Originally published on May 19, 2017 | Last updated on July 25, 2025
A while back, I shared a post discussing some of my favourite beauty uses of coconut oil. In today’s post, I’m going to be talking about why consuming this “superfood” is incredibly good for your health. From keeping your teeth strong to improving brain function, there are countless impressive health benefits of coconut oil. Here’s 10!
1. Strengthens the Immune System
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid, two antimicrobial lipids that have anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Consuming coconut oil helps fight harmful bacteria and viruses and strengthens your immune system.
2. Healing Properties
Coconut oil, when applied to an infected area on the body, can form a protective chemical layer over it. This can be effective in healing damaged skin tissue, such as bruises. Studies have shown that coconut oil can help in healing damaged skin tissue effectively.
3. Improves Blood Cholesterol Levels
Coconut oil is also great for your heart health. Studies have shown that the healthy saturated fats in coconut oil can increase the “good” HDL cholesterol in your body, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
4. Boosts Brain Function
Research has shown that fatty acids in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketones that boost the function of the brain. It is believed that coconut oil can help you focus better and improve your memory. Because of this, it’s thought to be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Supports Healthy Thyroid Function
There is a huge amount of evidence that coconut oil can help boost thyroid health. This gland is responsible for producing hormones which regulate the body’s metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control and more.
6. Gives you Energy
As it stimulates your metabolism, eating coconut oil can help you feel less tired and even enhance athletic performance. After eating a meal cooked with coconut oil, you may notice that you feel more energised and less sluggish.
7. Improves Dental Health
As consuming coconut oil makes the absorption of calcium by the body easier, it helps keep your teeth strong and healthy. What’s more, it can also prevent plaque and tooth decay. In addition, regular consumption of coconut oil has been known to improve oral hygiene and freshen breath.
8. Speeds up Metabolism
The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil help increase our normal metabolism processes, making it a very effective and healthy fat to have in our diet. The increased metabolism can also lead to weight loss, which is why coconut oil is often recommended as a part of a weight-loss diet.
9. Increases Cell Regeneration
When your metabolic rate increases, so does your cell regeneration. This means that your body will be able to replace old cells with newer cells more quickly. This can lead to better overall health, as well as younger-looking skin.
10. Aids in Weight Loss
As coconut oil reduces appetite and increases fat burning, it’s great to consume if you’re trying to lose weight. In addition to boosting metabolism, coconut oil can help curb cravings and make it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
What Type of Coconut Oil Should You Use?
Coconut oil is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used in cooking, beauty, and even medicine. However, it’s important to make sure you’re getting high-quality, pure coconut oil to reap the full benefits. Look for extra virgin, raw, and organic options, and avoid any that contain added ingredients or chemicals. I recommend using Vita Coco’s Coconut Oil as it’s high quality.
Overall, coconut oil is a powerful and versatile ingredient that can benefit your health in many ways. Whether you’re looking to improve your immune system, heal damaged skin, or boost your brain function, coconut oil is a great option. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your life!
I try and use coconut oil sometimes, but I don’t like using too much of anything like that x
I use coconut oil for stretch marks. I didn’t know it aids with metabolism and weight loss. I need to read up more on this interesting information.
I had a delicious soup using coconut oil the other day but I had no idea of its added benefits like giving you energy! x
I had no idea that coconut oil was great for dental health too! The fact about it aiding absorption of calcium is so interesting! x
I love the benefits of coconut oil but this is the first time that I heard that it’s good for dental too.
wow! so many good things. I have thyroid problems so might start using this more often to see if it makes any difference
coconut oil really has many uses and benefits. Glad to know more with your post
I’ve heard lots of good things and I keep looking at it think get some and never do I just need to take the plunge I think
I think I’m the only one who hasn’t tried it. I have heard some great things about it and should give it a go x
Laura