Coconut oil is high in MCTs, a type of fat that your body metabolizes differently than most other fats. MCTs are responsible for many of the health benefits of coconut oil.

When you eat MCTs, they tend to go straight to your liver. Your body uses them as a quick source of energy or turns them into ketones.

Ketones can have powerful benefits for your brain, and researchers are studying ketones as a treatment for epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions.

The fatty acids in coconut oil can encourage your body to burn fat, and they provide quick energy to your body and brain. They also raise HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood, which may help reduce heart disease risk.

How about applying coconut oil to hair and skin?

Researchers concluded that the unique structure of lauric acid — the main fatty acid in coconut oil — can penetrate the hair shaft in a way that most other fats can’t

The Vitamin K and iron content in coconut maintain the health of the hair and impart shine to it.

with regular use of coconut oil, you can keep your hair in good condition and prevent hair loss. In fact, massaging the scalp with coconut oil will increase blood flow to the hair follicles, condition the scalp and enhance the strength of your hair’s roots.

Dandruff can be caused by an overgrowth of fungus or yeast on the scalp, and coconut oil’s antifungal properties help eliminate dandruff. The oil also moisturizes the dry scalp and provides relief from itching, one of the common symptoms of dandruff.

its emollient properties may make it beneficial for certain skin types, such as dry or normal-to-dry skin, when used as an overnight moisturizer.

Coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that help hydrate and protect skin. These include linoleic acid, which helps skin retain moisture, and lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties.

If you have dry, flaky skin, using coconut oil instead of your regular moisturizer may soften and hydrate your skin, leaving it looking refreshed and soft upon waking.