Coconut oil is a member of the family of tropical oils, which also include palm, palm kernel, cocoa, and shea nut oils. These oils have been used for centuries in the traditional diets of people living in tropical regions such as the Polynesian islands.

Coconut oil has been shown to reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders, support overall immune function, and help prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections. People who consistently use coconut oil, report changes in their ability to go without eating for several hours without experiencing the effects of hypoglycemia.