Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile ingredient used in everything from cooking to skincare, desserts to smoothies, and it’s taken from the meat of a coconut palm. But is it healthy?
It’s super high calorie content might suggest no. And when 90% of coconut oil’s fatty acids are saturated, coconut oil’s healthy creds might also be up for some debate. Foods high in saturated fat include butter, cheese, and fatty meats – the main culprits also associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
On the plus side, coconut oil is believed to be anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antifungal, and it’s all down to the lauric acid.
Coconut oil is also one of those weird ones in that it’s completely solid in its natural state and then starts to melt at 25 degrees. With health benefits said to improve cholesterol levels and boost brain function, there are some concerns about potential negative health effects, including whether eating too much of it may actually increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
We use a bit of coconut oil occasionally, and the way we see it, purely from a saturated fat point of view, it’s good to consume coconut oil in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Choosing healthier fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oils, as the primary source of dietary fat is generally recommended.