Evidence supporting the use of: Coconut oil
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Coconut oil has been traditionally used in some cultures as a remedy for respiratory illnesses, including influenza, due to its perceived antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. The traditional use stems primarily from observations in tropical regions where coconut is a dietary staple and is believed to have health-promoting effects. The scientific evidence supporting the use of coconut oil specifically for the treatment or prevention of influenza in humans is minimal. Some in vitro studies have shown that lauric acid and monolaurin—compounds found in coconut oil—can disrupt the lipid membranes of certain viruses, including influenza, under laboratory conditions. However, these findings have not translated into well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating efficacy in treating influenza infection in humans. The majority of the claims regarding coconut oil’s antiviral properties are extrapolated from its general antimicrobial activity, not from direct evidence against the influenza virus in the human body. Therefore, while coconut oil is sometimes used traditionally to support health during influenza, robust scientific validation is lacking, and it should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based medical treatments.

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