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.

How to Take Internally

25 User Reviews
5 star (25) 
  100%

Posted by LaToya (Bronx, NY) on 04/23/2009
★★★★★

I've started using VCO recently. I mix a teaspoon into my hot coffee. It tastes great, actually. Don't know if thats an ideal way to take it, but it tastes good.

Replied by Selena
(Chula, GA)
04/23/2009

OMG I love this site. Sorry, this is about my 4th post in 2 weeks. I just wanted to say, I put coconut oil in my coffee too. It took me months to get off of a well known powdered coffee creamer. And boy do I love my coffee, it just wasn't the same without the creamy taste of the hydrogenated fat I was trying to avoid. But I finally made the switch to real milk in my coffee instead (now if I can just find a sub for the milk, haha). Recently, I thought I would try the coconut oil in my coffee (about 1/4 tsp. per cup) and Guess what, It reminds me of my forever longed for coffee creamer. I love it and recommend it.

EC: No need to apologize -- we love multiple posts. Send as many as you wish!

Replied by Bewitching
(Phoenix, AZ)
06/22/2009

I have a dairy allergy, so I now use coconut milk in my coffee instead of cream. I buy the highest fat content milk I can find that is not preserved with any kind of sulfur product. I buy it at the local Asian store.

Replied by Lemonsour
(London, England)
11/11/2009

Hi, I just found this site and have started on some of the most popular practices...basically Apple Cider Vinegar and Virgin Coconut Oil. I only started today so i am hoping to see some good results over the coming weeks. Just wanted to add to this thread, that i took ur advice and add one teaspoon to my coffee twice a day....and i think it tastes great! The boiling water melts the VCO quickly, and very easy to drink. So thanks for the tip. I have also started drinking one teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, which is fine to be honest...not hard to drink at all. Now i just hope i get even a few of the great things stated on this website..fingers crossed!!

Replied by Rccola
(Clarksville, Tennessee, USA)
11/14/2009

You can put coconut oil into gel capsules it works great! No bad taste at all. If you can't get to a store to purchase the gel caps then just get an old prescription and empty them out. Make sure you get all the contents out of the capsule and then fill it with the coconut oil, then swallow. Problem solved. :)

Replied by Stacey
(Fayetteville, Nc)
02/24/2010

You can get gel capsules at your local vitamin/supplement store.

Replied by Danhar
(Alamogordo, New Mexico)
02/04/2011

Any information on use of coconut oil for treatment or use on mouth sores due to chemotherapy?

Replied by Dreamerbob
(San Diego, Ca)
10/09/2011

We keep a jar of VCO mixed up with cocoa and stevia. Take a spoonful several times a day and let it melt in the mouth. Tastes yummy.

Replied by Kat
(Long Island, New York)
09/16/2012

I have been taking it like a pill. I just take a spoonful, let it melt for a couple seconds in my mouth then drink water and swallow... It's just like swallowing a pill. Super easy.

Replied by Lilli
(Kenmore, Wa)
02/11/2013

A friend melts the VCO with dark chocolate (both are good for you) as a treat then pours the mixture in ice cube trays. She uses the VCO that is flavored. You can buy unflavored VCO for cooking. I use mine in green tea, coffee, and toss a blob in with any hot food I am cooking like stews and soups. The flavored VCO is great in Indian and other Asian dishes.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Tina (River John, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 01/07/2009
★★★★★

I have come up with a great way to take black strap molasses and virgin coconut oil. I make fudge out of three ingredients. I take 2 tbls BSM, 2 TBLS VCO, 2 TBLS OF a peanut butter or any nut butter preferably organic but not necessary, I have even used nutella. I melt VCO by putting it in a dish placed in sink with hot waterfor a slow melt. Add the peanut butter mix until smooth and add the BSM mix until smooth. Pour into a flat dish and refrigerate until hard. Then I cut it into one tbls size squares.I take one square in the am and one in the pm.some would want to increase the amount of intake, but this is the right amount for me. i also take the weekend off from consuming this. I make this every few days so that it is always fresh. I would love some feedback on this if you like it or if someone sees a problem with taking it this way. Hope this helps people to stomach some of the things that can be hard to take. This actually tastes all right.

