The Truth About Coconut Oil

Some believe that coconut oil is a kind of magical substance that allows us not only to cook delicious meals but also provides us with important health benefits. At the opposite extreme, others believe that coconut oil is one of the most dangerous and recommend consuming it in moderation, as it has a large amount of fatty acids that can be bad for health. What do the research right now? Here we tell you more about this debate about coconut oil.

If you say that there is a very healthy oil to help cure your disease, do you believe? Well be careful, at least doubt. When you offer something that is so good that seem almost miraculous, it is preferable to seek more information to be absolutely sure of that things are as they secure it.

You’ve probably heard before that saturated fats hydrogenated (ie, those that become solid at room temperature, like butter) are bad for heart health. However, recent versions say that natural saturated fats like those found in coconut oil are good for your health.

Why say that? They say because coconut oil contains saturated fats in liquid form. Advocates of the health properties of coconut oil, mention that consume it can bring the following health benefits:

• Promotes heart health.
• Helps fight diabetes.
• Enhances the immune system or defense and helps keep a healthy metabolism
• Provides an immediate source of energy and to maintain or lose weight
• Helps keep skin looking healthy and youthful.

Sound too good to be true? If this were true, the coconut oil would be a kind of magic seasoning for cooking and stay healthy. Proponents of this oil and considered healthy, say the secret of this oil is called lauric acid, which the body become another substance with anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa, ie, that can destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV and herpes, measles and influenza.

However, not everything that glitters is gold! Against the defenders of this oil, several national associations, international experts warn that studies are yet to substantiate claim all these benefits and scientific evidence.

For example, neither the American Heart Association (AHA, for its acronym in English) and the Dietary Guidelines of 2010 the government of the United States suggests that coconut oil is better or preferable to other saturated fats. Even recommend that their use be restricted from 7 to 10 percent of total calories per day, as they believe it increases the risk of heart disease.

In this sense, some experts believe that coconut oil can be better than butter and other saturated fats, but not healthier than liquid vegetable oils. They also stress that what matters is how food is used and how this oil is composed of the diet in general.

For all this, until there is more evidence that could prove beneficial effects of coconut oil, the recommendation is that we consume in moderation, if you like it, but not looking to replace it with another as a healthier alternative.