Lauric acid accounts for around half of the fatty acids in coconut oil (7). When lauric acid is digested by your body, it produces a molecule known as monolaurin. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all be killed by lauric acid and monolaurin (8). Therefore, eating foods high in lauric acid such as coconuts should be beneficial for preventing infection. Additionally, studies have shown that people who eat a lot of coconut products experience less inflammation in their bodies than those who don't (9). This may be due to the fact that coconut oil contains medium-chain saturated fats which are more easily absorbed by the body than long-chain saturated fats. The body uses these nutrients instead of storing them as fat cells. Finally, research has shown that children who eat a lot of coconut products have lower rates of asthma and allergies than those who don't (10). This may be because coconut oil helps protect against atopy (allergy development), especially if it is used topically on skin infections or burns. Coconut oil is made up of about 80% saturated fat. It is also low in cholesterol and contains other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. Although there are many health benefits from eating coconut products, you should not eat too much of a good thing.