Tina

Replied by Virginia
(Cape Coral, Fl)
10/02/2009

I read that you should not use nut butters - maybe that's just when you're cleansing?

Replied by Bunny
(Santa Ana, Ca)
10/11/2009

Peanuts are often contaminated with fungus. Tree nuts, too. Coconuts don't seem to have this problem.

Replied by Bwana Mike
(Kilauea, Hi)
05/31/2011

In my studies of health issues peanuts often have aflatoxins that are carcinogenic and were linked to cancers of the liver in The China Study by T. Colin Campbell pg. 34-36. It was moldy peanuts used in Peanut butter (in the Phillipines) and corn that caused children in their study to die of cancer of the liver at early ages and adults when the reached around 40's. Whether higher standards are kept now there or elsewhere I do not know. In a recent book on raw foods diet it stated that all raw peanuts have the same AF toxins. I'd suggest to try another nutbutter like almond if you are seriously concerned about your health unless you have an allergy or intolerance to all nuts ground and tree. Do your own research if you will.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Susan (Higganum, Connecticut) on 11/17/2008
★★★★★

How to take Coconut Oil recipe suggestion

I have been mixing 1 tsp EVCO (you don't need to melt it) with a 1/2 tsp peanut butter! I take it twice a day. It's actually pretty good! Enjoy! Susan


How to Take Internally
Posted by Mary Ann (Rural, South Africa) on 11/04/2008

Please help. I would like to start taking CO, being in Africa Im not sure if the coconut oil I have can be ingested. or if one can only apply it. My daughter who is a great believer in using it on her hair left it with me. It is called Pure Coconut Oil and is in solid form, althought when warmed becomes clear oil. It has no smell or perhaps faintly. I am not sure what the appearance should be.

Regards
Mary Ann

EC: Mary Ann, can you tell us the name of the manufacturer? We can do more research about the brand with that information.

Replied by Mary Ann
(Rural, South Africa)
11/06/2008

Thank you so much. The name on the bottle is Hercules Pure Coconut Oil. I am not sure if Hercules is the manufactures name, but there is no other reference on the bottle. It is sold in the Medicinal Section in supermarkets and I think in Pharmacies as well.

EC: Sorry, can't find any information on this product! Anyone have ideas about coconut oil not marked for internal consumption?

Replied by Haycee
(Gauteng, South Africa)
11/07/2008

Hercules coconut oil is distributed by Enaleni Pharmaceuticals, which was recently bought by the Indian Marico group. It is marketed as a hair care product and I am not sure whether or not it is suitable for internal use - it does not have the characteristic coconut smell. However, organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is sold under the Crede Natural Oils label and is available in 400ml bottles at most health shops at a cost of around R70.


How to Take Internally
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 10/28/2008

I've heard so many good things about this. My problem is, coconut oil taste so gross by itself on a tablespoon. How can you take coconut oil without wanting to wretch? It makes me nauseous, when I do manage to choke it down. I know they use to use coconut oil in baked goods a long time ago, because it was the only stable cooking oil that kept for long periods of time. It tastes great in small amounts, just not in great heaping tablespoons.
Otherwise, it makes a great skin moisturizer out of the shower. Smells good too.

Replied by Sandra
(Grosse Pointe, Michigan)
10/28/2008

Hello everyone, I love this site. Thanks to everyone who contributes to it in one way or another, also thanks to the wonderful people maintaining it, I can only imagine the amount of work that must go into it.

As for the coconut oil, I too find the taste very unpleasant (and the texture too, I live in a cold place and the oil is often in solid form), but the way I get around it is by adding about 1 1/2 teaspoons to a bowl of lentils, I usually cook lentils (with turmeric, cayenne, tomatoes and other spices) over the weekend and during the week, I reheat them in a pan, and then add the coconut oil to the bowl. It is a great improvement in taste. I hope this helps.

Replied by Cheryl
(Houston, TX)
05/29/2009
★★★★★

I mix 2 t. of the EVCO with 6 oz. yogurt, 1/4 C. blueberries and 1/2 C. granola. It tastes great!

Replied by Jacki
(Seattle, Wa)
05/03/2010

Hi Sandra: could you share your lentil receipe that you add the coconut oil too. Thanks

Replied by Conspiracytheorist
(Calgary, Ab)
05/30/2010

I use coconut oil on my skin after showers, it amounts to about 3 tbs. Once absorbed, wouldn't it be the same thing? no need to ingest it as your skin is a large organ.

