While some hail coconut oil as a nourishing superfood, others say it’s a cholesterol nightmare. Our certified nutrition expert breaks down the controversy.
There are two major camps when it comes to coconut oil. Some researchers, like the Harvard professor who called coconut oil “pure poison”, believe its high saturated fat content leads to high cholesterol. Other scientists point out that the structure of the fat makes it beneficial for cholesterol and heart health. (1, 2)
We’re breaking down the debate on both sides, using research-based facts to see the real effects of coconut oil on cholesterol.
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First, however, let’s take a look at exactly what coconut oil is and what it’s made of, so we can better understand the arguments.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is made from the pressed flesh of fresh coconuts. It consists almost wholly of saturated fat, with 11.2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. (3)
However, these saturated fats are slightly different to other saturated fats such as animal fats. Coconut oil contains a high amount of medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), which are absorbed for energy more readily by your body. (4) In other words, they don’t stick around in your bloodstream long enough to cause cholesterol trouble.
MCTs also help aid in fat loss and in fighting bacteria. (5, 6)
The Argument Against Coconut Oil
The argument that coconut oil is bad for cholesterol centers on the theory that saturated fat is associated with high cholesterol, and that high cholesterol is always a negative when it comes to heart health.
In essence, this theory states that all types of saturated fat raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol levels. This type of cholesterol is larger than the other cholesterol type, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is smaller and denser. LDL molecules tend to clog arteries easier due to their “fluffy” nature, while HDL molecules do not. This is why it’s seen as favorable to have higher HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL levels.
The idea that coconut oil raises cholesterol levels might automatically incite a negative reaction. The problem with this view is that high cholesterol is not necessarily a bad thing.
Older studies on saturated fat and cholesterol show a correlation between high saturated fat intake and high cholesterol. (7) Another study found that replacing dairy fat (a high concentration saturated fat) with whole grain carbs, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. (8)
Other studies show that specific fatty acids in coconut oil, such as lauric acid, tend to raise cholesterol levels. (9) The idea that coconut oil raises cholesterol levels might automatically incite a negative reaction. The problem with this view is that high cholesterol is not necessarily a bad thing. Instead, it’s more important to consider the ratio and type of cholesterol.
Recap of the “coconut oil is bad for cholesterol” debate:
- Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids, which raises cholesterol.
- High cholesterol is considered bad for heart health.
- Replacing saturated dairy fat with whole grains can reduce cholesterol levels.
The Argument For Coconut Oil
While there are studies that indicate saturated fat as “bad,” other researchers interpret the results differently.
As we saw earlier, older studies show a correlation between saturated fat and higher cholesterol levels, which supposedly increases the risk of heart disease. However, these are mostly observational studies, and in more recent reviews, researchers found no association between saturated fat and cardiovascular disease. (10)
In fact, long-term studies involving people on low-fat diets versus standard Western diets show that there is no difference in the rate of cardiovascular disease between the two groups on either diet. (11)
Populations that consume a large amount of coconut and saturated fat, such as the Tokelauans and Masai, experience low rates of cardiovascular disease despite “high” cholesterol levels.
Newer research shows that saturated fat can actually improve your blood lipid profile by enlarging your LDL cholesterol molecules. This can potentially lower the risk of heart disease. (12, 13) This is because smaller LDL particles can more easily become oxidized and get lodged in your arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. (14)
Further, saturated fat can improve your cholesterol by also increasing your HDL “good” cholesterol levels, while low-fat diets tend to lower it. (15, 16)
And here’s more food for thought: populations that consume a large amount of coconut and saturated fat, such as the Tokelauans and Masai, experience low rates of cardiovascular disease despite “high” cholesterol levels. (17, 18, 19)
Recap of the “coconut oil is good for cholesterol” debate:
- There’s no direct evidence linking saturated fat and cardiovascular disease.
- In fact, saturated fat can lower your risk of stroke.
- Saturated fat increases “good” cholesterol while optimizing the size of LDL cholesterol.
- Populations that have diets high in saturated fat have low rates of cardiovascular disease.
As you can see, the old idea that high cholesterol is bad and that saturated fat raises cholesterol doesn’t tell the whole story. Many studies show that high cholesterol levels aren’t actually anything to worry about, provided they are in the right ratio and are the right particle size.
The Bottom Line
Your mother was right. Too much of anything is never good. Coconut oil may have many health benefits, but that doesn’t mean that you should overdo it.
The basis of the Paleo diet is to include a wide range of healthy fats, meats, veggies, and nuts in your diet, to remove processed foods, and not to concentrate solely on one food source for too long. Even if this source is healthy, it can cause an imbalance in your diet in the long term which can lead to adverse health effects.
Our advice? Use coconut oil the same way you would any other healthy fat: in moderation. Sauté your veggies in it and use it to make homemade dressings and desserts. This will help keep your body in balance.
(Read This Next: MCT Oil: What Is MCT Oil and Is It Better Than Coconut Oil?
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