Coconut oil, which was long considered harmful, is now touted as a miracle food that can do everything from controlling weight to fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Find out what the science really shows.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
The Claim: Coconut oil is good for you.
Some websites, books and TV talk shows promote coconut oil as a miracle food, touting it as a remedy for everything from weight control to Alzheimer’s disease. The truth is that while coconut oil may be okay to consume in moderation, it isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.
For years people were advised to steer clear of coconut oil because of its high concentration of saturated fat, the type thought to increase the risk of heart disease.
Recent research shows that while coconut oil raises LDL, the bad cholesterol, it also raises HDL, the good kind. So it may not be as harmful as previously thought.
But coconut oil enthusiasts go a step further, claiming it’s actually good for the heart. As evidence they point to places like Sri Lanka, where people consume lots coconut oil but have low rates of heart disease. However, it’s possible that other dietary, lifestyle, or genetic factors are really responsible.
The bottom line is that no one knows for sure how coconut oil affects the heart, if at all.
When it comes to weight, the evidence is even thinner. Coconut oil contains fats known as called medium chain triglycerides, or MCT’s, which studies suggest may promote weight loss. But the levels are likely too low to have much of an effect. The few studies testing coconut oil’s impact on weight have been small and produced conflicting results.
The science is also sparse for claims that coconut oil can fight inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, or other conditions.
For your heart’s sake, you’re probably better off with other oils like olive or canola, which have more science behind them. But if you like the flavor, there’s no need to avoid coconut oil altogether. And then there’s the option of using it on your body as a beauty aid, which some people swear by. If nothing else, you’ll smell delicious.
For more on diet and nutrition claims, check out my book, Coffee is Good for You, which reveals the truth about everything from red meat to red wine.
Helping you be a healthy skeptic, I’m Robert Davis.