Coconut Oil
Your source for research and news on the
health benefits of coconut oil.
A coconut oil truck is a common sight on the roadways in the Philippines. Unlike the US where coconut oil has been hard to find in recent years, coconut oil has been a big part of the diet in the Philippines and many other tropical cultures for thousands of years.
CoconutOil.com is the Internet’s oldest resource for published research on the health benefits of coconut oil. Beginning in the year 2000, we have been the main source of information linking to peer-reviewed research on coconut oil as well as publishing coconut oil testimonials showing how coconut oil has changed people’s lives!
Coconut oil is an edible oil that has been consumed in tropical places for thousands of years. Studies done on native diets high in coconut oil consumption show that these populations are generally in good health, and don’t suffer as much from many of the modern diseases of western nations where coconut oil is seldom consumed anymore.
Coconut Oil Health Benefits
So how are people using coconut oil? What are some of the health benefits of coconut oil being reported? Some of the most recent research has come from people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, with reports of people improving or even reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s by using coconut oil. Alzheimer’s is now seen as a type 3 form or diabetes, and for years we have seen positive results from people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in using coconut oil. We have also seen a lot of reports of coconut oil health benefits from those suffering from hypothryroidism, as coconut oil helps boost metabolism and raise body temperatures to promote thyroid health. Restricting carbohydrates and increasing coconut oil in the diet has also led many to report losing weight with coconut oil. Candida sufferers also report health benefits with coconut oil as research now confirms, and those suffering from various skin diseases are also seeing tremendous health benefits by applying coconut oil directly on the skin. The benefits of coconut oil for healthy hair are also well known, and other healthy benefits of coconut oil included fighting off bacterial infections and viruses. Coconut oil is also increasingly being seen to benefit athletes and fitness trainers giving them an advantage in sustaining energy levels longer without drugs or stimulants.
Coconut Oil Research
While some people falsely accuse coconut oil of being a “fad,” the fact is that it is a traditional oil that has been consumed for thousands of years in tropical cultures, and the research on the health benefits of coconut oil has existed for a very long time. Lauric acid, for example, has a long history of use in combating pathogens, and this research has been around for more than 50 years. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of lauric acid. So while we do publish a lot of people’s experiences with coconut oil, the evidence is not strictly anecdotal. We have a very extensive section on this website dedicated to peer-reviewed studies on the health benefits of coconut oil that are accessed primarily through Pubmed. This section is updated frequently as new research is published.
Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives, and how it can change yours! Over 100 testimonies and 85 recipes.
Coconut oil was once prevalent in western countries like the United States. With a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees, coconut oil was a favorite in the baking industry. But a negative campaign against saturated fats in general, and coconut oil in particular, led to most food manufacturers abandoning coconut oil in recent years in favor of hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils that come from the main cash crops in the US, particularly soy. These hydrogenated oils contain trans fatty acids. The polyunsaturated oils were not a big part of the diet of previous generations, so how has the health of Americans changed now that polyunsaturated oils are for the most part all one finds on supermarket shelves across the US? We encourage you to take an honest look at the research presented on this website, and consider the “other side” of the story, whether it be coconut oil, saturated fats, cholesterol, or the new vegetable oils!
Coconut Oil Testimonies
The CoconutDiet.com website contains the Coconut Diet Forums, which is a compilation of discussions of people discussing the health benefits of coconut oil over a 10+ year period. This was the first Internet discussion group started back in 2001 by Brian Shilhavy, while still living in the Philippines at the time. There are over 17,000 messages covering a wide range of coconut oil health topics, with contributions from many of the early leaders of the coconut oil movement that brough coconut oil back into prominence in the early 2000s. There are currently over 95,000 subscribers.
With today’s social media, however, you will find many of the the most current testimonials about the health benefits of coconut oil by following the Coconut Health Twitter account, the top Twitter account covering the health benefits of coconut oil, or by following the discussions on the Coconut Health Facebook Page, the top Facebook page discussing the health benefits of coconut oil.
