Coconut oil is a tropical oil derived from the meat of coconuts, the fruit of the coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera). Valued for its unique saturated fatty acid profile—particularly its high lauric acid content—it has found widespread use in food, cosmetics, and industrial applications. While hailed for various health benefits, particularly those related to the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) it contains, it's also high in saturated fat, and some health organizations advise limiting intake.