Replied by Natural Remedy Believer
(Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa)
06/05/2011

Hi all,

ABSORPTION OF COCONUT OIL VIA SKIN

Coconut oil is not a 'thin' enough oil to allow for true absorption through the skin. As far as I know, only essential oils are able to do this. All other oils only seal; hence the use of oils for massage. It does, however, seal the skin and assist with dryness. Ingestion would be more advisable for medicinal use.

CANDIDA ALBICANS TREATMENT

"The active ingredients in Coconut Oil are Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid and Lauric Acid. These medium-chain saturated fatty acids are potent antimicrobial agents. They kill bacteria, viruses and fungi by causing their cell walls to disintegrate.

There are studies1 that show how all the fatty acids work together to kill Candida albicans. Another study 2 shows that Coconut Oil is as effective as fluconazole (Diflucan). It goes so far as to say; 'Coconut Oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species. ' " Refer to the link below for more detail and info on how this oil works.

http://www.candida-albicans-cure.com/coconut-oil.html

Also perhaps bear in mind that fatty acids are not meant to be exposed to heat, since this kills the medicinal properties of the oils. Hence the need for coldpressed oils.

I personally mix mine with full cream plain yoghurt, macadamia nut, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Full cream plain yoghurt also has live a & b cultures which assist with digestion, similar to pro-biotics.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Cathy (Sudbury, Canada) on 09/01/2008

If you want to use coconut oil, cook with it! Butter your bread with it, use it in or on muffins instead of butter. My favorite is to use it for cooking pancakes, fried sweet potato french fries. Anything you fry because it is the only safe oil at high temperatures. Get creative with it. enjoy the lovely flavor. Put it in shakes!


How to Take Internally
Posted by Karen (Santa Clarita, CA) on 08/13/2008
★★★★★

I've just started taking Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for psoriasis. I always use a pendulum to assess proper dosages when taking herbs or supplements. You can use anything that dangles (I've even used my key chain) and I've made pendulums from a paper clip or safety pin attached to a thread. Hold the item in your left hand and hold the pendulum in your right hand over the object as you ask the question for a "yes" or "no" response. If the pendulum swings from left to right as when a person motions "no" the answer is no. If the pendulum swings from north to south as in a person motioning "yes" then the answer is yes. Or if the pendulum swings clockwise the answer is "yes" and if it swings counterclockwise the answer is no. Simple. In the case of EVCO I first asked "Would it be beneficial for me to take this EVCO now?" The answer was "yes". Then I asked if it would be beneficial to take 1 Tbs. The answer was "no". I asked if it would be beneficial to take 2 tsp. The answer was "no". Then I asked if it would be beneficial to take 1 tsp. The answer was "no". From there I knew I had to take either more than 1 Tbs. or less than 1 tsp. So I asked if it would be beneficial to take 1/2 tsp. and the answer was "yes"! I had my correct dosage for my body. Interestingly, after taking 1/2 tsp. EVCO I had a queasy stomach, but didn't get sick. Imagine how I would have felt had I just gone ahead and taken 1 Tbs. without checking with the pendulum! I will continue with the 1/2 tsp. dosage until my body tells me to increase or decrease the dosage. I hope this will help you too. Karen

Replied by Shari
(Houston, Tx)
08/06/2009

This pendulum trick sounds like a Ouiji board!

EC: Actually, the pendulum swing is a well-known dowsing technique!

Replied by Dreamerbob
(San Diego, Ca)
10/09/2011

We use a pendulum to communicate with our sub-conscience mind. That is probably what you are getting, the answer from your sub-conscience mind.

Replied by Pbird
(Wa)
03/24/2015

I don't think I would ask a pendulum anything!


