If you think coconut oil is just an exotic ingredient for tropical recipes or a DIY beauty solution, prepare to be surprised. Or perhaps, prepare to smile a little skeptically as we find out what really happens when you consume a teaspoon of coconut oil a day.
Spoiler: You won’t turn into a Hawaiian deity with shiny hair and flawless skin, but it might have some interesting effects on your health.
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is obtained from the pulp of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) and is made up of approximately 90% saturated fat. Yes, those saturated fats that we’ve always been told to avoid like the plague. But, not all saturated fats are created equal. The saturated fats in coconut oil are primarily medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid, which behave differently in the body than long-chain saturated fats.
Or not?
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One of the most touted benefits of coconut oil is its potential effect on metabolism.
Medium-chain fatty acids are metabolized more rapidly than long-chain fats. This means they can be used as an energy source more quickly and are associated with greater thermogenesis, meaning they require a higher cost to metabolize.
Before you start throwing away extra virgin olive oil and replacing it with coconut oil, remember two very important aspects:
- the effect is very, very modest, and above all it is limited to cases of isocaloric replacement with other fats; the effectiveness in weight loss in case of simple addition is yet to be demonstrated (the studies available are few and of far from optimal quality);
- but above all, if you ask a biochemist his opinion on the matter, you will hear the answer that in reality lauric acid, which accounts for approximately 50% of the fat content of coconut oil, is typically still considered a fatty acid medium chain although it actually behaves much more like long chain ones…
Sin…
In fact, to date the literature does not show any advantage in using coconut oil… on the contrary…
Effects on cardiovascular health
Here the matter becomes complicated.
Coconut oil can increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, but it also increases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and we have known for some years that this second effect is predominant when it comes to cardiovascular risk (heart attacks and strokes ).
For example, the American Heart Association remains skeptical, to put it mildly, and recommends not using coconut oil for cooking.
Skin and hair
The topical use of coconut oil is another chapter.
The hydrating properties of coconut oil make it a great option for dry skin and damaged hair.
So, if you still have it in your cupboard, instead of throwing it away you can always use it for silky skin and shiny hair.
The final verdict
So, what does a teaspoon of coconut oil a day really do?
In short, it increases your cardiovascular risk. Sin…
For further information: Coconut oil, benefits and properties
