Coconut Oil- Composition

Coconut oil is highly saturated tropical oil derived from coconuts of the coconut palm tree. Traditionally it has provided many health benefits to the peoples who live in areas of the tropics and sub-tropics where coconut palms grow. The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. Coconut oil is generally known to be comprised of the following:


• 92% Saturated fatty acids (i.e. lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid)

• 6.2% Monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid)

• 1.6% Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid)

• antioxidant polyphenols (gallic acid)

• fatty acid derivatives (betaine, fatty esters, monoglycerides)

• fatty alcohol derivatives (fatty chlorides, fatty alcohol sulphate)

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin K

• Iron

The bad press that coconut oil has received in the past stems from the fact that as shown above, about 92% of it is composed of saturated fatty acids. Recent research has shown that not all such fatty acids are harmful. Lauric acid in particular, the same substance found in mother's milk, has been found to be very potent in fighting a range of bacteria and viruses that lead to a lot of diseases. High concentrations of lauric acid in coconut oil make it an effective fighter against many diseases. In addition, the saturated fats found in virgin coconut oil have been shown not to increase the level of bad cholesterol (or LDL) levels in the body that contribute to many cardiovascular diseases. This is why virgin coconut oil is said to be an effective partner in heart and brain health.

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