Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

I see some people have had some issues with coconut oil not working for them. For me coconut oil has been a God send! However its not some magic elixer that is going to fix every ailment for everybody. Apple cider vinegar has done wonders for a lot of people, but I have my own personal uses for it b/c it does not do for me ALL the things some people claim it does. For instance, I know that my skin will go crazy if I'm not on birth control pills. And I also know a little bit of coconut oil (and I do mean a LITTLE bit) is an excellent moisturizer for those with problem skin. Although Virgin coconut oil is WONDERFUL (I put it on just about anything I eat at home) its not a cure all. If you have something off balance in your body,all the coconut oil in the world may not be able to help you. Go to the doctor for pete's sake! VCO is great for prevention, but once the damage is done, you're better off seeking professional help. Oh and make sure you are taking Extra Virgin Coconut oil.And not just coconut oil. the right one solidifies 77 degrees...I just put it on hot food to melt it.

Sorry you feel the need to use birth control pill for your acne. The pill is conected with breast/uterin cancer and heart disease, as well as just messing up our system the way it is beautifully intended to work. As for acne, I found that pure lemon juice used on a cotton ball for an astringent works great for acne. Pure olive oil as a follow-up moisturizer is great and absorbs quickly with no greasy feal. I use a cotton ball to apply that as well. I hope this helps. It's a whole lot cheaper all around.

For the person taking the birth control pill for acne instead you should try Tumeric spice or tumeric capsules (main ingredient must be curcumin and nothing else) fortified with black pepper to help absorb it. Tumeric is also a miracle herb in which it eliminates many ailments almost within 30 minutes depending what exactly you are suffering from. For alergy sufferers 1 tsp of tumeric powder spice mixed with 1 cup of milk will clear up your sinus, pain and watery eyes completely and you will breath again. Tumeric is a pain reliever because it eliminates inflammation and cures a lot of other problems too. I found a lot info about tumeric on this site as well.

In my experience, most acne is a virus and an imbalance in good bacteria in the colon. It's often not enough to take probiotics or coconut oil because it does not kill it entirely. The best one thing for acne is black walnut because it is very good at killing all the things that cause breakouts AND will balance the good/bad bacteria at the same time. And yes, cleansing and supporting the liver is important too, but if you're not killing things when they come out, you're just re-circulating everything. I suggest working with a professional on this one because killing stuff is not an easy process most of the time and it's hard to know if it's die-off or you need to back off because your organ are in overload.... Because that's what probably caused the problem in the first place. There are different parasite killing herbs for different parasites, viruses, etc... So if you're going to get the job done... You need to know which one you have... Get tested.... Muscle testing is best and I'm an advocate of nutritional response testing.... Good luck!

Ditto on the turmeric. It really does work great for skin. There is also an indian Turmeric cream which will clear your complexion super fast and make it beautiful as well. It is called _______ Turmeric cream. Try it. You will keep buying it forever.

What coconut oil capsules do you take? I bought extra virgin coconut oil from the vitamin shoppe can you take it by spoon? thanks!

I have been using pure coconut oil in cooking and on my skin for 6 months now. I had no dry skin problems during the summer (portuguese summers are really dry) and have not had any adverse reactions on eating the oil. I love the oil. no more buying expensive face creams!!

I found great source online for organic VCO at half price of my local health food store and they have free shipping. I know we aren't supposed to plug specific brands but you can go to the site and see for yourself. If you want to cook with VCO (my boyfriend still frys anything he can get in his mouth!) it can get expensive. The site is www.ecoviva.com. If the site name gets blocked out, please feel free to email me and I'll direct you to it. They are a small family-owned business in Utah that I found through a search engine, and no, I have no affiliation with them, other than to recommend a business out there that's offering really good value.

Hi Kimberly - The "Free" shipping is on orders of $100.00 or more at the site you mentioned. Their coconut oil is higher priced (like over DOUBLE!) than the type I buy at iherb also. NOT a "good deal" in my opinion! Just an fyi for others.

Hi, is the Vitecom selling pure coconut oil?

Walmart does have organic coconut oil by Spectrum in their cooking oil aisles for under $7. However, it is refined. Also, Costco is now carrying cold pressed coconut oil in a large bottle. Can't remember the price or name because I just purchase it with everything else I get there.

Have to agree about Tropical Traditions. Its lovely. And comes in glass. Is not the cheapest out there but cheapest scares me a little.

Tropical Traditions...they have specials throughout the year. Best Coconut Oil around!

"You get what you pay for" is what Mom taught me.

Then you would say that coconut oil that is not of the highest quality will solidify in cold water, while high quality oil will remain liquid? And also that a slight yellow/tan color in the oil indicates it is of superior quality, as well.

