Coconut Oil
Health Benefits

Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

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76 User Reviews
5 star (72) 
  95%
4 star (2) 
  3%
3 star (2) 
  3%

Posted by Sandra (Ventura, CA) on 06/21/2007
★★★★★

I have been using coconut oil since last Sept. I use it for my skin, salad dressing and anything else I can think of. Oh, delicious on baked sweet potatoe. I give my four cats coconut oil on their paws everyday and their coats are beautiful. My one cat Sadie goes to the container on my dresser and helps herself to as much as she wants. Since my last blood work, my cholesterol has dropped from 252 to 240, HDL 86. My blood pressure dropped from 134/89 to 130/70. I love the way it smells and tastes. I use about one tablespoon a day. I am very happy with the results and will continue to use it, as well as my girls.


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Posted by Jeanie (Austin, Texas) on 06/12/2007
★★★★★

Coconut Oil cured my adult acne and keeps me from getting sunburned and promotes a healthy tan. I have fair skin and if I start using coconut oil I brown easily and it actually protects my skin and promotes natural tanning. I do not use sun screen. It also protects my skin from the water. I have been using it for years. I also cook with it...makes delicious fried eggs. It's the only oil that can withstand high temperatures without causing free radicals. I started using it about 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am still cancer-free and rarely ever become ill!

Replied by Johnnie
(Tyler, USA)
05/29/2008

Hi Jeanie, Just wanted to ask if you had surgery for breast cancer before taking the EVCO?

Replied by Jackie
(Newton Le Willows, England)
05/27/2011

my sister has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and was wondering if coconut oil was any good for her could you please let me know how you benefited from using this it would be a great help thank you Jackie.

Replied by Rickilynn
(Bowie, Md)
08/15/2011

Please research the benenfits of a raw diet to cure cancer. Also look into getting the book "The China Study"

Replied by Shari
(Dallas, Tx)
07/30/2013

I read extensive research that vitamin C in doses of 3000 help control cancer, use natural suppleiments, not synthetic.


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Posted by Jeffrey (Bournemouth, England) on 06/07/2007
★★★★★

COCONUT OIL CURED MY INSOMNIA ACID REFLUX AND GAVE ME LOTS OF ENERGY. I AM TYPE 2 DIABETIC THIS OIL HAS GIVEN ME MY LIFE BACK IFEEL SO WELL PLEASE PLEASE TRY IT I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER FELT SO WELL IN YEARS

Replied by Thereaa
(Ireland)
02/22/2015

Can you please tell me how much of the coconut oil you used per day. I have the organic raw coconut oil.


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Posted by Deborah (Swansea, SC) on 04/28/2007
★★★★★

I previously wrote some negative feedback about coconut oil...but I now stand corrected. despite the bad side effects, the flu or food poison symptoms, and yep, I even gained weight at first. After suffering with IBS all my life, I have finally found a cure. I continued to take the VCO even after being sick with it and even gaining weight... I went to my Dr. this past Tuesday and told her I was on it. My blood pressure was a little high, but she told me the VCO was not causing it and she has never heard anything negative about it. she told me that my thyroid was enlarged, but I am sure it was like that before I took the VCO..I started on 2 capsules today, after being on 1 for the last 3 weeks. my weight is starting to slim down some...my appetite has been cut in half...I have energy, the bumps on the back of my arms, are all but gone...my severely dry skin is now soft..my hair is better too. but the main thing is my IBS is cured...I have tried everything under the sun, and this is the only thing that has had this kind of results. and my large bulldog had severe hip problems, I give him 2 glucosomene and one coconut capsul every day. he is so much better..I took him walking today for the first time in a long time. we have always had him on glucosome but we have never had this kind of result, my dog also had bad side effects at first, and I stopped for a while, but he only got worse...he is just so much better now...its amazing. I don't know if coconut oil is for everyone, but I am a firm believer in it now, yes the side effects are bad at first, but be patient it gets better.

