Coconut oil question

This is the first time I have heard about consuming coconut oil. I always thought it was not a good fat because it turned solid. I am curious about using it after reading this site, esp. since I am in the process of weaning off thyroid medication. On the coconut oil websites, they say it is a medium chain oil, instead of a long one, but they don't say what the long ones are - where does olive oil fit in?

Also, has anyone made good soap and shampoo?

Thanks very much! Tweet