Coconut Oil News
You can find all the latest coconut oil news published throughout the Internet at Health Impact News, in the Coconut Health section. Brian Shilhavy is the editor of Health Impact News, and he tracks the news throughout the Internet each day to cover the top stories related to the health benefits of coconut oil, as well as other alternative health news. Published studies that appear in peer-reviewed journals will be logged here, on CoconutOil.com, on our peer-reviewed coconut oil research page. We have also added a coconut oil news section here on CoconutOil.com that can be tracked via an RSS reader to stay up to date on all the latest news regarding coconut oil.
Coconut Oil Recipes
FreeCoconutRecipes.com has the largest collection of coconut recipes found anywhere on the Internet. There are recipe sections for Coconut Oil recipes, Gluten Free Coconut Flour recipes, Coconut Cream Concentrate recipes, and many others. There are hundreds of coconut recipes, all kitchen tested and submitted by coconut users who love coconut. There are many cooking and baking video demonstrations as well, helping you to learn how to use coconut oil in your everyday cooking and baking. Here is one video overview showing many of the ways one can use coconut oil in a healthy diet:
Coconutoil.com includes the original body of research on coconut oil that was published in 2000, originally at coconut-info.com, and started the current coconut oil revolution in the U.S. and around the world! We continue to be the leading website on the most current research on the health benefits of coconut oil.
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Hi, I use virgin coconut oil on my face and body, and consume it. (love it!! ) BUT!!! I’ve done some research on virgin coconut oil and it does increase thyroid and testosterone levels… and stimulate hair growth. My concern is- that I don’t want my testosterone to increase,- and stimulate hair growth( at least not on my face and body) or stimulate thyroid and I don’t take it for weight loss.
I really don’t want to stop using coconut oil for these reasons… I would like some feed back…
There is no research that we are aware of that states coconut oil leads to facial and body hair growth. Look at the tropical cultures in Asia that consume coconut oil as their main dietary oil, such as Filipinos, and you will see that they do not have a lot of facial hair. How many Filipnos have you ever seen with full beards, for example? The testimonies on hair growth and coconut oil that we have seen have been for hair on top of the head. As for stimulating the thyroid, that is definitely a benefit and not a negative. Saturated fats in general (not just coconut oil) do stimulate hormone production. But this is a positive, not a negative, as our modern day culture and diet is low in saturated fats and high in “hormone disrupters.”
I have only started using coconut oil on my skin not very long ago, and my wrinkles have already gone, my skin is smooth and supple. My skin discolourations is slowly but surely disappearing. I have been dealing with uneven skin tone for many years! I had only started adding a teaspoon to my cup of coffee and it tastes great! I am glad to hear it is ok to use it hot beverages!
Hoever I really want to know how coconut oil helps with Autism. I have a son in his mid twenties, who had learning disability disorder, and is still challenged in many ways, especially with communication and comprehension. Can coconut consumption help?
Thank you.
We have one story here about a mother with a child diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder, and their results with coconut oil. You can read it here.
What are the benefits of giving your dog coconut oil?
There is a good video about the benefits of coconut oil for dogs here: http://coconutoil.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs/
What may be the reason some people have digestive upsets (i.e. loose stools) from eating coconut flour or coconut oil?
We have never actually heard of anyone having digestive issues with the coconut flour, but it does happen with coconut oil. It is usually because people get excited from reading about the health benefits and start taking too much. One should start out slowly with coconut oil, and incorporate it into food.
I bought coconut oil, but in the ingredients it says “Refined, bleached, deodorize coconut oil”, and I heard that bleached products are not very good. Does it make a difference in coconut oil? I really want the health benefits of it, how can I use this oil I bought and what kind to buy do you recommend.
The “bleaching” done in RBD coconut oils is NOT a chemical process. It is a filter process through clay. It is harmless. RBD oils are fine, especially if no chemicals were used in the extraction process. RBD coconut oils are not harmful, but in the refining process some nutrients are probably lost. Virgin coconut oils do not go through the refining process. However, be aware that there is no industry standard or governing body regulating the term “virgin coconut oil”, and some marketers may be selling RBD coconut oils under the “virgin” label. Recent research shows that the traditionally-made virgin coconut oils are highest in anti-oxidants. Article here.
