Coconut oil, known as Nariyal tel in Hindi is a common oil found in every household. It is extracted from ripe coconut pulp in a coconut tree and is cold and sweet. It has various utilities in food, medicine, and industry. 

Coconut oil is also very beneficial for our health as it is rich in nutrients. It contains fatty acids. The two major fatty acids present in this oil- myristicin and lauric are very beneficial for health. It is extremely beneficial for weight loss, treating, improving digestion, and also protects us from many infections and diseases. For this reason, it is used to cure many diseases in the body. Coconut oil is commonly used for hair and body massage, but in South India, this oil is also used for cooking. The botanical name of coconut is Cocos nucifera.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is Very Beneficial for Hair-

Coconut oil protects hair. Applying coconut oil to the hair reduces the protein loss of damaged and normal hair. It can be used both before bathing and after bathing. It goes deep inside the hair shaft and provides nourishment to it. For this reason, coconut oil is considered very beneficial for hair. 

Coconut Oil Protects against the Sun's Harmful Rays-

Applying coconut oil protects the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This oil can block up to 20 percent of the sun's harmful rays. According to a study, coconut oil has the best sun protection factor and hence it is also used in many sunscreens.

Coconut Oil Prevents Fungal Infections-

Coconut oil has antifungal properties, which protect the skin from various types of fungal infections. This is why the use of coconut oil can help in avoiding fungal infections.

Coconut Oil is Beneficial in Weight Loss

Coconut oil can also be used for weight loss. This oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. This MCT (Medium-chain triglycerides) is considered to be a major part of the weight loss diet. This is why coconut oil can help in weight loss.

Benefits for Lips-

The fat found in coconut oil helps in providing moisture to the skin of the lips. Coconut oil is used exclusively in the natural lip balm available in the market. This oil is odorless, due to which it can also be used as a lip balm.

Coconut Oil is Effective in Diabetes-

Consumption of coconut oil is also beneficial in diabetes. According to a study, virgin coconut oil can control diabetes because the bioactive compounds present in virgin coconut oil control blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose present in the blood. The use of coconut oil can also help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).

Coconut Oil is an Immunity Enhancer-

Coconut oil is also helpful in strengthening the immune system. Capric acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil have antimicrobial activity, which can help the body fight diseases by strengthening the immune system.

Dental health-

Coconut oil can also be used for oil pulling. The lauric acid present in it is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. For this reason, coconut oil can also be considered good for dental health and prevents plaque. It is also effective in reducing gingivitis caused by plaque.

Other Benefits of Coconut Oil are-

• Coconut oil can help treat and prevent cancer.
• The minerals present in this oil can cure the dryness of the lips.
• Lips are softened by applying coconut oil.
• This oil improves digestion by helping the body absorb fat, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins.
• About half of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid, which is known to be particularly good at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, so the use of this oil externally eliminates the infection.
• Coconut oil is also used as an antidepressant.

Types of Coconut Oil

Organic Coconut Oil

This oil is obtained from coconut directly broken from the tree and no chemical fertilizer is used in its production. It is grown by natural manure. Nutrients are found in abundance in this coconut oil.

Non-Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil obtained from trees using chemical fertilizers is called non-organic coconut oil.

Refined Coconut Oil

This oil is extracted from dried coconut. It is bleached and passed through a process that eliminates bacteria. A little white color is also used in it.

Virgin / Unrefined / Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Unrefined coconut oil is the most useful coconut oil, as it is made from pure and fresh coconut fruit. There is no adulteration of any kind. It shows the natural color, aroma, and taste of coconut oil. It is also called virgin coconut oil.

Side effects of Coconut Oil

• Excessive use of coconut oil in people susceptible to coconut may cause an allergic reaction and severe anaphylaxis. However, this happens very rarely.
• Excess intake of coconut oil can cause diarrhea.
• When using coconut oil for the treatment of fungal infections, the bloodstream becomes clogged with toxins which can cause flu-like symptoms.