Coconut oil contains several different kinds of fatty acids. The majority of fats found in coconut oil are medium-chain triglycerides. Though these are saturated fats, their shorter molecular length means that the body processes them differently than it does longer-chain fatty acids. The use of coconut oil as a health and weight-loss supplement is controversial due to its high saturated fat content. However, fatty acids from coconuts have many other commercial and industrial uses.
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is one of the two fatty acids that the human body cannot synthesize, which means you must take in a dietary source of it for optimal health and cellular function. It is also one of the fats found in coconut oil. Linoleic acid is an important structural fatty acid that makes up a component of the lipid layer that forms cell membranes. It also makes up the myelin sheath that coats the brain's neurons, allowing them to properly communicate. Taking in too little can cause dry skin, hair loss, slower healing and poor brain function, according to Mark Hyman, M.D.
Oleic Acid
The main fat in olive oil, oleic acid, is an omega-9 fatty acid also found in coconut oil. It is a monounsaturated fat like those in egg yolks, peanut butter, avocados, nuts and seeds. These fats have antioxidant-boosting properties, raise good HDL cholesterol and can help to improve heart health, according to Michael Ozner. M.D.
Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is a medium-chain triglyceride that makes up 50 percent of the fatty acids found in coconut oil. It is also found in human breast milk, which may account for some of the immune-enhancing effects of breast-feeding infants. Lauric acid converts to monolaurin in the body, says Brian Shilhavy of NaturoDoc. This substance has natural antimicrobial effects and can destroy the lipid layer of viruses like HIV, herpes and influenza.
Capric Acid
Frequently used as an antimicrobial pesticide, capric acid has no toxic effects on the human body, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A fatty acid found in coconut oil, capric acid may help to improve the response to eating carbohydrates by balancing insulin levels and increasing the sensitivity of cells to the hormone. Capric acid is also used in the production of dyes, flavoring, lubricants, medicines, perfumes, rubbers and soaps.
Myristic Acid
Myristic acid is named after nutmeg, or Myristica fragrans, according to WiseGeek.com. In its purified form, it is a white crystalline powder that is not soluble in water. Large amounts of myristic acid may stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol, which may justify claims that coconut oil can contribute to risk factors for heart disease in some individuals.
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