Myths and Facts about Coconut Oil

This article describes common beliefs, myths and facts regarding coconut oil.

Knowledge is power! But correct knowledge is the best power. So, when you try to become informed about something, dig as deep as you can so you know the whole story. There are innumerable things in the world that we think we understand, but there is always more to learn. So keep digging!

A major portion of our knowledge is based on what we hear from others, which is why it isn’t necessarily authentic or correct, but we trust the things that people say. The same is the case with our knowledge about coconut oil. There is almost a homogenous mixture of myths and facts about coconut oil in the world today. We want to get into the facts behind these myths in an effort to rediscover the true value of this beneficial substance.

Myth #1: Being composed predominantly of saturated fats, coconut oil raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart attack.

Fact: Common people often immediately associate “bad cholesterol” by the term “cholesterol”. Most of them are unaware of the fact that there are two types of cholesterol, and one of them is good for your health. Furthermore, most of them do not know that so far, the contribution of saturated fats towards a rise in bad cholesterol level has not been proven. This false idea is the result of some anti-coconut oil and anti-saturated fats campaigns powered by edible oil producers to promote non-conventional oils such as soy bean oil or rice husk oil.

Coconut2The fact is that coconut oil actually raises the good cholesterol (High Density Lipoproteins) level which is beneficial for health. This good cholesterol helps lower the bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoproteins) levesl and actually clears the blockages in the arteries, thereby protecting your heart.

Myth #2: Saturated fats present in coconut oil adds to body weight and leads to obesity.

Fact: On the contrary, the medium chain fatty acids (saturated fats) present in coconut oil increases the rate of metabolism, thereby leading to higher consumption of energy for metabolic activities and the resultant burning of more fats. In fact, coconut oil is prescribed for losing weight and a systematic intake of coconut oil will help you lose a considerable amount of weight. As you can see, the myths and facts about coconut oil are very different things.

Myth #3: Coconut oil is an irritant for skin.

Fact: The truth is the exact opposite! Coconut oil is one of the most soothing oils for the skin. The unrefined coconut oil may cause some irritation due to the presence of dust or other unwanted particles in it, but that happens in very rare cases. In cases of inflammation caused by insect stings, allergies, sun burns, reaction of drugs, or bruises, this oil can be miraculously soothing. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can even help heal wounds.

Myth #4: Coconut oil is sweet and not good for diabetics.

Fact: This oil tastes like any other oil and is not sweet. Coconut oil is made purely from fat, and has no glucose in it, so where would the sweetness even come from? Moreover, this oil promotes secretion of insulin from the pancreas, thus helping to control diabetes. Recent experiments have proved that regular use of coconut oil can greatly reduce the chances of developing diabetes.

Myth #5: Coconut oil is thick and is not absorbed easily.

Fact: Perhaps the condensation of coconut oil in winters and its solid look gave birth to this myth. Now, like other myths and facts about coconut oil, this is also amazingly untrue. Coconut oil, and more so Virgin Coconut Oil, is thin, and is not sticky or greasy, and is readily absorbed by the body. That is why coconut oil is preferred for massaging and as tanning oil.


Myth #6: Since it is derived from coconut (which contains a lot of moisture), this oil goes rancid very easily.

Coconut oil is one of the toughest oils in this regard. It is so stable that even if it contains some moisture above the permissible limits, it has a far longer shelf life than other oils and does not go rancid for years.

Myth #7: This oil tastes bad.

Fact: Now, this sounds like the last excuse someone can try. You cannot prove that something tastes good, since likes and dislikes are very personal and differ heavily from person to person. Still, the staunchest of critics will agree that coconut oil has a superb taste. Still don’t believe me?  You are left with no choice but to try it for yourself and make your own opinions. Fry something in it, taste it and then make your decision.

There are other natural oils as well, but they don’t stand a chance against the goodness of coconut oil. All I can tell you is to try it yourself.


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Coconut oil can make your internet at home faster...


Right!? I bought a whole barrel, and I swear my internet speed doubled. Believe me, coconut oil is the best for promoting internet speed.


I've heard people who surf in the winter would rub coconut oil on there face , to help repel the water from hitting your face and takes the sting out of the cold water as it hits your face , is this true ?


I suggest more due diligence on the research, many of your stated "facts" are incorrect.


"Unrefined" coconut oil has a faintly sweet coconut flavor, don't believe otherwise... tastes good in something this complements, not so good when you don't want this flavor creeping in....


In regards to skin, no, coconut oil is not easily absorbed. The molecules are too large to be absorbed into the skin topically, so it makes a terrible moisturizer that most often leads to clogged pores or dry skin.


I have used coconut oil on my face and neck for one week.....this morning I woke up with chaffed, DRY skin on my cheeks and chin! Honestly, I am done with it for a moisturizer....I WILL continue cooking with it though.


Ahhh, I get it now; it's Organic 'facts' ... like it's Fox "news'

"Coconut oil has some heart-friendly fatty acids (myristic) but more heart-unfriendly fatty acids (lauric), says Roger Clemens, DrPH, spokesman and incoming president of Institute of Food Technologists and member of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines committee.

A meta-analysis of 60 studies evaluated the effects of individual fats on risk of coronary artery disease. A few studies looked at coconut oil and found the combination of fatty acids improved the ratio of total cholesterol: HDL (good) cholesterol but they also raised LDL (bad) cholesterol."


love coconut oil, been using it for a month now.I will continue to use it. I use it for everything, moisturizer, in my hair, in my coffee, cooking, and a spoonful by itself.

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