Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from mature coconut shells and harvested from coconut oil by a member of the Ben Rouge family. Coconut, despite its name, is technically a drupe (a single fruit), not a fruit.
Whether you drink coconut water, use butter as a moisturizer, or put a spoon in skewers, we have seen coconut rice in the kitchen and the bathroom. Virgin coconut oil is said to be higher than refined coconut oil and rich in nutrients such as antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E.
Nutritional Benefits of Coconut Oil
Provides 1 tablespoon (11 g):
- 99 kcal / 407 kcal
- May 11
- 9.5 g of saturated fat
- 0.7 g of unsaturated fat
- 0.2 g polyunsaturated fat
1. Contains Medium-chain Fatty Acids
Coconut oil is different from other edible fats in that it contains primarily medium-chain triglycerides, the majority of which are almost entirely chain triglycerides. This means that the fatty acids in coconut oil are made up of 6-12 carbon chains, as opposed to the more than 12 long-chain fatty acids. This structural difference has a variety of effects, from how fat is absorbed to how it affects the body.
2. Has anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties
About 50% of the MCFA in coconut oil is a species called lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
3. It May be Helpful in the Treatment of Skin Conditions
Limited and consistent evidence supports the immediate use of coconut oil for the prevention and treatment of mild or moderate cases of chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. It also helps to get rid of complex skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
4. May Protect Hair from Damage
Lauric acid in coconut oil is very close to the hair proteins, apparently, because of the fat structure, it can penetrate the hair follicles. This means that coconut oil and its products can prevent hair loss due to the loss of makeup and protein under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.
5. It May be Helpful in the Prevention of Dental Caries
Oil extract was a traditional medicine used in ancient India to maintain oral health. Recent studies indicate that the habit of using coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay. However, the sample size ranges and lengths mean that a lot of well-developed randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the true value of coconut oil.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Everyone?
Coconuts are usually safe for most people, but some adults and children may have allergies to other members of the betel nut, including coconut oil.
If you’re looking for coconut oil for weight loss or heart health, you’ll want to think again. MCFA is less likely to accumulate in the body like fat and is more easily used as a source of energy, but for coconut oil, it does not seem to be very effective. Because most of the MCFA in coconut is lauric acid. Lauric acid has a relatively long carbon chain, which works between beneficial MCFA and small, long-chain triglycerides.
Needless to say, the FSA could not find any evidence that the MCFA in coconut oil could lose weight. Also, despite the many health requirements, coconut oil is not the best choice for reducing LDL cholesterol or protecting your heart health.
