Coconut oil: unlocking its hidden potential – from health powerhouse to ground-breaking innovations

Coconut oil has been one of the most widely used cooking oils in Asia for hundreds years. Apart from its primary use in culinary activities, coconut oil is used in a variety of applications. Even though it was earlier recognized and criticized as an oil that had a negative impact on health, in recent years it has been identified as an emerging functional food as it provides many health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of coconut oil as a functional food, demonstrating its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial effects. These health benefits are attributed to its unique composition, particularly the presence of phytochemicals and medium-chain fatty acids, which contribute to its therapeutic potential. Additionally, coconut oil is being explored to be used in non-culinary sectors, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable products, due to its natural properties and sustainability. This review provides an in-depth examination of coconut oil's biological activities and its emerging roles in various industries, shedding light on its growing significance as a multi-functional resource.Coconut oil has been one of the most widely used cooking oils in Asia for hundreds years. Apart from its primary use in culinary activities, coconut oil is used in a variety of applications. Even though it was earlier recognized and criticized as an oil that had a negative impact on health, in recent years it has been identified as an emerging functional food as it provides many health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of coconut oil as a functional food, demonstrating its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial effects. These health benefits are attributed to its unique composition, particularly the presence of phytochemicals and medium-chain fatty acids, which contribute to its therapeutic potential. Additionally, coconut oil is being explored to be used in non-culinary sectors, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable products, due to its natural properties and sustainability. This review provides an in-depth examination of coconut oil's biological activities and its emerging roles in various industries, shedding light on its growing significance as a multi-functional resource.