How to Take Internally
Posted by Wendy (Titusville, Florida) on 05/26/2008

My favorite ways to use coconut oil - as a butter substitute in hot cereals (oatmeal, ect), on toast, or waffles, or vegatables, I also use it in the pan for cooking my egg whites. when I try to put it in my shakes it gets hard and flakey- which I do not like. I also use it on my skin. I get about 1 tbs per day. Also just started trying Blackstrap molasses today. will report benefits in a few weeks- I hope.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Floss (Philadelphia, Pa) on 05/18/2008

I take my coconut oil in hot tea or warm to hot water, and also in the morning I make a smoothie and add that in last...Have been taking it since Aug of 2007, and lost 20 lbs and an added benefit was that it reduced my Cholesterol and Triglycerides..I was able to get off of the medicine that the Dr. had prescribed...

Replied by Jenni
(Clarksville, Tn)
03/12/2010

It's excellent in the instant hot chocolate, too. It seems to make it a lot richer...yum!


How to Take Internally
Posted by Joanna (Lansdowne, PA) on 04/10/2008
★★★★★

I tried Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil for the 1st time a few days ago and I was okay. It felt funny going down though and it made me feel kinda a weird. I've taken 2 teaspoons with concord grape juice. It was a great combination and the taste was out of this world (very delicious). I will gradually use this product for my thyroid condition, due to reading great articles and other responders of how great EVOCO is for health. With everything I suggest you start off with lose dose. I wouldn't go my the recommended dose on the package. 2-3 tablespoon seems to be too much, unless you are cooking with it. Taking that much orally is too much and you would get sick. I used it with juice and it felt a little weird, because it do not vaporate and I had to swallow a lump of EVOCO, but I didn't get sick. Thank God. I will skip a day and then use it again, but only 1 tsp. Be careful everyone, don't overdo it. :)

Replied by Mel
(Toronto, Canada)
05/13/2008

I was wondering if Coconut oil was supposed to be sweet. I guess I am really naive when it comes these things since we are just starting to get into treating ourselves in a healthy manner instead of conventional MDs (not that there is anything wrong with that). I got some 100% Pure Virgin Coconut Oil. It was solid with a dark sediment. I stirred it but did not scrap the bottom and then took a spoonful and swallowed it. It was not what I was expecting and had to drink water to not gag. It this normal?


How to Take Internally
Posted by Helle (San Miguel, Mexico) on 03/04/2008
★★★★★

I cook with coconut oil. It's solid, like butter, and I use it as a spread. I don't like to use butter unless its raw and organic. I also use it on my body. I've never noticed any unpleasant side effects,and I eat a lot of it, five six tablespoons a day. It makes a great skin cream.


How to Take Internally
Posted by KLF (New York, USA) on 01/06/2008
★★★★★

hi- i have been using coconut oil for nearly and year and have had near amazing results- i have recommended it to everyone i know. 2 tips, the first one is i always take it on a full stomach (taking it on an empty stomach caused me to become physically ill on more than one occasion, but since i have been taking it after eating i have been fine). also, for people who cant swallow it, i melt mine first, take a spoonful and chase it down with a small glass of oj. it is the only way i can get it down. but it works!


How to Take Internally
Posted by Mellybag (Austin, Texas, USA) on 11/03/2007

I have noticed some of you have heart palpitations when you started vco. If newly using vco, start with 1/4 or 1/2 tsp for around two-three weeks, then gradually increase til you get 1 tablespoon. Those who develop diarrhea and acne, etc., your toxins are being expelled so continue using your vco it would eventually stop once your system is clean. Listen to your body, some have no problem having 1-2-3 Tablespoons of vco, while other have. LouAnna from Walmart and elsewhere uses hexane! That is an RBD oil which can be toxic because of the hexane. They steam to remove hexane, but how sure are you it all dissipated? Melly

Replied by elimay
(Canton, USA)
05/10/2008

I am new to the use of coconut oil. I bought a jar from Walmart. Have not used it yet, because I am still researching. It does not say virgin, but it does say it is 100% all natural and it is non-hydrogenated. In the ingredients it only has Coconut Oil. A person named Mellybag said it has hexane (whatever that is) that has been removed and asks how you can be sure that it has> It does not say anything about it being in there, and is so much cheaper than other prices I have seen.

