+25 Common Uses for Coconut Oil and 9 Scientific Facts

Coconut oil is one of a kind…

Unfortunately, it was once considered bad for the heart because of its high concentrations of saturated fat.

Boy were they wrong…

Its unique composition of fatty acids helps with brain functioning, preventing certain diseases, losing fat, and more.

Thankfully, the health properties are becoming more widely known, and even grocery stores are beginning to sell the organic, unrefined kind.

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1. Coconut oil helps burn fat by increasing energy output.

It goes without saying that one of the largest issues facing the globe today is obesity. Although there is fat in coconut oil, it is not the same fat as in a stick of butter.

It helps with digestion because it includes medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which the body metabolizes differently than other oils and fats.
weight loss.

What the science says: The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats (1, 2).

One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24-hour energy expenditure by 5%, totaling about 130 calories per day (3).

So the body actually burns more calories by consuming coconut oil!

2. The unique fatty acids and saturated fat in coconut oil will keep you healthy.

Saturated fat was mistakenly linked for a very long time to heart disease and clogged arteries. Despite never having been validated, this myth originated in 1977 and quickly established itself as a pillar of nutritional advice.

Saturated fat, however, has been linked in recent studies to better liver health, stronger bones, and enhanced cognitive function.

What the science says: New data is showing that saturated fats are harmless. Many massive studies that include hundreds of thousands of people prove that the whole “artery-clogging” idea was a myth (4).

The bottom line is that eating foods high in saturated fat and coconut oil shouldn't cause you any harm. It was incorrect to attribute issues brought on by sugar and insulin to these foods.

3. Societies that eat lots of coconuts are among the healthiest people on the planet.

In most western civilizations, coconuts are seen as alien; yet, there are societies that have long consumed diets rich in coconut.

These civilizations are not only thought to be among the healthiest in the world, but they also eat more than 50% of their diet in coconuts. They are in fantastic health and do not have any of the ailments that are known to the western world. These people get by by consuming enormous quantities of coconuts.

What the science says: The Tokelauans, who reside in the South Pacific, are the best illustration of such a population. They are the world's largest consumers of saturated fat, consuming approximately 60% of their calories from coconuts. They don't exhibit any signs of cardiac illness. (5).

Another example of a population that eats a lot of coconuts and remains in excellent health is the Kitavans (6)

4. Coconut oil will curb your hunger, helping you eat less naturally.

Feeling peckish and thinking of going on a detox? The amazing thing about coconut oil is that it suppresses appetite cravings.

People that take medium chain triglycerides report being substantially less hungry, which suggests that they have another dramatic influence on the human body. This promotes healthy, long-lasting weight loss through eating less naturally.

What the studies say: In one study, varying amounts of medium and long-chain triglycerides were fed to healthy men.

The men eating the most MCTs ate 256 fewer calories per day, on average (7).

Another study in 14 healthy men showed that those who ate the most MCTs at breakfast ate significantly fewer calories at lunch (8).

5. Coconut oil can help stave off infections by stopping bacteria, fungi, and viruses in their tracks.

Are you tired of falling ill? The fatty acids in coconut oil contain a significant proportion of lauric acid. Upon ingestion and digestion, lauric acid passes through the body's many systems, aiding in the defense against bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

For these reasons, it's a good idea to take coconut oil while you're ill or infected.

What the facts say: Lauric acid can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi (9).

It has been shown to kill the bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus (a very dangerous pathogen), and the yeast, Candida Albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans (10, 11).

6. Coconut oil helps improve blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

As previously said, coconut oil is a great source of saturated fats that have been unfairly maligned by the media.

Eating these saturated fats can lower the risk of heart disease and increase healthy cholesterol. We can all agree that since these illnesses are so common in the globe, we should all consume more coconut oil.

What the facts say: Saturated fats raise HDL (the good) cholesterol and lower the LDL (the bad) cholesterol (12, 13).

In one study in 40 women, coconut oil reduced total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL compared to soybean oil (14).

There are also rat studies showing that coconut oil reduces triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, increases HDL and improves blood coagulation factors and antioxidant status (15).

7. Coconut oil will improve skin and hair quality.

The two most beneficial applications of coconut oil are for skin and hair quality, though there are many more stated at the end of this article.

One of the most adaptable foods on the globe is coconut oil, which does not require consumption to obtain all of its advantages.

What the fact say: Studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil improves the moisture and lipid content of the skin (16).

Coconut oil is protective against hair damage, and one study shows that it can even be used as light sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays (17, 18).

Another application is using it like mouthwash in a process called oil pulling, which can kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, improve dental health, and reduce bad breath (19, 20, 21).

8. Coconut oil can reduce seizures from the ketones it produces.

If you or someone you know experiences seizures, you may find this information to be very helpful.

The ketogenic diet (very high fat, very low carb) is well known for its ability to treat epilepsy. This is a result of the diet compelling the body to burn fats like ketones rather than carbs for energy.


The fatty acid content of coconut oil allows the body to create more ketones, which can help stop seizures.

What the facts say: The MCT oils get shipped to the liver and turned into ketone bodies. They are often used in epileptic patients to induce ketosis while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet (22, 23).

9. Coconut oil can improve brain function in Alzheimer’s patients.

Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent cause of dementia, affecting older people globally.

In some areas of the brain, patients' capacity to use glucose is diminished. Essentially, the brain is not receiving the energy that comes from the food that is consumed.

What the facts say: Ketone bodies can supply energy for the brain and can provide an alternative energy source (other than glucose) and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s (24).

In one 2006 study, the consumption of MCTs led to an immediate improvement in brain function in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer’s (25).

