Used throughout the world until the end of the 19th century, coconut oil’s popularity declined due to its (saturated) fats, which were declared harmful to health. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that its popularity began to rise again, thanks to the discovery that it is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), whose health benefits counterbalance the harmful effects of its high saturated fat content. It is especially recognized for its many cosmetic and aesthetic benefits.

Coconut oil is native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia, where coconut fossils dating back millions of years have been found. Its Latin name, cocos nucifera, comes from the word nux meaning “nut” and fero meaning “I carry”. Today, it is mainly produced in Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Brazil.