Does coconut oil work as a remedy for arthritis?

Results from a study in Thailand suggest that virgin coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties, and may alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, reports Health.com. In the study, the natural pure oil from coconut milk was prepared without treatment by chemicals or high heat.

Other claims made about coconut oil are that it can cure thyroid disease, heart disease, obesity, cancer and HIV, but the evidence supporting these claims is weak, according to WebMD. The effects of coconut oil on cholesterol levels have been studied well and merit further research, but it is still not clear whether coconut oil is beneficial.