Most commercial grade coconut oils are made from copra. Copra is basically the dried kernel (meat) of the coconut. It can be made by: smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying , or derivatives or a combination of these three. If standard copra is used as a starting material, the unrefined coconut oil extracted from copra is not suitable for consumption and must be purified, that is refined. This is because the way most copra is dried is not sanitary. The standard end product made from copra is RBD coconut oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. High heat is used to deodorize the oil, and the oil is typically filtered through (bleaching) clays to remove impurities. Sodium hydroxide is generally used to remove free fatty acids and prolong shelf life. This is the most common way to mass-produce coconut oil. The older way of producing refined coconut oil was through physical/mechanical refining (see Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil.). More modern methods also use chemical solvents to extract all the oil from the copra for higher yields.

RBD oil is also sometimes hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. This happens mostly in tropical climates, since the natural melting point of coconut oil is about 76 degrees F, and already naturally a solid in most colder climates. Since coconut oil is mostly saturated, there is little unsaturated oil left to hydrogenate. Hydrogenated oils contain trans fatty acids.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining, since the natural, pure coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of several years. There are currently two main processes of manufacturing Virgin Coconut Oil:

1. Quick drying of fresh coconut meat which is then used to press out the oil. Using this method, the coconut meat is quick dried, and the oil is then pressed out via mechanical means. (see our Green Label Virgin Coconut Oil)

2. Wet-milling. With this method the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without drying first. "Coconut milk" is expressed first by pressing. The oil is then further separated from the water. Methods which can be used to separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes and mechanical centrifuge. (see our Traditional Virgin Coconut Oil)

If you would like so see how they process the extra virgin oil, then go to youtube and you'll find it under.
The Cocovida virgin coconut oil production process...Take 11

Two weeks ago i have toe nail ingrown .So i put cuticle remover till the nail is soft. I used Toe Nail Nipper and the ingrown nail was took off but the area was in pain and at night it was swelled. I put HOME MADE COCONUT OIL IN THE AFFECTED AREA AT NIGHT AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. oN the third day the affected area was healed and the swollen area has gone. I also used coconut oil if i have cuts coz of knife. This is my real experienced. Maria

Heating coconut milk to extract oil will not cause loss of nutrients except for vitamin e. This has been widely discussed in other vco forums/fora. Heat should be no more than 80F. So it would take you a real lllooonnng time to get your oil, however, it would be a good oil, no smell, no coconutty taste, clear as water and lasts very very long. I tested this method and my oil lasted 5 years. You have to keep it in a cool dark place and use glass bottle. Melly.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

The coconut oil can make have an 'effect' on hormones, with hypothyroidism there are various reasons for underactivity, autoimmune, iodine deficiency etc. Ask your doctor to test for thyroid antibodies because Hashimotos autoimmune thyroid disease makes the hormone releases irregular and causes other symptoms. You still need to take your thyroid hormones :) You might like to join a forum for thyroid sufferers?I have Hashis, I am trying the oil again, I couldn't tolerate it before.

God bless

I read with concern how some readers make virgin coconut oil (VCO). It should not be subject to heat treatment otherwise all its nutritional benefits will be lost. When pressing out the cococnut milk from the kernel, try to use cold press method if possible. Do not subject the coconut milk to heat treatment. Let stand in a clean room for 36 hrs at consistent temperature of about 38-40 deg Celcius. The santan will separate into oil, residue (milk) and water. filter out the oil. Filter again and let stand for another 8 hours. Filter for the third time and let stand again for another 8 hrs.This way u'll get a clear colorless VCO. I visited a cottage industry VCO maker and this was how he explained the process of making VCO.

Hi to SAI ENG from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, my name is gary, perak, malaysia. if you happen to read this message, could you email me the address of the cottage industry VCO maker, please. Regards, gary

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.

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

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!!

Well, I am not positive, however, all I can tell you is that after years of fungus on my two big toes... It's now gone!!! You name it I tried it... I thought it was from salon pedicures, then, I thought damage to my nail beds from running and maybe my toes hitting the top of my shoes... Well, needless to say... I just couldn't get the fungus to go away!!! Then my life was changed by this site! I started taking ACV (Apple Cider Vineger) and VCO and I am now fungus free! I was taking the coconut oil orally ( 3 t. a day) and it made me bloated so I didn't take it for more than a month I'd say... However, I did use it as a moisterizer every night after my shower and I would specifically rub it around and under my toe nails... I cannot believe that the fungus is gone!!! Honestly! I share my story every where I go! Nail shops really need this information to pass onto their clients... Fungus makes you feel so dirty... My beautiful toe's have returned! Thank you! Earth clinic and friends! Suzie Fluss, H.B.

I was advised to use CERTIFIED Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for eating - and CERTIFIED Organic (not virgin) for cooking. Of course, the later is less expensive. I find I can take it by the spoonful, though I will also put it on my hot buckwheat cereal. This product, together with Oil Pulling has improved my health markedly. Am thrilled.

