Coconut oil has solid evidence for treating atopic dermatitis and preventing cavities when applied topically or used for oil pulling. It may help prevent hair damage from washing and sun exposure, but claims about weight loss, heart health, and brain function need more human studies—most current evidence is from lab work or animals, not real people.

This was a narrative review, meaning researchers read and summarized existing peer-reviewed studies on coconut oil rather than conducting new experiments themselves.

Funding not disclosed in abstract