Benefits of Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Eating small amounts of organic extra virgin coconut oil may be healthy.

The American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Dietetic Association warn against consuming coconut oil because of its high saturated fat content, which can raise cholesterol and blood lipids, possibly leading to heart disease. However, some recent small studies have shown that coconut oil, particularly organic extra virgin coconut oil, may have some health benefits if consumed in small amounts. Some studies use hydrogenated coconut oils that contain trans fats, which have been linked to higher cholesterol and LDL levels. More recent studies using virgin coconut oil have shown health benefits.

Weight Loss

A study in the July 2009 journal “Lipids” found that 40 women who were given a 30-milliliter daily supplement of coconut oil, followed a low-calorie diet and walked for 50 minutes a day for 12 weeks lost more weight around their abdominal area than women who were given a soy bean oil supplement. Before you rush out to stock up on organic coconut oil to take off those extra pounds, note that 1 tablespoon of coconut oil contains 117 calories and 13.6 grams of fat. If you eat too much, it could have the opposite affect than what you’re looking for. The women in this study reduced their caloric intake and exercised daily, and the amount of coconut oil they consumed was very small.

Cholesterol and Lipids

According to an article in the “Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” most studies claiming the dangers of coconut oil have used hydrogenated varieties. In this study, more than 1,800 Filipino women were examined. They used varying amounts of non-hydrogenated, or virgin, coconut oil for cooking. The study found that although their total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased as they consumed more oil, the levels were still within normal ranges.

Infections

Coconut oil contains lauric, capryllic and capric fatty acids. These fatty acids are also found in human breast milk. They fight bacterial and viral infections by deactivating viruses and preventing them from growing. A 2007 study in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that virgin coconut oil was effective in fighting infections caused by parasitic fungi known as candida.

Hair and Skin

Extra virgin coconut oil is just as effective as mineral oil in treating xerosis, a condition resulting in dry, itchy, rough skin. The oil also has antiseptic properties and prevents damage to your hair. Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, so it’s more easily absorbed by your hair, thus preventing protein loss and damage.

Considerations

Beware of companies that claim that their organic extra virgin coconut oil kills HIV, helps with weight loss, fights cancer, lowers cholesterol or treats specific medical conditions. Although it may not be the horrible, deadly fat it once was thought to be, it isn’t a miracle cure-all either. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that less than 10 percent of your daily calories come from saturated fats, such as coconut oil. Organic extra virgin coconut oil can be part of a healthy diet if consumed within these guidelines.