Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Extra virgin coconut oil is a natural plant oil that has a centuries-long history of use by several cultures in the tropical regions of our world. To this day, it is valued by folk healers, nutritionist and alternative medicine practitioners for a number of therapeutic and nutritional benefits it may offer. Preliminary research studies have provided evidence supporting the health benefits claimed for this oil, but a licensed healthcare practitioner should be consulted to ascertain their efficacy for each individual case.

Anti-fungal Agent

A study conducted by the Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology in Nigeria determined the efficacy of virgin coconut oil as an anti-fungal remedy for candida. In a 2007 abstract published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, it was reported that the coconut oil was active against a number of different species of the candida fungus, including Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis. The study concluded that coconut oil is an effective treatment for fungal infections.

Treat Xerosis

Extra virgin coconut oil can be used as a moisturizing remedy for xerosis, a skin condition that is characterized by rough, dry, scaly skin. In a randomized, double-blind research study published in the Dermatitis Journal, researchers at the Makati Medical Center in the Philippines report that, when applied topically, extra virgin coconut oil is just as safe and effective a moisturizer as mineral oil. They attributed this oil’s effectiveness to significant improvements in participants’ skin hydration, and an increase in lipid levels of the skin surface.

Immune Stimulant

Coconut oil can be taken to support and stimulate the immune system. In a report published in the Journal of the Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine, Professor B.M. Hegde M.D. writes that coconut oil is an excellent source of a naturally occurring fat called monolaurin that helps to stimulate the immune system. He reports that monolaurin is an essential constituent in mothers’ milk, which newborn babies and infants depend on to prevent infection and for the proper development of their immune systems.

Culinary Purposes

Throughout the tropical regions of the world, coconut oil has served as the primary source of dietary fat for millions of people. In his book “Coconut Cures,” Bruce Fife N.D., notes that it is a very heat stable, which makes it an excellent oil for cooking. With a smoke point of 360° F, it is well-suited for cooking at high temperatures. It is slow to oxidize, which makes it more resistant to rancidity than most animal cooking oils.