I can’t seem to click on the idividual links providing information on the various benefits coconut oil provides. I would like to know more about the benefits to hair, im slowly losing mine and hope it may help slow the process. This is only one of the reasons I’ve started to use the product obviously!!!!
Thanks for alerting us about the broken links. Those have now been fixed. You can read more about coconut oil for your hair here: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-hair-benefits-how-to-use-coconut-oil-for-natural-hair-health/
Candida overgrowth can be a cause for hair loss. I started taking PB8 and Yeast Fighters and my hair stopped falling out. I now am trying coconut oil to boost immune fight hypothyroid and candida . I hope the results are as I am reading.
I have micro bacteria in my lungs and see a doctor at National Jewish Health in Denver. We’ll see if this has any effect on them. My brother lived one year older than I am now; everyone in my family died at ages a lot earlier. I’d like to make a family statement because I feel so great!!!!!
Let us know the results!
Hello, thank you for your website. Question for you…as a person replaces the other fats in their diet with coconut oil, what should happen to their blood values in testing? I need to be prepared for when my doctor objects to changes in my testing! Thank you.
There is really no way to answer that, as there are so many “blood values” and so many factors that affect it.
OK, to narrow it down, how do total cholesterol, LDL, HDL change?
Thanks.
There is no standard answer to that Joni. It is different for everyone. You can read some testimonials regarding cholesterol levels and coconut oil here: http://coconutoil.com/coconut_oil_heart_disease/
There was one study done in India in 2009 comparing refined coconut oil to virgin coconut oil produced by the “wet milling” process and its effect on “lipid metabolic and antioxidant status in cholesterol coadministered rats.” The abstract is here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19767885
But please understand that many of these studies on coconut oil and its possible effect on cholesterol levels usually start with the assumption that high cholesterol levels cause heart disease, and that is a premise that is NOT supported by the science. Read the research on cholesterol here: http://coconutoil.com/cholesterol/
Thanks very much!
Is one tablespoon of the “oil” the same as one tablespoon of the “solid?”
Yes, one tablespoon of coconut oil is the same whether it is oil or solid.
Hello! This is my second time leaving a reply and I thank you for your rapid responses. It’s nice to know your there to help. I am now taking Tropical Traditions virgin coconut oil as well as my fish oil. Can I expect any negative side effects of combining the two? Also, is there a more beneficial or not as beneficial time of day to take my coconut oil? Thanks!
Combining coconut oil and fish oil should have no side effects. It is like eating coconut and fish at the same meal. If you are not allergic to either one individually, combining them should have no effect. Time of day is a personal choice. Some people find that coconut oil gives them too much energy in the evening if they have problems sleeping.
I take 3 tbsp of extra virgin coconut oil a day by itself. i noticed 1 tbsp is 14 grams of fat or 22% of daily value and 63% daily value of saturated fat.. is it safe? it good fats right? i eat other things too
The percentage of daily recommended saturated fat is set by the U.S. government guidelines. So if you trust their recommendations on diet, you should stay away from saturated fats as much as possible. Of course that has been the dominant dietary philosophy for the past 50+ years, and look at the results in the U.S. Tropical cultures that consume coconut oil consume much more saturated fat than Americans do, yet they don’t have the obesity rates anywhere near to what the US has. Research for yourself so you can set your own goals and guidelines that are best for you. Everyone is different. If you read the testimonies published here from people consuming coconut oil for things like Alzheimer’s and ALS, you will find that they consume very large amounts of coconut oil (even more than 3 tbsp) and have good success with that. But that does not mean that is the proper amount for everyone.
Does Coconut Oil help thyroid problems?
