COCONUT OIL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of taking coconut oil? ›

Ingesting too much coconut oil right off the bat can lead to nausea, consumer advocates warn. 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.

Myth: Coconut oil is a heart-healthy cooking alternative.

The reality: Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels — the good and the bad kinds — more than other plant-based oils like olive or canola. And in truth, medium-chain triglycerides make up only a small amount of the fatty acids in coconut oil.

Coconut oil may help reduce hunger, improve oral health, possibly reduce seizures, and more. However, coconut oil may not be great for your heart health. Coconut oil is an increasingly popular cooking oil.

People use coconut oil by mouth for diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Alzheimer's disease, quality of life in people with breast cancer, thyroid conditions, energy, and boosting the immune system.

Regardless, coconut oil is widely used in many cultural dishes and can be part of a healthy diet. Due to it's high saturated fat content, it's best to stick to no more than two tablespoons (28 grams) a day. If you're interested in trying coconut oil, it's best used in medium-heat cooking such as sautéing or baking.

Side effects of using coconut oil on your skin

It's hydrating, yes. But that means it can do its job a little too well and clog pores and cause acne breakouts — especially if your skin is more on the oily side. “If you are prone to acne, you should also avoid putting it on your shoulders, chest or back,” Dr. Wu adds.

Chronic inflammation is a major component of many different types of skin disorders, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema ( 9 ). Interestingly, coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive Oil Is Healthier and More Nutritious

That is because it is rich in good fat (polyunsaturated fat) and low in bad fat (saturated fat). Coconut oil contains 80 to 90 percent saturated fat. According to the experts, a tablespoon of coconut oil contains about six times as much saturated fat as olive oil.

On the other hand, using coconut oil to cook your food is the healthier choice. This is because saturated fats have a more stable chemical structure. In addition, unsaturated fats are not unhealthy for the reason that they contain medium chain triglycerides, which can be easily digested by the liver.

By dealing with numerous bacteria, fungi, and parasites that may cause indigestion, coconut oil aids in the digestion process and even helps absorb fat soluble vitamins, minerals and some amino acids.

Can coconut oil burn belly fat? ›

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. The few studies that have investigated the potential of this oil to enhance weight loss have not shown promising results.

Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis

Animal research suggests that antioxidants called polyphenols found in coconut oil may be able to relieve some symptoms of arthritis. A study in rats with arthritis found that treatment with polyphenols from coconut oil reduced swelling and several inflammatory markers ( 37 ).

Coconut Oil Side Effects

Coconut oil is full of saturated fat, which can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and your chances of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends you to eat low-saturated fat foods and use healthier oils when you cook.

At least one small study has shown some interaction between coconut oil and cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, but there does not seem to be any risk involved. Let your doctor know you are using coconut oil if you are prescribed statins.

The authors concluded that because of coconut oil's effects on raising blood cholesterol including harmful LDL and in some cases triglycerides, and because its cholesterol-raising effects were comparable to other saturated fats, the oil should not be viewed as a heart-healthy food and should be limited in the diet.

But coconut oil contains a type of fat (saturated fat) that can increase cholesterol levels. Like all saturated fats, it should be consumed in moderation. Coconut oil is possibly safe when used as a medicine short-term. Taking coconut oil in doses of 10 mL two or three times daily for up to 12 weeks seems to be safe.

Research published in the medical journal Food and Function found that coconut oil improves antioxidant levels and can slow aging. Coconut oil works by reducing stress on the liver and lowering oxidative stress. Also, researchers found that coconut oil may support detoxification because of how it works with the liver.

The antimicrobial properties in coconut oil help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungal infections like candidiasis. Cleansing your colon with coconut oil can help restore lost vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

By dealing with numerous bacteria, fungi, and parasites that may cause indigestion, coconut oil aids in the digestion process and even helps absorb fat soluble vitamins, minerals and some amino acids. When purchasing coconut oil, remember to choose unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil.