1) Population studies. Epidemiological studies conducted among populations that consume large quantities of coconut, such as the inhabitants of Polynesian islands like Tokelau or those of the Melanesian island Kitava, revealed a low incidence of heart disease, despite a high intake of saturated fat from this fruit. It should be noted, however, that it is the coconut meat, very high in fibre, that is consumed by these populations, so the lack of effect on cardiovascular disease cannot be extrapolated to that associated with adding purified coconut oil to Western diets, which contain a large proportion of processed foods.
2) Impact on cholesterol. The saturated fat in coconut oil has shorter chains than that found in palm oil or in butter, and, in theory, has less harmful effects on cholesterol levels. About half of saturated fat contained in coconut oil is in the form of lauric acid (12 carbon atoms), and studies show that the effect of this fatty acid on LDL cholesterol is half that of palmitic acid (16 carbon atoms). In practice, however, a systematic review of the studies conducted to date indicates that coconut oil increases LDL cholesterol levels in a similar way to other sources of saturated fat (butter, palm oil) and in a more significant way than unsaturated fat, such as olive oil for example.
https://observatoireprevention.org/en/2017/07/25/saturated-fats-coconut-oil-and-cardiovascular-disease/#:~:text=1) Population studies.,acid (16 carbon atoms).
Thanks Brother. But according to these studies, coconut oil looks risky. What do you think? I too used coconut oil before and now I have swtitched to canola oil and oil oil.
Absolutely! Here are the full references to the two studies you mentioned:
1. BMJ Open (2018) – Randomized Trial on Coconut Oil and Lipids
- Title: Randomised trial of coconut oil, olive oil or butter on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men and women
- Authors: Khaw KT, Sharp SJ, Finikarides L, et al.
- Journal: BMJ Open, 2018; 8(3): e020167.
- DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020167
- Summary: This randomized trial compared the effects of coconut oil, olive oil, and butter on lipid profiles. Coconut oil increased both LDL and HDL cholesterol, but the LDL increase was less than that caused by butter.
2. Nutrition Reviews (2020) – Meta-Analysis on Coconut Oil and Cardiovascular Risk
- Title: Effect of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
- Authors: Neelakantan N, Seah JYH, van Dam RM.
- Journal: Nutrition Reviews, 2020; 78(10): 872–887.
- DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa024
- Summary: This meta-analysis reviewed multiple clinical trials and concluded that coconut oil consumption increases LDL cholesterol compared to unsaturated fats, without clear benefits for other cardiovascular risk factors.
What the Evidence Suggests
1. Coconut Oil Raises LDL Cholesterol
- Both studies found that coconut oil increases LDL ("bad") cholesterol, though not as much as butter.
- This effect is less favorable compared to unsaturated fats like olive oil, which tend to lower LDL.
2. Coconut Oil Also Raises HDL Cholesterol
- Coconut oil increases HDL ("good") cholesterol, which may help balance the LDL increase.
- However, the net cardiovascular benefit is unclear, and raising HDL alone is not always protective.
3. No Clear Advantage Over Healthier Oils
- Compared to olive oil or other unsaturated fats, coconut oil does not offer superior cardiovascular benefits.
- The 2020 meta-analysis concluded that coconut oil should not be recommended as a heart-healthy fat.