Many people have reported success in using coconut oil with thyroid problems. See our article on this here: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-benefits-for-thyroid-health/
I have a question, can we add coconut oil to hot drinks like coffee and tea? Thanks
Yes! Many people add coconut oil to hot drinks like coffee and tea. http://coconutoil.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil-there-are-hundreds-of-uses-of-coconut-oil/
I love taken my coconut oil in my coffee. And I have truly noticed that I feel so much better since I have been using the coconut oil.
hello, can coconut oil help with the pain from shingles, if so how mush should I take?
The Internet is not the best place for specific health advice. We can only comment on what others have reported, as well as any research. We cannot comment to your specific situation. There was one study published in 2011 on the “anti-inflammatory activities” of virgin coconut oil. The study did find that virgin coconut oil exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in acute inflammation, but not chronic. The study is here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21454992
A search in the Coconut Diet forums for “shingles” does return several discussions of the subject over the years that you could read: http://www.coconutdiet.com/forum.cfm
We just found out about the benefits of using coconut oil.
We have two sons with autism and bought a bottle of refined coconut oil at the store in hopes that it could help our boys. After reading up a little more on the topic, I was wondering if the refined will be as beneficial as the unrefined oil. Should I get rid of the refined?
No reason to get rid of the refined coconut oil. It is not bad. But if you are looking for the highest therapeutic value, virgin coconut oil is better.
Looking forward to better health benefits by using coconut oil!
I just have a question… Is coconut oil in the pill form just as good as the actual oil?
No. Coconut oil is a food, and if you read the testimonies from people who are using coconut oil to help them with certain conditions, you will see that they consume anywhere from 2 to 9 tablespoons of coconut oil per day. The largest softgel one can make is 1000 mg (1 gram). 1 tablespoon is 14 grams. If you do the math, you will see coconut oil pills are merely a clever marketing scheme.
Not only that, if you were to consume large amounts of soft gel capsules, what else are you consuming besides the coconut oil inside them? These large gelatin capsules are made from bovine (cows), and we don’t see anyone advertising organic grass-fed derived gelatin capsules. (If they are “vegetarian” capsules, then they are soy-based.) So any toxins currently existing in our cattle industry (growth hormones, antibiotics, etc.) will also be in these gelatin capsules. Also, in the encapsulation process it is standard practice to use mineral oil. Mineral oil is basically petroleum.
I just recently started taking coconut oil internally and yesterday started using it as if it were a body lotion. Not only do I feel SO MUCH BETTER since using coconut oil for a month but just after 1 day of using coconut oil, yep the same oil I consume, on my skin it is so much softer then the chemical laden junk I was mixing and using on my skin!!! And the smell is a wonderful side kick!!
Another good benefit for the coconut oil is that it decreases your appetite! A good way to kick your sugar craving for all the horrible nasty junk that is out there is to take coconut oil (in its solid form) and dip it in coconut sugar. OMG it is wonderful tasting, almost addictive lol. I am thinking if I added a few almonds to it I would have my own version of Almond Joy candy without the nasties that I do not want from their candy.
My wife thinks that coconut oil’s changing between liquid and solid changes the makeup and benefits. I don’t think this is true. Can you clarify?
The benefits of coconut oil are the same whether liquid or solid.
Can you tell me the difference between coconut oil, virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oils are less refined, as they start out with fresh coconut, and not “copra.” There is no difference between “virgin coconut oil” and “extra virgin coconut oil.” There are several different methods of producing virgin coconut oil, however, and independent research and testing show that traditionally produced coconut oils are the highest quality. See this article: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-benefits-what-kind-of-coconut-oil-offers-the-most-benefits/
I take fish oil daily and just heard of coconut oil. It seems the two have similar effects on the body. Why would coconut oil be better for me than fish oil?
Actually, fish oil and coconut oil are not similar at all. One comes from a plant, the other an animal. One is saturated, the other is polyunsaturated, etc. However, the two definitely complement each other. Fish oil is not stable and easily oxidizes, while coconut oil is stable and does not oxidize. Coconut oil provides medium chain fatty acids which fish oil does not have, but fish oil provides Omega 3 fatty acids that coconut oil does not have. So one does not replace the need for the other.
