Coconut Oil: Benefits, Effects, and Uses

Coconut oil, which has become increasingly popular worldwide, has started to take its place in various cosmetic applications and healthy eating routines.

Coconut oil, which has become quite popular globally, has started to be incorporated into various cosmetic applications and healthy eating routines. Research on the effects of coconut oil on human health continues to this day. Scientific opinions regarding the benefits, uses, and potential harms of coconut oil are steadily increasing.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut is a tropical fruit with a high fat content. Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the inner parts of mature coconuts through various methods. Today, coconut oil is included in some diets and cosmetic products, and unlike many other vegetable oils, it contains a high amount of saturated fat. Its saturated fat content, approximately 80%, is similar to animal fats.
Coconut oil contains 65% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known as medium-chain fatty acids. Some of the fatty acids it contains include lauric acid (47%), caprylic acid (7%), and capric acid (5%). In addition to fatty acids, it also contains some bioactive compounds like vitamin E and polyphenols. Due to its rich content and the positive studies conducted on MCT oils, coconut oil can be preferred as a healthy alternative by many individuals, such as vegans or those with lactose intolerance, who do not consume animal fats.

What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is the subject of various studies due to its rich content of macronutrients, polyphenols, and vitamins. It is particularly popular in ketogenic diets and low-carb eating routines, and it is believed that regular and adequate consumption of coconut oil may have some health benefits. Therefore, it is increasingly becoming part of healthy eating routines. Research continues on the benefits of coconut oil for the skin as well.

Benefits for the Skin

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties and high moisture content, coconut oil can be easily applied to the skin. Some studies suggest that regular use of coconut oil can increase the skin's moisture levels. It is especially known to have a soothing effect on individuals with dry skin or those whose skin is dry due to disinfectant use. Additionally, it is believed that coconut oil can reduce mild to moderate symptoms caused by atopic dermatitis, which leads to skin irritation.

Benefits for Hair

The nourishing content of coconut oil and its ability to penetrate deeply into the hair makes it a popular external application for stronger hair. Many studies have shown that coconut oil can enhance hair elasticity by affecting hair strands, thereby helping to prevent hair breakage. However, more research is needed in this area.

Benefits for Oral Health

Lauric acid, the primary fatty acid in coconut, is known for its antimicrobial effects. Due to this property, some studies have been conducted on its impact on oral health. One study found that lauric acid reacts with oral saliva to produce a soap-like effect, which may help reduce plaque formation and treat oral inflammation. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of coconut oil on oral health.

What are the Risks of Coconut Oil?

While pure coconut oil offers many benefits, excessive consumption through the oral route over the long term may be linked to the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases. Contrary to common belief, coconut oil contains not only medium-chain fatty acids but also long-chain fatty acids. Because it contains saturated fatty acids, it is more appropriate to add coconut oil to your diet under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian.
Some studies have shown that individuals who regularly consume coconut oil have increased cholesterol levels. As stated in several reports published in the medical world, the intake of saturated fats through the diet is directly related to heart and vascular health. In a 2016 report published in the Current Cardiology Reports, it was recommended that individuals who need to pay attention to vascular health should avoid coconut oil. These individuals are advised to choose other plant oils that are rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
If you would like to adopt healthy eating habits and get detailed information about the internal or external use of coconut oil, you should consult a healthcare institution.

Making a Hair Mask with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is suitable for many hair types. It can be used externally to prevent protein loss, especially in dry, curly, and brittle hair. You can regularly apply the following hair mask steps to clean hair, either during or after your shower:

Apply coconut oil to damp hair. You can either spray your hair with water to prepare it or apply the mask after your shower.
Once your hair is ready, apply warm coconut oil evenly throughout your hair. You can divide your hair into sections to do this.
While applying the oil, focus on the driest parts of your hair and the hair tips, applying less to the roots.
After applying the oil, cover your hair with a mask cap or an appropriate hair bonnet. This helps preserve the moisture in the oil and allows it to penetrate your hair more effectively.
Leave it for 1-2 hours.
Finally, rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo.

Last Updated Date: 22 February 2023

Publication Date: 22 February 2023

Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi

Nutrition and Diet Department

Relevant Medical Speciality

Nutrition and Diet Department Review Medical Speciality

Nutrition and Diet Department

Department Doctors

Explore Speciality

Ataşehir

Nutrition and Diet Department

Specialist Dietitian Derya Eren

0262 678 50 00

More Detail

Gebze

Nutrition and Diet Department

Specialist Dietitian Dilek Öztürk

0262 678 50 00

More Detail

Gebze

Nutrition and Diet Department

Specialist Dietitian Nilüfer Duygu Yüceli

0262 678 50 00

More Detail

Gebze

Nutrition and Diet Department