Replied by Braying_donkey
(Hamilton, On)
02/26/2013

Capsules are a scam. Buy a bottle of the oil and take it normally.


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Posted by Sue (Orrtanna, PA) on 04/26/2007
★★★★★

My daughter and I are experimenting with the coconut oil and have seen some great results immediately. Her thyroid is working at 20 percent and the swelling is already going down after one week. I am taking it for the overall effects and also an organic liquid vitamin and am feeling great and have more energy. There are some small spots that look like melanoma from the sun and I'm putting the oil directly on them. I'm hoping to see results from that. Will keep you posted. I'm so happy we came across this. It's also helped with a very sensitive stomach.


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Posted by Jesslynn (Bellingham, USA) on 04/23/2007
★★★★★

re: Subject: Coconut Oil for Rashes and Healing of Scars. I am 40 yrs old and have very dry sun-damaged skin. I have been experimenting with vit E, aloe, green tea, olive oil, and just recently extra virgin coconut oil. About two weeks ago I had to have 3 biopsies on my legs. To make a long story short...I tried the coconut oil last night and woke up and found that my legs are much better. The redness from the scars and also a rash I have had for 3 months dramatically improved. I think this stuff actually works great.


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Posted by Stella (Walnut Creek, CA) on 04/17/2007
★★★★★

I have been using the coconut oil for about a month and I love it. I was a lotion junky for whom price was not object. I once spent $60 on a body lotion! I spent even more for face lotions. I was never satisfied and always trying different products. I did not care if the product was natural, I just wanted the most effective thing. I even went to the Dermatologist bought their products. Well I just threw them all out. The coconut oil has been the best thing for my face and body. I have what I call the Double-Whammy, skin that is both aging and acne prone. The coconut oil has been perfect for me because it softens my skin while controlling and preventing break out. When I first put it on it felt so greasy I thought why am I putting this kitchen oil on my body! But after about 15 minutes it completely absorbed in the skin and left no greasy residue. It makes you you think about those other lotions you put on your body, I imagine they are similarly absorbed into your skin, kind of scary!

I love the coconut oil and will continue using it. But here's something odd. I put it on my Husband and he got terrible acne. I am wondering why something that works so great for me did not work for him at all? It's too bad, I would have liked for him to enjoy it too.

Replied by Raledo
(Medford, Or)
11/12/2009

Your hubby might be allergic to coconut oil if he broke out. I know when you start taking it internally, sometimes it makes someone break out. But I use it all the time on my skin and I love it.

Replied by Carlos
(Spain, Barcelona)
12/22/2010
★★★★★

To Stella from CA. IM a 28 year old man, Im a cosmetic and diet freak. I started using everything available. Then I went the natural way trying everything you can imagine from aloe to shea butter, ACV, molasses, soy... I basically have used everything you can think of, even those awful nivea for men. So I started putting EVCO and I also got initial break outs. It felt oily, I wasnt really feelin it. But my mother tried it and said it was wonderful, I came back to read the testimonials and I gave it another try. After few days, all teh dead cells and dry skin in my T zone are gone, I have a light rosacea also and its gone, I have uniform tone. I have read somewhere that coconut oil is detox. It reaches the under layers in skin and cleanses pores, getting rid of dead cells and dirt. Wash his face with warm water, exfoliate. Pat dry. Apply EVCO, massage it throuly for 5 min. Rince with hot water. Remove excess oil and dead cells with a towel. Now skin will be glowing. Apply a thin layer of EVCO again and you are done. Give it a week. New skin will come out after few days, light young smooth skin.

Replied by Meow
(Pekin, Il)
08/27/2011

Your husband is probably NOT allergic to it at all, I would say that he had a "healing crisis" coconut oil is a great detoxifer. I would have him try it again for a while and see what happens.


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Posted by Yvonne (Bridgewater, NJ) on 04/09/2007
★★★★★

I have been using Coconut Oil externally as both a hair conditioner and a skin moisturizer for about one month and have seen an incredible improvement. My face is clear of blemishes and very smooth. It has also helped soften my naturally curly hair. There is no need for all of the useless and expensive products I have been wasting my money on for all these years!

