The American Heart Association just released a study, showing that coconut oil may not be the health food we thought it was.
Touted to be the wonder oil purported to soften skin and hair, possess antibactierial properties and help us lose weight, coconut oil is being reconsidered as a coco-NOT.
The new study shows that the high saturated fat content of the oil raises LDL cholesterol and contributes to heart disease. Experts believed that the saturated fat in virgin coconut oil reacts differently in the body than that of animal sources, but there is now evidence to the contrary.
Just as a point of reference, coconut oil contains a whopping 82% saturated fat, much higher than butter ( 63%) and beef fat, (50%). So while the ADA doesn’t dispute the other qualities that make the oil healthy, they equate the high saturated fat content with health risks far greater than the benefits.
The recommended consumption for saturated fats is about 5-6% of your daily calorie intake, which equates to somewhere around 120 calories, based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Other plant based fats, such as canola, sunflower seed and olive oil are shown to be much healthier choices. But before you toss that jar of coconut oil, you may want to continue to use it for hair and skincare, as well as dental care, and antifungal wound care.
photo: glasshouse images
Tags: coconut oil, healthy fats, heart disease, LDL cholesterol, saturated fats
Indigo jones 
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