My seven year old daughter fell down the stairs when she was 3 and got a small “strawberry” scar across the bridge of her nose that I just hated. 2 weeks ago I started rubbing coconut oil over it. I do it three times a day, counting to a hundred as I rub, and leave it pretty greasy. It is starting to lighten already and I couldn’t be happier.
Coconut oil helped my dog who would scoot her bottom on the floor. After putting about a teaspoon in her food (she weighs about 48lb) she stopped scooting and it also helped in her constipation.
my son was in an accedent and broke 17 bones. do you think coconut oil would help?
Coconut oil is a food and is helpful for anyone. It may not heal bones, but it could provide nourishment and help fight off infections. Hope he gets better soon!
I recently read that coconut oil helps the body to absorb calcium and magnesium which help build bones so it may be useful in helping broken bones to knit.
Good point Anna. Dr. Mary Enig addresses the calcium absorption issue:
“Research has shown that coconut oil is needed for good absorption of fat and calcium from infant formulas. The soy oil (47%) and palm olein (53%) formula gave 90.6% absorption of fat and 39% absorption of calcium, whereas the soy oil (60%) and coconut oil (40%) gave 95.2% absorption of fat and 48.4% absorption of calcium (Nelson et al 1996). Both fat and calcium are needed by the infant for proper growth. These results clearly show the folly of removing or lowering the coconut oil in infant formulas.” Article Here: http://coconutoil.com/coconut_oil_21st_century/
what type coconut oil is best for cooking…I have heard not to use x virgin but refined for cooking it doesn’t have coconut taste to it. unless it was in a dessert I don’t think I want the flavor in say …eggs
Virgin coconut oils usually do not leave that much of a taste when cooking. Deodorized coconut oils are bland. Experiment a bit and try! You can find out more about making recipes with different coconut oils here: http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/index.cfm/2009/8/31/How-Different-Coconut-Oils-Can-be-Used-in-Recipes
Hello,
I have read about the wonders of coconut oil but i’m not sure exactly how i should start taking it. For some reason i was expecting it to be liquid and not solid. If i wanted to take a tablespoon every morning would i just take a spoonful from the jar or do i liquidate it first, as silly as it sounds…
No need to make coconut oil liquid before eating it. Coconut oil will quickly turn liquid as soon as it is inside your mouth! There are many ways to eat coconut oil! http://coconutoil.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil-there-are-hundreds-of-uses-of-coconut-oil/
Is virgin coconut oil good in pregnancy. I am hypothyroid and using synthroid in pregnancy.
Coconut oil is a food that has nourished billions of people for thousands of years. It is not a medicine. It is the main dietary oil used in tropical countries where coconuts grow. If one is already consuming coconut oil prior to pregnancy, there would be no reason to stop. Any dietary changes during pregnancy should be discussed with your health care provider. Some people who begin consuming coconut oil have problems in the beginning, such as diarrhea, if they are not used to a high fat diet. This is particularly true of westerners who have been led to believe that a low-fat diet is best. The Internet is not really the best place to get specific health advice.
is coconut oil is good for hair?
Yes, coconut oil is very good for hair. See our article on coconut oil and hair: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-hair-benefits-how-to-use-coconut-oil-for-natural-hair-health/
can you buy coconut oil in a health food store
Yes, most health food stores would carry it these days. You can also purchase coconut oil online.
Can a type O use coconut oil?
ALL blood types can use coconut oil. Coconut oil has nourished billions of people for thousands of years of all blood types. Any theory that only certain blood types can consume coconut oil is not backed by any solid research or evidence.
I was told by a homeopath Dr. who also had cancer, to take a Tbsp. of coconut oil in the morning and night to help coat my nerves and protect them from the damage of chemo. At this same time I happen to tear my rotator cuff and it hurt so bad I struggled to turn the key an dopen a door. After taking it for 1 day, my shoulder was just fine. I was not expecting that to happen. Never even occured to me. But I am thrilled.
I just finished my final round of chemo and have always needed a cane for several days after to support myself. This is the first time I did not.
