these MCFAs are digested, they produce ketones that supply energy to the brain without needing insulin to convert glucose into energy. This can help support cognitive function and protect against Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the anti-aging effects of consuming coconut oil may be partially due to its anti-inflammatory properties.