More and more people are beginning to understand the amazing health benefits that coconut oil can bring to the body.  This superfood is full of beneficial fats that help to sustain energy and curb hunger levels in the body.

It’s also a powerful anti-fungal and has been shown to inhibit the growth of several different species of candida (1). 

However, there is more to the story that often isn’t being told about coconut oil.  In fact, in some cases, this oil may not be a good option for those with sensitive digestive systems and candida overgrowth.

In short, it’s in fact good for candida and can inhibit its growth; but you may want to become more familiar with this superfood before you include it into your diet.

Coconut Oil and Salicylates

For those unaware, salicylates are a class of specific anti-nutrients that occur in various plant foods.  In particular, coconut oil is extremely rich in these salicylate compounds.  Despite popular belief, the pressing process does not remove the anti-nutrients present in it.

Unfortunately, it’s extremely common for individuals to be extremely sensitive to salicylates that occur in plants.  In fact, more and more people are beginning to realize that many of their “phantom symptoms” are actually a result of salicylate sensitivity.

Common symptoms that can occur if an individual is sensitive to salicylates are:

• Anxiety
• Nervous Energy
• Trouble Concentrating
• Brain Fog
• Poor Digestion
• Irritability
• Hyperactivity
• Tinnitus
• Asthma
• Headache
• Itchy Skin
• Stomach Pain

Due to plant based diets being the latest craze, many individuals following such diets are unknowingly consuming high amounts of anti-nutrients such as salicylates.  It’s important to understand that all plant foods contain anti-nutrients; there is no exception to this rule.

As a result, if you suffer from salicylate intolerance, it’s highly likely that you react poorly to coconut oil.  If this is the case, coconut oil should not be part of your anti-candida diet.

Coconut Oil Could Irritate the Gut

As mentioned above, coconut oil is rich source of salicylates.  Like all anti-nutrients, salicylates have the protentional to disrupt the normal function of the digestive system.

In fact, research has shown that in sensitive individuals inflammation of the intestines is extremely common after ingestion salicylates (2).

This can be very problematic for individuals suffering with candida overgrowth because gut inflammation will already be at an all time high.  Those with candida overgrowth will naturally have inflammation in the intestines due to candida’s behavior of burrowing itself into the intestinal wall.

Furthermore, candida is notorious for releasing several different toxic substances into the body that can severely irritate the gut lining.  In particular, candida releases small amounts of alcohol which can have both a negative effective on the stomach and liver.

As result, if you find that you are sensitive to the salicylates present in coconut oil, it may not be a right choice for you.  Feeling nauseas after consuming coconut oil is a clear indication that you are sensitive to the compounds in coconut oil.  Despite popular belief, these feelings of nausea are hardly ever related to “detox” in our experience.

Refined Coconut Oil Contains Bleach

Unless you’re buying extra virgin coconut oil, all refined coconut oil undergoes a bleaching process.  This bleaching process is to make the coconut oil appear white and more appealing to the consumer.

We shouldn’t have to explain that consuming such products could have a negative effect on the health of the gut.  In fact, it can add to the toxicity which is already present in the body due to candida overgrowth.

Also, many refined coconut oil products are heavily processed and are not something we recommend anyone should consume on a daily basis.  The refining process also naturally reduces the amount of polyphenols and medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) in the coconut oil.  These compounds are what give coconut oil its health promoting and anti-inflammatory properties.

With that said, if you chose to incorporate coconut oil into your candida diet, we highly recommend you always choose organic and unrefined.  When coconut oil is unrefined this simply means that it has not undergone a bleaching process. 

A step up from this would be to consume extra virgin unrefined coconut oil.  This means the coconut has been cold pressed and was not subject to high heat.

The Good – Coconut Oil is a Powerful Anti-Fungal

There is no doubt about it, pure coconut oil is one of the most powerful anti-fungal substances in the world.  If well tolerated, it can make an amazing addition to a anti-candida diet.  As mentioned before, research has proven that this magical oil can help inhibit the growth of several different candida species.

However, coconut oil does more than just fight against candida.  In fact, research has shown that it has a powerful antibiotic substance called Lauric Acid which not only helps fight against candida, but several other pathogenic species of bacteria (3).

Many find that consuming coconut oil regularly helps keep their body free from sickness and can be a good insurance policy for protection against the flu.

Interestingly, it’s also great for topical application and can be beneficial for combating against inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema.  Also, it can make an amazing natural sun screen and can help protect the skin from sun damage without the use of potentially harmful sunscreens!

Amazing Source of Energy

Due to coconut oils unique makeup of medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) it can provide the body with a quick and long lasting burst of energy.  Unlike carbohydrates, fats, and proteins which must be first broken down by the body before energy can be obtained, MCT’s are quickly assimilated by the body and can be used almost immediately for energy.

It’s for this reason that many incorporate coconut oil into smoothies, elixirs, and health drinks.  It’s also a powerful metabolism booster and can be great for anyone looking to lose weight or stay in shape.  Although not scientifically proven, many claim that the metabolism boost that comes from coconut oil can also have a positive effect on the thyroid.

Furthermore, those suffering from candida overgrowth almost always suffer from conditions such as chronic fatigue.  As a result, using this oil regularly can help boost energy levels in the body naturally which can have a positive effect on conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Naturally Improves Dental Health

Although not related candida, coconut oil can in fact improve the health of the teeth.  Due to its high anti-microbial content, it can help inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth that may cause dental carries.

Simply brushing your teeth with it can do wonders for your dental health.  Also, oil pulling, which requires you to “swish” coconut oil for at least 10 minutes in your mouth, can have dramatic effects on the oral hygiene of both the mouth and teeth.

So, is Coconut Oil Good for Candida?

Again, if you find that you’re not sensitive to the compounds in coconut oil, it can make a great addition to your candida diet.  However, if you find that you’re reacting poorly to this powerful oil, it’s best to leave it out of the diet.

You should never force yourself to consume a food you’re reacting poorly to just because it’s considered “healthy.”  Everybody is different and will respond differently to food items.  Coconut oil is no exception; if you’re reacting poorly to it, simply stop consuming it.

Eat an Anti-Candida Diet

As well as using superfoods such as coconut oil to help combat candida, you can also use our free Diet Protocol.  Here you will find all the information you need in regards to diet and the best foods to eat if you suffer from candida overgrowth.  Don’t pay for expensive candida eating programs when we’ve laid out an entire program for you for free!

Also, be sure to try out our Crush Candida Recipe Cookbook for delicious and mouthwatering meals that are both candida friendly and good for the gut!