coconut oil provides various health benefits. Increasing good cholesterol Controlling blood sugar Reducing stress Shiny hair Some people apply coconut oil to their hair to increase shine and protect it from damage. It may penetrate the scalp better than mineral oils. Healthy skin Applying a coconut extract to human skin may enhance its protective barrier functions and have an anti-inflammatory effect, says a 2017 studyTrusted Source. Fighting candida In an in vitro studyTrusted Source, coconut oil was active against Candida albicans (C. albicans), suggesting it could be a treatment for candida. This may be due to the extract’s barrier functionsTrusted Source and anti-inflammatory properties. However, this is not the same as consuming regular coconut oil since it is not fermented. Preventing liver disease Reducing asthma symptoms Improving satiety Dental health Oil pulling is a traditional oral treatment. It involves swishing an oil around the oral cavity, in a similar way to the modern mouthwash. Studies have found coconut oil pulling to protect against cavities, improve gingivitis, and influence the oral bacterial balance. Weight loss