Replied by Shari
(Bedford, Pa)
04/18/2011

How do you use coconut oil on your hair?

Replied by Betherfly
(Lakewood, California, Usa)
04/19/2011

I would suggest trying this: either use a small portion (maybe the size of a dime-quarter depending on your hair length) mixed in with your shampoo. Let sit on hair for a few minutes, then rinse. If you are using it for its more healing properties on the scalp, this is probably your best bet. Alternately you could add it to your conditioner if you are seeking moisturizing properties. Coconut oil melts fast and easily in your hand, so be aware of that. If you keep it in the fridge, you should be able to scrape off a portion with a butter knife. I am currently using it in conjunction with Ted's other remedies for vitiligo, skin is pinking (thanks Ted) and also the moisture portion is great!! Hope this helps, maybe others have some more qualified insight. Take care. Beth


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Posted by Deborah (Palm Bay, Florida) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★

After reading other's comments I recognized that it was not just my imagination that my sugar cravings stopped after I started eating coconut oil. Also, my teeth and gums do feel cleaner all the time. (Grapefruit seed extract also helped my teeth to stay cleaner.) My scalp is starting to feel less dry and I am hoping this will alleviate my dry skin and hair completely.


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Posted by Renee (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★

I've been taking the evco for about 1 month now. I took it because I heard I might lose weight. When I first started the oil, I had diary for about 2 days. But, that stopped. As of now, the following conditions have cleared. The most important first:
1) No more bleeding hemmoroids. I was bleeding 2 or 3 times a week. I was going to go to the dr. but I started the oil and 1 week later, no more blood.
2) No more athletes foot. No more body odor or foot odor, or bad breath.
3) No more yeast infections.
4) Not one pimple on my face. I would get at least 1 pimples per week. I have now soft shiny skin and hair, my wrinkles have gone.
5) No more PMS symptoms: puffiness, mood swings, headaches.
6) And yes. I got into my size 6's which I haven't been able to in 5 years! My stomach is gone! No more cellulite. And I still kept all my muscle. Only the fat is gone. I started at 160 lbs and now, about 150. What more can I say?

Replied by Ibiza
(New York)
07/14/2010
★★★★★

I've been oil pulling with organic virgin unrefined coconut oil for one week. I couldn't wait to report! How wonderful this discovery is! I have more energy, deeper dreams, whiter teeth, and more regular elimination. The most dramatic change is less mucus in my sinuses. I overhauled my diet and started using a neti pot with salt daily two months ago. This is because seven years ago, I became afflicted with allergies and sinus issues. I went to a specialist who recommended over-the-counter relief. Every season, I had to choose a new medicine because the previous one stopped working. Finally, two months ago, I had a horrible sinus infection which caused me to be put on three medications. That's when I said, enough is enough, no more medicine (which I suspect was having an adverse effect on other areas of my body, namely my liver). That's when I implemented a diet change and started using a neti pot. However, using the neti pot was time consuming because often I was unable to get any of the water to pour out of one or both nostrils due to mucus. Still, I persevered and used it every day. I have not had a migraine headache or had to use any allergy medicine since that time. Since oil pulling with the VCO, my neti pot time has been cut in half or more! The water pours out of each nostril easily. No more mucus plugs! It's unbelievable. I am even more confident that using the neti pot, oil pulling and eating a clean, basic, meatless diet will allow me to fully overcome my allergies and sinus issues. I also started using the coconut oil on my face with outstanding results. My face was becoming dry and dull, I guess due to age and hormonal changes (I'm in my 40's). Now, it's as smooth as a baby's bottom! I use a tiny bit in the morning on a clean face and massage it in completely. It does take a while to absorb so do it when you first get up unless you want an oil shine. I can't wait to use it on the rest of my body (need to buy it a gallon at a time from an online source). Lastly, I was immensely skeptical of using the coconut oil as a deodorant. However, yesterday, I did it for the first time since I didn't need to leave the house and live alone, hahaha. I have to say that it worked perfectly. And, I actually did end up going out in the summer heat. It worked then and all through the night into this morning! I just used a small portion and massaged it under my underarms. I'm not a fan of the smell of coconut oil (others love it) and it took about an hour for the smell to subside when used on the face and under the arms. So, I just have to get up earlier so that it's gone by the time I leave the house. I have no idea of how strong the VCO is as a deodorant since I didn't do too much; I'll rotate it along with the other natural deodorants I use.

