Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a fat pressed from the meat of coconuts. It is mostly saturated fat, including medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid.
The comparison oil matters
A meta-analysis of 16 articles found that coconut oil raised LDL cholesterol by about 10.5 mg/dL compared with non-tropical vegetable oils. HDL also rose, but this does not erase the LDL finding. 1
Compared with non-tropical vegetable oils, coconut oil did not improve LDL cholesterol; it increased it. 1
Is it a weight-loss shortcut?
The same review found no significant benefit for body fat, blood glucose or inflammation compared with non-tropical vegetable oils. This is a result for the studied comparisons, not proof that every possible effect has been excluded. 1
Coconut oil is not interchangeable with MCT oil
In a short crossover feeding study, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil reduced lunchtime intake and increased fullness more than coconut oil. Both oils reduced total daily intake compared with the vegetable-oil control. These acute findings do not establish sustained weight loss. 2
A separate question: applying oil to skin
A trial in 117 children with mild-to-moderate eczema found greater improvement with topical virgin coconut oil than mineral oil over eight weeks, including disease severity and skin-barrier measurements. This is evidence about a topical treatment in eczema, not about eating coconut oil for better skin. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Energy1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.