What Are the Benefits of Coconut Oil Supplements?

Coconut oil and coconut oil supplements can aid in weight loss, help fight viral and bacterial infections, promote heart health and lower cholesterol. Coconut oil is naturally high in lauric acid, a substance that is important for immune system health. Coconut oil is a "good fat" that is easily processed in the body.

Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties

Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that is also found in mother's milk. Breast-feeding infants turn lauric acid into monolaurin, a substance that protects them from many bacterial and viral infections. The lauric acid found in coconut oil is processed the same way and protects the body form bacterial and viral infections, according to Mary G. Enig, Ph.D. (see References).

Healthful Fat

Coconut oil is a "healthful fat"; it is also a saturated fat. These two terms might seem contradictory given all the bad press saturated fat has gotten. Though many saturated fats are still considered bad for your health, coconut oil is different. Its molecular structure allows it to be easily absorbed and processed by the body. Coconut oil is free of trans fats and hydrogenated fats, which are harmful. It also promotes heart health and can lower cholesterol level (see References).

Weight Loss

Most animal fats and vegetable oils are long-chain triglycerides, while coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride. The shorter molecular structure allows coconut oil to be metabolized quickly. The body burns medium-chain triglycerides quickly. In contrast, long-chain triglycerides are stored in the fat cells (see References). Coconut oil can increase the number of calories burned while reducing appetite. Adding coconut oil to a healthy diet can aid in weight loss over time.

Coconut Oil Supplements

Coconut oil as a dietary supplement can be added to cooked foods, melted and drizzled on salads or bread, or spooned right from the jar. It has a smooth texture and light tropical flavor. Coconut oil supplements can be purchased as gel capsules for convenience. According to Brian Shilhavy, a certified nutritional counselor, taking three to four tablespoons of coconut oil a day provides a sufficient amount of lauric acid for building a healthy immune system (see References).

Considerations

When purchasing coconut oil as a dietary supplement, be sure to get "virgin" or "extra virgin" coconut oil. Virgin and extra virgin coconut oil are made from fresh coconut meat. The oil is extracted without the use of chemicals. Also look for unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is liquid at 76 degrees; at cooler temperatures, it is a solid. Coconut oil supplements are becoming increasingly easy to find. Most health food stores carry coconut oil and coconut oil supplements.