Replied by Chevygirl
(Tuakau, Franklin, New Zealand)
01/19/2012

Hi there, can you please tell me what is meant by 'pulling oil'? I've just started taking the oil orally and also using it for moisturizer, so will see how things go.

Btw... congrats EARTHCLINIC! AWESOME website! I'm addicted!

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
01/20/2012
2043 posts

Chevygirl, Oil Pulling is an Indian Ayurvedic whole body detoxification method only recently introduced into the western world. You swish veg oil around in your mouth for 20 min then spit it out. Be sure to use mouthwash before & after the pull. My first OP experience was beneficial with noticeable good results.

https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html


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Posted by Renee (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★

I just wanted to add one more item. I, too have been battling high blood pressure 150/90 along with my weight. I noticed my blood pressure has gone down to about 117/65. But, I noticed if I drink a cup of coffee in the morning, my BP will go way up. I am learning that with the increase in energy from the oil, I cannot drink the coffee because its as if it doubles the energy effect. So, my craving for coffee, alcohol and sweets are totally gone. My appetite is also gone.


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Posted by Mauris (Port Orchard, Washington, USA) on 03/27/2007
★★★★★

For about the last 12 months I have only used olive oil and unrefined virgin coconut oil in my household. I only cook with coconut oil, and I eat about 2 or 3 tablespoons of this oil a day. Anymore, I rarely eat out, because of the refined polyunsaturated and easily oxydized oils used in most commercially prepared foods. Coconut oil is stable, does not go rancid, and is easily and quickly digested and turned into energy. After I bathe or shower I always rub coconut oil on my body. All total, it's a big plus. I'm age 66, am 5' 11" tall, and weigh about 165. I have more energy than I used to have, I no longer have itchy athlete's foot, my skin is soft, seems like my digestion is better (less stomach gas), and my blood pressure and cholesterol are both good. It's very unfortunate that we typically think of any and ALL saturated fat as something that's bad for the health!


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Posted by Cindy (Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada) on 03/11/2007
★★★★★

I'use coconut oil and apple cider vinegar everyday. just started a week ago with both feel better, less stressed, more energy, sleep better, it is very good for you, l have stomach problems,been using acv for 6 years before meals and it works. As with the coconut oil it is hard to swallow some days but l do it cause it is good for you...l try to use it when l cook my eggs with salsa -- it is great!!! Salsa and hot peppers are great .. green tea with lemon as well is awesome l just like it and it keeps me slim as well and healthy. thanks have a great day to all..


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Posted by Brad (Rochester, MI) on 03/01/2007
★★★★★

I have been using 1-2 Tbs. of coconut oil per day for about a month now, gradually increasing it over time to avoid any nausea. So far no nausea or stomach issues, and my energy has increased. Overall, I feel great and I've lost 10 pounds! I started taking it for sinus related issues, which is only moderately seems to help so far, but the other benefits are great. My question is, I've heard if you take this long term it may negatively affect your liver. Is there any data to support this claim?


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Posted by Margo (NY, NY) on 03/01/2007
★★★★★

My son takes Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil for acne and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in food and I use it for my skin and also add it to my food. We've had marvelous results so far! I also tried a little in hot chocolate and coffee,but we all know that water and oil don't mix--yuk! It's good with smoothies and mixed in with hot rice though.



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