Other studies also support these findings, and MCTs are being intensively studied as potential therapeutic agents in Alzheimer’s disease (26, 27).

10. Helps reduce the most dangerous fat on the body.

Because it is housed in the abdominal cavity and around numerous vital organs, the fat surrounding the belly is the most harmful type of fat.

This kind of fat has a strong link to a number of illnesses and the risk of dying young.


It can assist you in losing this kind of fat, which will lower your risk of contracting certain illnesses. This is yet another compelling argument for the inclusion of coconut oil in weight loss regimens.

What the facts say:  In a study of 40 women with abdominal obesity, supplementing with 30 mL (1 ounce) of coconut oil per day led to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference in a period of 12 weeks (28).

Another study in 20 obese males noted a reduction in waist circumference of 2.86 cm (1.1 inches) after 4 weeks of 30 mL (1 ounce) of coconut oil per day (29).

Obviously, incorporating coconut oil into the diet can have dramatic impacts on health, but there are also other uses for this fantastic superfood.

Top 25 Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil

Coffee Creamer: Use a small amount of coconut oil in place of high-calorie creamers like milk and sugar. Just make sure there's enough heat in the coffee for the oil to melt.

Conditioner: Apply sparingly to hair to deeply condition it and help stop breakage. For optimal outcomes, let it sit for five to sixty minutes, and then use shampoo to remove it. Next, use a standard conditioner to condition.


Skin Moisturizer: As was previously said, coconut oil works wonders as a moisturizer. Coconut oil enters the skin and genuinely heals it, providing a revitalizing and restorative surge of moisture.

Treat cold sores; this will hinder the formation of the sore and stop it from spreading. Although it won't heal herpes, you should use it two to three times a day.

Makeup remover: Detox programs advise against using strong makeup removers that contain toxins. Take some and apply it to your fingertips, rubbing it in a circular manner. After that, rinse your face with water to get rid of any remaining makeup, then pat dry.

Massage oil: Coconut oil works better as a substitute for thick, chemical-laden lotions. In addition to relaxing the body, its lovely scent is a delightful experience.


Treatment for nails and cuticles: Over time, use wears down nails and cuticles. To encourage healthy, natural development and smooth out any faults, rub over the nails and cuticles.

Using diaper cream: Is your baby's bottom irritated? Lauric acid's antimicrobial and antifungal qualities make it a fantastic substitute for store-bought diaper creams. JustShaving cream: Although it can be annoying when it drips into the sink or shower, water does not remove oil stains from shaving cream. For this reason, it's an excellent option for shaving your face, legs, or any other area. In addition, it functions as a natural moisturizer, leaving the skin feeling silky after use.
Rash soother: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can be used to these regions to reduce swelling and ease irritated skin.

Popcorn topping: After the popcorn has done popping, cook homemade popcorn in the oil or reheat it and spread it over the popcorn. This is a tasty and low-calorie method to increase your intake of coconut oil.

Popcorn topping: After the popcorn has done popping, cook homemade popcorn in the oil or reheat it and spread it over the popcorn. This is a tasty and low-calorie method to increase your intake of coconut oil.

Bags under eyes: Coconut oil can also be used to treat the bothersome dark circles that appear in the morning under your eyes. To minimize puffiness and bags under your eyes in the morning, simply dab a tiny quantity beneath your eyes the night before.


Wood polish: The majority of wood polishes contain artificial compounds that have a limited shelf life. The wood will absorb the coconut oil, which will prolong its healthy sheen.

Mouthwash/Pulling: Bacteria accumulate in the mouth over time, leading to plaque accumulation and foul breath. Using coconut pulling as a means of killing it off is an excellent approach. All you have to do is swish some coconut oil around in your mouth for five to ten minutes. This will eliminate oral bacteria and improve the quality of your breath.

Prevent stretch marks: This is a wonderful approach to avoid stretch marks whether you're pregnant or trying to gain muscle. To help avoid marks, just massage it into the skin in the delicate areas that are most likely to stretch.
Give your dog a healthy shine by giving him or her 1-2 teaspoons every day to aid with coat maintenance.

Fights Acne: Although it doesn't stop acne, using it to imperfections can help stop overgrowth. Apply a minimal quantity on and surrounding the affected area to get the advantages of antimicrobial agents.

Eliminate soap scum since most oils are acidic and soap is alkaline. Before washing away the soap scum, apply a thin layer of oil and let it sit for fifteen minutes.

Eliminate chewing gum: Although it can be quite challenging to remove chewing gum from carpet, coconut oil can be useful. Just apply it, give it two to five minutes to sit, and then wipe it away with a cloth.

SPF lip balm: As previously noted, coconut oil offers a meagre 20% UVA protection. When necessary, dab on some coconut oil to keep those lips looking appetizing.

Butter Substitute: When used in recipes, coconut oil works wonderfully in lieu of butter. The majority of individuals either start with a 1:1 ratio or use an 80% coconut oil 20% water blend. Try experimenting to see what suits you the best.


Apply coconut oil on your back of the neck and temples as a form of aromatherapy when you're feeling stressed or anxious.

painful throat remedy: This is a great remedy if you need to relieve a painful throat. Just drizzle some coconut oil over some hot tea or water, and sip away. It tastes great and adds a lovely layer over

Indeed, coconut oil can also be used as a personal lubricant. It works well as an alternative to store-bought lubricants that are loaded with chemicals, even though it is incompatible with latex and condoms.

Squeak-Free - Do you have a squeaky cabinet or door hinge? To quit the squeaking, put some coconut oil straight on the hinges.

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