Coconut Oil Is Incredibly Popular — and for Good Reason

When applied to your skin, coconut oil may offer some protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which raise your risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkling and brown spots. Keep in mind that it doesn't provide the same protection as conventional sunscreen, which blocks about 90% of UV rays.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — fatty acids that are quickly absorbed and can increase the number of calories you burn. One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs increased the number of calories burned by an average of 120 over a 24-hour period.

Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content — about 87% of its fat is saturated. This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying, since saturated fats retain their structure when heated, unlike the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in some vegetable oils.

Coconut oil can be a powerful weapon against bacteria, including the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. In one study, swishing with coconut oil for 10 minutes — known as oil pulling — reduced these bacteria as effectively as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Research shows that coconut oil improves dermatitis and other skin disorders at least as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers. In a study of children with eczema, 47% of those treated with coconut oil noticed major improvements.

The MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by your liver and turned into ketones, which can act as an alternative energy source for your brain. Several studies have found MCTs to have impressive benefits for brain disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer's.

Coconut oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for your legs, arms, and elbows, and can help repair cracked heels — simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks, and continue nightly until your heels are smooth.

Virgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help treat infections, and it also appears to fight certain yeasts, an effect generally attributed to lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil. However, no studies have proven that coconut oil is effective at treating infections when eaten or applied to the skin.

Homemade dark chocolate is a delicious way to get coconut oil's health benefits — just remember to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, since coconut oil melts at 76°F (24°C).

Coconut oil may help reduce belly fat, also known as visceral fat, which is linked to increased health risks. In one study, obese men lost 1 inch from their waist by adding 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to their diet daily. The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil may also help reduce hunger, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake.

Research found that wounds treated with coconut oil had a reduction in inflammatory markers and increased production of collagen, helping them heal faster — apply a little directly to minor cuts or scrapes and cover with a bandage. Animal research also suggests that the antioxidants in virgin coconut oil may protect bone health by neutralizing free radicals.

Some essential oils may be a natural way to keep bugs away, but rather than applying these oils directly to your skin, they need to be combined with a carrier oil. In one study, combining Thai essential oils with coconut oil provided over 98% protection from the bites of certain mosquitoes.

Coconut oil can be used to get rid of stains, including spills on carpets and furniture. Combine one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and mix into a paste, apply to the stain, wait five minutes, and wipe away.

Coconut oil's strong antibacterial properties make it a great natural deodorant that contains no chemicals. It also contains medium-chain triglyceride fatty acids, which go directly from your gut to your liver, where they can be used as a quick source of energy that won't raise blood sugar levels.

Coconut oil can be used to improve your cuticles, including hangnails — simply apply a small amount and massage for a few moments several times a week. Animal research also suggests that antioxidants called polyphenols found in coconut oil may be able to relieve some symptoms of arthritis.

Coconut oil may help keep your furniture looking shiny and polished while acting as a dust repellent, with a pleasant aroma unlike many commercial furniture polishes. It's also a gentle and effective eye makeup remover — apply with a cotton pad and wipe gently until all traces of makeup are gone.

Animal research has found that the saturated fats in coconut oil can help protect the liver from damage due to alcohol or toxin exposure. Coconut oil also makes an ideal natural lip balm — it glides on smoothly, leaves lips moist for hours, and even provides some protection from the sun.

Coconut oil offers several health benefits — but also has many other clever and practical uses around the home.