A new wave of research is showing huge new benefits to coconut oil.

The oil, long known for its properties as a skin and hair moisturizer, is being shown to protect against proteins that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

The study on animals in laboratory settings is considered too preliminary to call coconut oil an official super food according to Dr. David Klufeld with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Glen Lawrence, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Long Island University, says that coconut oil has many positive properties in the lab.  One study found that coconut oil’s fatty acids kill a wide range of viruses and bacteria.  Dr. Lawrence said it’s unknown if the same process will happen in the body.

Dr. Lawrence also says that coconut oil contains “medium-chain fatty acids” which are easier to digest because the body burns them quickly which some research suggests is good for athletes.

Dr. Bruce Fife, a Colorado naturopathic doctor, says that the tests have been conducted on refined coconut oil so there’s no evidence that virgin oil is better so people can use the oil based on their preferred taste.