When applied to your skin, coconut oil may protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which raise your risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkling and brown spots. In fact, one study found that coconut oil blocks about 20% of the sun’s UV rays. Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content. In fact, about 87% of its fat is saturated. This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying. Coconut oil can be a powerful weapon against bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. Coconut oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for your legs, arms, and elbows. You can use it on your face as well — though this isn’t recommended for those with very oily skin. It can also help repair cracked heels. Simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks, and continue on a nightly basis until your heels are smooth. Coconut oil can help keep your hair healthy. One study compared the effects of coconut oil, mineral oil, and sunflower oil on hair. Only coconut oil significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied before or after shampooing. This result occurred with damaged as well as healthy hair.