Does anyone know if coconut oil (or creams containing coconut oil) rubbed onto and then absorbed into the skin, has the same nutritional value as if you had eaten the same amount? Or to put it another way, does the saturated fat contained in coconut oil rubbed into the skin, end up in your cells the same as if you'd eaten it?
Here's the reply I got, sounds pretty plausible to me:
No, the nutritional value of coconut oil applied to the skin is not the same as if you had eaten it. When coconut oil is applied topically to the skin, it may have some moisturizing and soothing effects, but it is unlikely to have the same impact on your health as when you consume it orally.
The primary reason for this is that the absorption of nutrients through the skin is limited compared to the absorption that occurs when you eat food. When you eat coconut oil, it is broken down by your digestive system and absorbed into your bloodstream, which allows the nutrients to be transported to your cells and tissues throughout your body. However, when you apply coconut oil topically to your skin, it is not broken down in the same way and is not absorbed into your bloodstream in significant amounts.
Additionally, the effects of saturated fat on your health depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of saturated fat, the amount consumed, and other dietary and lifestyle factors. While some studies suggest that consuming coconut oil in moderation may have health benefits, the evidence is mixed, and it is not clear whether the same benefits would be seen from topical application of coconut oil.
In summary, while coconut oil applied topically may have some benefits for the skin, it is not likely to have the same nutritional value or impact on your health as consuming it orally.
