Coconut oil has been a mainstay of tropical diets and health for centuries. The unique benefits of coconut oil are concentrated in the medium-chain fatty acids it contains. The human body can easily digest these saturated fats and convert them into energy. Eating coconut oil also has many benefits.

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that reduce candida and fight bacteria. Almost half of the fat in coconut is lauric acid, which helps destroy active bacteria in the stomach and mouth. Interestingly, this acid is also present in breast milk. Studies have shown that breast milk helps infants immunize against a variety of infections, and the lauric acid in coconut can also protect adults.

The healthy fats in coconut oil can help muscles recover after a workout. They also slow down digestion, which helps maintain long-lasting energy while exercising. Increasing your intake of coconut oil, combined with a healthy, balanced diet, can improve muscle health.

A diet high in fat and cholesterol increases blood levels of these compounds, which can lead to heart disease. An imbalance between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) poses a threat to cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that coconut oil can increase HDL levels, thus helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Statistics show that obesity has become a common concern among children and adults. Coconut oil can help with weight loss because the fat it contains helps slow digestion and enhances the ability to absorb nutrients from your diet. This keeps blood sugar stable and reduces food cravings. People who consumed coconut oil lost weight better than those who consumed long-chain fatty acids such as meat and dairy products.

Many people reduce their food intake in order to lose weight, worrying about feeling hungry. One of the many benefits of coconut oil is that it makes people feel satisfied for longer. Consuming coconut oil can help reduce food cravings because it digests more slowly, resulting in a long-lasting feeling of fullness.

Mitigating the effects of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia is one of the major challenges facing contemporary medicine. The main source of energy for the brain is glucose. Research shows that the brains of people with Alzheimer's use less glucose. However, coconut oil breaks down into ketones, which may be an alternative energy source for the brain.

Many homemade conditioners use coconut oil as their main ingredient. Coconut oil may help keep your hair strong and healthy and reduce damage to your hair from daily wear and tear. Thick oils reduce protein loss for stronger, shinier hair.

The topical benefits of coconut aren't limited to hair—coconut oil may also be an effective dandruff remedy. Applying the oil to the scalp can help retain moisture, thereby reducing the dryness that causes flaking or dandruff. People with sensitive skin or those who avoid harsh chemicals in anti-dandruff shampoos can benefit from coconut oil's natural properties and even prevent or speed up the eradication of head lice.

Although we know the importance of sunscreen, we sometimes forget to apply it or miss a spot. Coconut oil can help relieve the pain of a sunburn, reduce redness and reduce blisters. Fatty acids can reduce swelling inside and out, thereby reducing the tight skin that sunburn often causes. Additionally, there is some evidence that coconut oil has natural sun protection abilities.

A healthy liver and kidneys keep the body free of toxins and improve blood flow. Many medical conditions adversely affect the function of these organs, leading to a wide range of health problems. Studies show that coconut oil helps protect kidney and liver health. It also protects the liver from damage caused by some over-the-counter medications. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of medium-chain fatty acids can also treat urinary tract infections.