Coconut oil—why do you need to limit your consumption?
For the longest time, there have been health claims about coconut oil and how it is a cure-all! In this section, we will delve into what the science really says about this oil. Our goal is not to put down one claim but to observe the science behind it so that our readers can know for themselves what choices are right for their bodies.
Salient features:
Coconut oil is obtained from the kernel of the coconut; the extra virgin oil is relatively unprocessed. An important benefit of cooking is that the processed oil has a high smoking point.
The major health claim of coconut oil is that it contains a high percentage of medium-chain triglycerides composed of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). These can be taken up in the portal circulation and participate in energy generation.
It is important to note that lauric acid, which comprises a large percentage of the MCFA content of coconut oil, does not behave like MCFA does and is possibly absorbed similarly to long-chain fatty acids.
Moreover, compared to the medium-chain fatty triglycerides studied in the literature, it is hard to compare them to coconut oil, as the triglycerides in coconut oil have different absorption, structures, and metabolisms.
Compared with other nontropical oils, coconut oil was found to elevate total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels.
Coconut oil has a higher saturated fatty acid content of 92%; therefore, it is classified as a source of saturated fat and therefore should be consumed in small amounts.
The studies showed that the trend was a higher LDL cholesterol level in those who consumed coconut oil.
We know that higher LDL levels are connected with higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
Coconut oil did not seem to have any significant effect on fasting glucose levels or C-reactive protein levels (a marker of inflammation).
It is important to note that polyphenols in unrefined coconut oil may play a role in decreasing inflammation and improving glucose tolerance and may also help with dermatitis.
In Malaysian subjects consuming coconut oil, there was shown to be an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators in comparison to olive oil.
From the above discussion, we can see that there should be limitations on saturated fat intake from coconut oil. As always, I wish that you keep your health and nutrition in center focus and live long and strong!
