Here are some of the health benefits of coconut oil:

It is a good choice for cooking with as it is slower to oxidise and less altered by heat.

The fat in coconut oil converts in the body  to energy rather than fat it is a medium chain fatty acid and is the nearest to that found in breast milk.  The recommended daily intake is 31/2 tablespoons but you should not rush into taking that amount, especially if you are on a low fat diet.  You could initially experience diahorrea

If you imagine all the things that a mothers breast milk offers the newborn baby then you can expect that support from coconut oil:

It enhances the immune system,

Is antiviral and antibacterial,

It's heart friendly

Great for the skin as a moisturiser (though a bit greasy) and can be used as a deodorant as the enzimes react with perspiration and neutralise the odour.

Lauric acid is one of the wonder ingredients of coconut oil and it  converts into monolauric when digested into the body.

Recent research studies have shown that Monolauric Acid has the ability to help the body fight off viruses.  Monolauric acid is an important agent which is natural and fights against foreign invaders like viruses.  This particular acid was first found in human breast milk when scientists were studying antiviral properties.  Monolauric acid is a natural agent with absolutely no potentially dangerous side effects in humans.  Some viruses can cause a host of problems in individuals while others don’t seem to cause any care for concern.  Viruses are overall interesting in how they replicate and enter the human body.  Many scientists have thought there has been a causal relationship between some viruses to the development of cancers and even Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; this has never been proven at all.  Problems for finding ways to fight viruses include: antibiotics have no effect on viruses, many drugs which have been researched have extremely damaging effects on the body’s good cells, and new viruses make it hard for medications to even work.  This acid is a sage alternative supplement to safely destroy viruses.

Viruses cannot live outside of the body without a host for an extended period of time.  If they are expelled by one host like a sneeze or cough they must be taken up by a new host almost immediately or they will of course die.  Many viruses hide in body fat so that they are hidden from the immune system which wants to attack them.  Monolauric acid enhances the immune system against fungus and viruses.   It is extremely effective is fighting off the cold and flu and should be taken on a daily basis to be effective.  A study performed in Atlanta, Georgia showed that Monolauric acid was extremely effective in treating most viruses.  However, this acid has no effect on rotaviruses, the polio virus, and the virus associated with encephalitis.   Treatment doesn’t have to depend on pharmaceuticals.

Coconut oil medicinal uses:

Virgin coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut. Expeller pressed oil has no scent or taste and both types can be used medicinally.

--Kills bacteria causing urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, gum disease, staphylococcus, MRSA...
--Destroys fungus causing candida.
--Kills viruses causing flu, infectious disease, typhoid, HIV...
--Inhibits parasite growth such as tapeworm, liver flukes, giardia...
--Eases acid reflux, relieves gallbladder disease.
--Enhances proper bowel function and lowers incidence of hemorrhoids when oil is consumed.
--Relieves and heals intestinal disorders, ulcers, colitis, IBS, and Crohn's disease.
--Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin production.
--Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.
--Protects against osteoporosis and reduces problems from cystic fibrosis.
--Enhances pancreatic function, enzyme production and reduces pancreatitis.
--Improves magnesium and calcium absorption, promoting stronger bones.
--Reduces joint and muscle inflammation, supporting repair of tissues.
--Regulates thyroid function.
--Protects against cancers of colon, breast, and digestive tract.
--Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) protect against development of Alzheimer's disease.
--MCFA strengthen heart and circulatory system protecting against artherosclerosis and heart disease.
--Prevents oxidation of fatty acids.
--Provides antioxidants to fight free radicals slowing aging and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.
--Relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
--Reduces incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures.
--Stabilizes female hormones reducing hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause.
--Lessens symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
--Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration.
--Soothes earaches when mixed with garlic and olive oil.

Topical uses for coconut oil:

--Forms a chemical barrier on skin to protect and heal infections.
--Topical applications relieve pain and swelling from hemorrhoids.
--Moisturizes and softens dry skin.
--Reduces bags, puffiness and wrinkles under eyes.
--Lessens occurrence and appearance of varicose veins.
--Preps skin before shaving.
--Mixed with baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective toothpaste.
--Soothes sunburned skin and promotes healing of burns and blisters.
--Heals psoriasis and eczema lesions.
--Stops pain, burning, and itching of bug and snake bites.
--Prevents itching from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
--Promotes firm skin tone, preventing age spots, sagging and wrinkles.
--Eliminates head lice.
--Removes makeup easily.
--Heals nail fungus under finger and toenails.
--Prevent nosebleeds by applying light film inside nostrils.
--In combination with cornstarch and baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective deodorant.
--Makes an excellent massage oil, a natural personal lubricant, and great sunscreen.
--Conditions hair, prevents split ends, reduces frizz, controls flaky scalp and dandruff.
--Removes scars and stretch marks.
--Repairs cracked, sore, dry nipples from nursing.
--Heals diaper rash and removes cradle cap on babies.

Nutritional uses for coconut oil:

--Enhances absorption of nutrients and improves digestion.
--Provides a quick energy source and stimulates metabolism.
--Produces immediate, usable energy source rather than being stored as fat.
--Increases metabolic rate, stabilizes body weight, and controls food cravings.
--Enriches milk supply for breast-feeding women.
--Doesn't form harmful by-products during cooking when used at high heat.