Diet & Nutrition

Why coconut oil is actually bad for you

New research has found that the popular "health food" is just as unhealthy as butter and beef dripping.

Put down the coconut oil!

While it seems to be used religiously by almost every health blogger, marketed as a far healthier alternative to olive oil – the American Heart Association says it’s just as unhealthy as butter and beef dripping.

“A recent survey reported that 72 per cent of the American public rated coconut oil as a ‘healthy food’ compared with 37 percent of nutritionists,” the AHA’s review said.

“This disconnect between lay and expert opinion can be attributed to the marketing of coconut oil in the popular press.”

Dietician Zoe Nicholson explains that while claims that are being made that it helps with weight loss, boosting the immune system and fighting various diseases, none of these claims have been properly researched or proven.

Jamie Oliver also has a bone to pick with coconut oil’s healthy image.

Nicholson added that none of those claims have been properly researched or proven.

Jamie Oliver also has a bone to pick with coconut oil’s healthy image.

“A lot of people say coconut oil is the best thing on the planet but it’s also one of the most saturated fats, so let’s get our facts right,” he said.

“It’s like, OK, come and meet five scientists who are the best on the planet and they’re going to tell you that you’re talking total bollocks.”

Why is coconut oil bad for you?

The reason coconut oil goes into the “sometimes food” pile is the fact it’s a saturated fat – the type of fat associated with high cholesterol.

Recent research suggests the type of saturated fat in coconut oil may mean it’s metabolised differently, but experts think you’re better off sticking to the fatty acids you need – like avocados, fish oil, nuts and seeds.

And if you have high cholesterol already, then coconut oil should definitely be avoided.

In fact, swapping it for olive oil – of Mediterranean diet fame – will reduce your cholesterol levels as much as the new, fancy, cholesterol-lowering drugs.

“Because coconut oil increases [bad] cholesterol, a cause of cardiovascular disease, and has no known offsetting favourable effects, we advise against the use of coconut oil,” the AHA conclude.

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