Overview

Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm. It can be eaten as food or used as medicine.

Coconut is taken by mouth for bladder stones, diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight loss.

In foods, coconut is used in various preparations.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fruit

Primary Functions:

Bladder stones, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss

Also Known As:

Coco, Coco da Bahia, Coco da Praia, Coconut Palm, Cocos nucifera, Cocotero, Cocotier

How Does It Work?

Coconut flour, which is prepared from the byproducts of coconut after removal of coconut milk, contains high amounts of dietary fiber. These fibers are believed to help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

Coconuts contain a high amount of a saturated fat called medium chain triglycerides. These fats work differently than other types of saturated fat in the body. They might increase fat burning and reduce fat storage.

Uses

• High cholesterol. Some early research suggests that eating foods prepared with coconut flour can lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol compared to baseline in people with slightly high cholesterol levels. However, other early research shows that people who eat large amounts of coconut have higher cholesterol levels than people who eat lower amounts. The differences may be due to the type of coconut that is eaten. Coconut contains coconut oil, which might increase cholesterol levels. Coconut flour is prepared from the byproducts of coconut after the removal of coconut milk. These byproducts are defatted and contain a high percentage of dietary fiber.
• Bladder stones.
• Diabetes.
• Weight loss.
• Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of coconut depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coconut. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Coconut Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is coconut supplements good for?

As a supplement, people use it topically to treat psoriasis and lice, or consume it for liver protection and to treat diarrhea, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

How many coconut oil pills should you take a day?

Most capsules contain 1 gram per capsule. In order to get 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day, you would need to take about 30 capsules on a daily basis. For most people, this just isn't realistic. Instead, try using coconut oil for cooking or include it in recipes.

Do Coconut pills help you lose weight?

Advertisement. All of the studies have been short-term. And it's important to note that the better designed studies have evaluated coconut oil as part of a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. There is no evidence that coconut oil will have a beneficial effect on weight loss if you simply add it to your diet.

Does coconut oil pills help your hair grow?

Coconut oil is a natural way to help your hair grow longer, thicker, and faster. The vitamins and essential fatty acids naturally found in coconut oil nourish the scalp and help to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles.

What is coconut oil used for sexually?

According to a 2014 study, coconut oil is clinically proven for safe and effective use as a moisturizer. Its moisturizing properties may make the product an effective lube and allow for longer-lasting intercourse. For women going through menopause, coconut oil may be especially helpful.

Is coconut oil an antifungal?

Coconut oil is an established antifungal. Although research on its use for yeast infections is limited, there's evidence to suggest that this approach may work. A 2007 lab study found that coconut oil helped kill a species of yeast.

Can I drink coconut oil before bed?

Coconut oil has been making big waves for a while now for its purported heart-healthy properties. This superfood also contains high amounts of dodecanoic acid (aka lauric acid), which has been linked with more restful sleep as opposed to fats like butter, which were linked with impaired sleep.

What are the side effects of coconut oil?

Other coconut oil-linked side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, swollen glands, joint or muscle pain, stomach upset, chills, hives or rashes, or other adverse skin conditions. When taking coconut oil, you have several options, including: Stir-fry.

Can you rub coconut oil on your stomach to lose weight?

While many people believe that consuming coconut oil is a healthy and effective way to shed excess body fat, there is little evidence supporting this theory. Similarly, some studies in rodents have shown that coconut oil may help reduce belly fat. However, research in this area is still limited ( 19 ).

Does coconut oil grow eyelashes?

From moisturizing and protecting your skin and hair to having antimicrobial and antifungal properties, the many benefits of coconut oil may extend to your eyelashes, too. Coconut oil may help keep your eyelashes healthy, resulting in fuller lashes that can stand up to cosmetics and eyelash styling tools.

Can I leave coconut oil in my hair overnight?

As a hair mask: Rub coconut oil through your hair and let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) before washing it out. As a scalp treatment: Before bed, massage a small amount of coconut oil into your scalp. Leave it overnight and wash it off with shampoo in the morning.

Is coconut oil antimicrobial?

The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. ... Like lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties.

Is coconut oil antibacterial and antifungal?

Coconut oil has traditionally been used as a medicinal agent for cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, dry skin, and psoriasis and is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent for the treatment of dermal infections.

Can coconut oil kill skin fungus?

Certain fatty acids found in coconut oil may kill fungal cells by damaging their cell membranes. Some research suggests that coconut oil may be an effective remedy for people with mild to moderate skin infections. Use it to treat ringworm by applying liquid coconut oil to the skin three times per day.

Is coconut oil healthier than olive oil?

1. In terms of health impacts, it is better to cook with olive oil. Compared to a tablespoon of olive oil, a tablespoon of coconut oilcontains about six times the amount of saturated fat, nearly meeting the daily limit of about 13 grams that the American Heart Association recommends.

Does raw coconut increase cholesterol?

The research isn't entirely clear on this point, but it seems the fatty acids found in coconut oil do raise LDL – bad cholesterol – as do other saturated fats, like butter. But coconut may also raise HDL cholesterol – good cholesterol – to some extent, though not as much as unsaturated fats (the good fats).

Can I eat a spoonful of coconut oil?

Coconut oil provides valuable benefits, but there are limits to how much you should eat. In fact, each tablespoon contains 130 calories. Research has shown that coconut oil is most effective when it replaces less healthy fats in the diet, rather than being added on top of the fat you're currently consuming.

Why is coconut oil bad for you?

Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids, and saturated fat has been linked to high cholesterol levels and heart disease.

Can you put coconut oil in coffee?

Some people prefer to blend the oil with coffee in a blender to make a delicious tropical-style beverage. Eventually, you can work your way up to 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of coconut oil if you would like to increase your fat intake. Summary Start by adding 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of coconut oil to your hot coffee.

Clinical Studies