Coconuts, as a functional food, particularly coconut oil is recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil, which is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is being used by thyroid suffers to increase body metabolism and for weight loss. Virgin coconut oil is used for making natural soaps and other health products, because it is among the most healthy items that can be applied to our skin.

At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease, but are in fact very healthy. Some negative studies conducted on coconut oil in the past involved hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form. Most studies clearly indicate that the traditional Asian cultures that consume significant amounts of coconut in their diet do not suffer from modern diseases seen in western cultures that promote a low-fat diet.

Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. A considerable amount of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients, and she has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products, "Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the anti-viral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."