I was already using it on my skin and have decided to make it apart of my everyday regime.
Thank you for your testimony regarding coconut oil Carolyn!
My friend has tree and peanut allergies. Would consuming coconut oil have the same adverse affect as other tree nuts and peanuts??
Nut allergies are usually due to the protein in the nut. Coconut Oil is oil that has been removed from the coconut, and contains little or no protein. Read more here: http://coconutoil.com/the-coconut-oil-myths-exposing-the-myths-surrounding-coconut-oil/
Thanks so much for your reply regarding coconut flour. I will check the recipes.
I saw an ad somewhere for coconut flour….does it have any merit? If so, it would be doubly helpful for me because I am gluten intolerant.
Coconut flour would have little or no coconut oil, as the coconut oil is removed from the coconut meat to make coconut flour. Coconut flour is a good gluten-free alternative to gluten flours. Learn more about coconut flour and find many recipes here: Coconut Flour Information and Recipes
I have a Grandmother who passed away from Alzheimers, and I am concerned for my self as well as family members. I would like to try coconut oil. What is the way that there has been most success? Do the coconut oil pills offer the same benefit?
The pills are worthless, because you would need to consume about half a bottle of pills a day to get the recommended amounts.
If you read Catherine’s story here: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-reverses-the-effects-of-alzheimers-in-50-year-old-woman/ – her husband said:
“She takes 2 tablespoons 4 times per day. We have tried several dosing regimens this seems to be what works the best. Important to take her first dose soon after waking up since it seems to take 60 to 90 minutes to metabolize.”
Most people will not be able to start out with this amount, however, and will need to start with smaller amounts and work up to a larger amount to avoid side effects such as diarrhea.
You can also just incorporate it into your diet: http://healthimpactnews.com/2012/how-to-use-coconut-oil-there-are-hundreds-of-uses-of-coconut-oil/
I would like to say that coconut oil has definitely helped my son’s digestion..you can eat it raw, small bites of it to begin with. i occasionally make biscuits with coconut oil, and, it works far better than shortening, lol. almost addictive. as for alzheimers dz and parkinson’s dz, please, if u are on fb, come to occupy pharma; you can learn a lot there about how to help yourselves.
I told my dad who has suffered 2 heart attacks, stints, balloons, and is on high blood pressure meds to use coconut oil. His Dr told him absolutely not. Can you tell me more?
Doctors generally do not know much about coconut oil, because they have not done their own research. http://coconutoil.com/can-you-trust-your-doctors-advice-on-coconut-oil/ You need to educate them and present them with the studies that show saturated fats are not implicated in heart disease to begin with, and that coconut oil raises HDL, but not LDL. There is a lot of research here on this site that you can point them to, if they are willing to research these issues for themselves.
Same response I received from the dermatologist. She told me coconut oil was terrible to put on your skin because it breeds bacteria. When I asked her how come all three members of my family have better skin condition now she couldn’t provide me with an answer. I think some doctors are trained with modern medicine and simply refuse to open their eyes to anything but that.
Tell me more about coconut oil and Alzheimer’s. I’m in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
James, visit our Alzheimer’s page for articles and testimonies on coconut oil and Alzheimer’s: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-research-alzheimers/
i am doing a self study on the effects of coconut oil on parkinson’s disease
Let us know how it goes! We would be interested in publishing your results. We need to hear more stories about how people with Parkinson’s react to coconut oil. We have quite a few success stories of coconut oil and Alzheimer’s.
does coconut cream concentrate have the same benefits as coconut oil. i would like to know if you can help
Coconut Cream Concentrate is ground up coconut. It is similar to a nut butter. So it contains more than just coconut oil: it also has fiber and protein. It is about 65 to 70% coconut oil.
I am African American. How should I use coconut oil on my hair/scalp? How often
Sharon, there is a good article along with some videos on coconut oil for hair here: http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-hair-benefits-how-to-use-coconut-oil-for-natural-hair-health/
does coconut oil come in a powdered form?
No, you cannot make coconut oil into a powder.
Very good information