Replied by Adrien
(Indianapolis, Indiana)
05/10/2008

Response to Elimay - from Canton in USA about Coconut Oil. This is my first time writing to this site even though I've used it quite often... For the past two months I have pulled coconut oil, usually first thing in the morning. I also take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil three times a day. So far I've great results. My skin is nice. Very clear, soft, radiant. My energy level has improve greatly. I'm alert and I feel rested after sleeping. Like so many others I lost weight without trying about 10 pounds or so.(An added benefit.) I am in the habit of taking care of myself but from time to time become lax. I exercise but recently have not been on a strengent exercise program like I need to be on. Anyway, I am 51 years old, in good health, and a woman of color. My diet is good with plenty of vegetables and fruit. I do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke. Generally, my sleeping habits are good. I've included this info about myself because when reading, often this is left out and I wonder how close are my lifestyles to other readers. Like you, I purchased a less expensive brand of pure coconut oil from Walmart. I use this to pull with (and cook with sometimes). I also have a supply of the Gold Label (top of the line)oil which I ordered on-line from Tropical Traditions. I take this internally. This is pure, unrefined oil that has been separated from the coconut milk in a tradtional method. I use this on my skin, hair as well as cooking. I enjoy a salad dressing of 2 parts vinegar, 1 part honey and coconut oil. I love coconut and have bought shampoo,conditioners, lotions over the years. But, the unrefined oil is the BEST. Either of the products mentioned are acceptable for taking internally it's just a matter of taste and/or afforability. When I could afford the better brand I bought it. After reading about the methods of producing the oil I was sold on the best. May God bless and keep you through the power of His might. Sincerely Your, Adrien in Indy, USA

Replied by Angela
(Sheldon, Iowa)
08/10/2009

When looking for a good coconut oil, look for unrefined,virgin,or extra virgin on the lable. Cold pressed is another key word. It's the way the oil was extracted is what detirmines how good it is for you. Allot will say organic but it is questionable. Do your homework. I've been told ___ ___ ___is a good brand.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Jarrod (Fillmore, CA) on 10/16/2007
★★★★★

Coconut Oil -- This stuff is the truth!!! I used to take a tablespoon straight up, but that made me sick. So now I use it to cook my eggs. I also spread it on my toast with some local honey drizzled on there. mmmmmm.... I totally notice an increase with energy! And it's delicious!


How to Take Internally
Posted by Warren (Costa Mesa, California) on 09/23/2007
★★★★★

It seems odd that so many people have side effects from using vco. I've been using it for oil pulling since the taste is so pleasant. I use at least one tablespoon with a little honey with a jigger of ACV in the morning. No side effects for this 76 year old kid. Now if I could only cure my emphysema.

Replied by Jenneffer
(Middleburg, Florida)
05/13/2008

I have heard that Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy is great in helping emphazema, just something you may want to look into. Google "Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy"

Replied by Cured
(Niceville, Fl)
01/04/2010

It is great that you did not experience any side effects. I have read more in other sections what causes side effects--"candida die-off". My personal opinion is every american within the last 2-3 generations is probably affected by some degree of candida overgrowth even young children (myself at 31). I have been using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for just over a month now. I use it as a mositurizer after a shower and before applying make-up (even with very oily skin I have great results) and have used it a few times in my hair; all of which I absolutely love the results. I have eaten it once in eggs--it will be awhile before I do it again. They tasted better than my old recipe but within 2 hours I was in the restroom with a bad case of #2.

After researching the die-off symptoms I have self diagnosed myself with this. VCO has antifungal properties--killing disease-causing bacteria and leaving good bacteria alone, it will also kill candida and other fungi in the intestinal tract, further supporting a healthy intestinal environment. The road may be a little bumpy for some. The best advice in beginning VCO is start out small and listen to your body. If symptoms occur--back off the VCO. Around about week 2 and 3 was when I was having to back-off. Somewhere in week 4 and I know all last week I used as a moisturizer everyday after a shower. I might still have some minor flu like symptoms coming up but I think i'm in the clear of most the bad stuff that I was experiencing. I have also used it to oil pull but nothing on a regular basis. OP does not require you ingest VCO and you spit out most of it.

Go easy getting started and I wish everyone a sucessful experience with VCO in the long run. Dosages for this one is difficult as each person is different you kinda have to find your own dosage. Internally use less than 1/2 teaspoon. Externally on a small portion of your body say hands and face. Either way start small and increase as needed in a week-2 weeks. This will help reduce die-off symptoms if one were to have this existing condition and not know as was the case for me. I love VCO and this site. Thank you Earth Clinic!!



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