After I read all those comments and feedback...so I decided to send my feedback...my daughter (2years and 3 months old) got a good results to her VIRGIN COCONUT OIL. i think its last year it was prescribed by her pedia and I hesitate I always think that if its safe to her then maybe it is safe coz it was what my pedia said....finally I gave her VCO.... last week of august until now, and I discover the effect...my daughter has a history of PRIMARY COMPLEX....her lungs is very weak....and her pedia said...try VCO she said it is good to her lungs daw....then I tried...ITS REALLY FANTASTIC...all her phlegm has been blown....she always make spit with phlegm ....before....after she got cough (a severe cough) the next will be cold...and next is fever....then I always rushed her to her pedia....and as always ANTIBIOTICS....ANTI ASTHMA....SALBUTAMOL.......CARBOSISTEINE.....what else....she always take med....thats the usual...when she had a COUGH...her hard phlegm makes her weak...then finally I found the best remedy for cough...I think ah...and as far as my daughter experience is concern... eventhough she does not have a COUGH right now....she always make spit with PHLEGM...and finally I don't heard any sounds HALAK to my child...THANKS TO GOD...because I always pray what should I do...I always think to my child for her condition and her health is so weak because of her lungs...and now VCO... is her "so called" VITAMINS.....10ml a day before she sleep and it mixed with her milk.......i always pray to GOD and I'm always thankful...for the VCO...and now I'm also using it for my face, hands and elbow so far....im saying this as a feedback and comment not an ADVISE....so please consult first to her doctor before taking it....thanks

Hi! What brand name of Virgin Coconut Oil is good to use for my daughter having a primary complex.. Please help me... Ttnx

Hi there..my 4yrs old son has recently diagnose with primary complex..I would like to know if you did not administer the kit that the doctor prescribe to your child, instead you use VCO? Who is your pedia so we can also visit her for my son's diagnosis..I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks and God Bless!

I'm Sharmila from Mauritius. I'm an indian and in our country we use coconut oil as a cooking oil and for topical application. It is very good for dry hair, skin and prevents dryness. In our country we don't drink this oil as it contains saturated fat which clogged arteries. So check with doctors before taking it internally.

In response to Sharmila from Vacoas, Mauritius. It is true that Coconut oil is a saturated fat but like most anything there are good and bad saturated fats. A forty-year old study showed that HYDROGENATED Coconut oil did raise blood cholesterol and caused heart disease. This is simply because the process of hydrogenation creates "trans fatty acids", which are toxic substances that enter cell membranes, block the use of essential fatty acids and hinders cell function. Trans fatty acids also raise blood cholesterol.

However these substances are NOT present in natural coconut oil. On the contrary, natural coconut oil may be very beneficial in preventing heart disease rather than causing it. In addition, Coconut oil is very easy to digest and quick to convert energy which means that these types of fatty acids are less likely to cause obesity because they are immediately used by the body and have no opportunity to be stored. So is Coconut oil really bad for you? NOT AT ALL.

I am so, so thankful for being informed about coconut oil. I am 63 YO, and am on a restricted diet to reverse diabetes and eating coconut oil has changed my lief and I am told I look 5 years younger, my skin is smooth and NO wrinkles, and it glows, my hands are soft and smooth, not wrinkled, and I walk with zest, and spunk, and enjoy everyday with energy and now I am not afraid that I will have memory problem or Alzheimer's as I get older. Thank GOD, Merryanne in Central FL

Hey also try mustard oil for hair... google it :)

Danielle, what brand of coconut oil are you using and where purchased?

What are some ways to take 3-4 TBS a day of coconut oil? I got some and it is just soooo not easy to take that much. The taste is not bad, it just tastes like coconut. I think it is the oily, buttery, overload, texture. Mix it in a drink? Thanks

I agree, its not easy to take. I don't like to cook with it either.

But I found the best way! I take it with my tea! I just make some green tea (or whatever you like), sweeten it with molasses, and put a table spoon of virgin coconut oil. Perfect combination!

Now I keep my VCO in the fridge to keep it in solid state because it's easy for me to just go take a scoop of it.

Good luck!

I drink mine in a smoothie. Unflavored Probiotic yogurt, milk or almond milk, a tablespoon or 2 of coconut oil, vanilla, agave nectar or honey, and frozen berries. It is so good. I am not a breakfast eater, and since starting this smoothie in the mornings I have so much energy!

My naturopath told me to stop taking agave nectar since it's basically the same as sugar and has many side effects including an upset stomach which I had. She told me to use stevia instead of honey.

To sweeten fruit smoothies, I break off ripe bananas into chunks, and freeze 4-5 of chunks in a ziploc bag -- enough for one smoothie. Not only is it a healthy and delicious way to sweeten smoothies, but it gives them a cold and creamy texture.

Rischa, That is great news, I am curious to know what your test results revealed? Complete healing I pray for you, please let me know!

Been using VCO for acne for about two weeks. Progress has been slow to non-existent. I als read that it helps with regularity so decided to take it internally (1tsp) for that. Well I didn't get that effect either but amazingly I tookit around the first day of my period and I noticed that my period stopped for a couple of hours. Whenit came back I took another tsp and it went away for two days. It eventually came back but the flow was low and totally painless. I googled the effect and foud out people have been using it for this purpose for centuries. Wish I had known earlier.

Very useful info thanks