Coconut Oil: The Doctors Debate

I have seen all the hype about coconut oil, too, and admittedly, ordered some. Should be here any day. I'm keeping an open mind, but somehow I think maybe I should read "snake oil" instead of "coconut oil." It's insanely expensive. Even if it tastes great, not sure if it'll be worth the money.

Like your blog, btw.

Great Post! Although I'm not too fond of Dr Fuhrman, I have to agree with him that coconut oil is just a hype. Sometimes a hype is not always bad; however this hype can kill if Mercola/Weston Price followers continue to distort the science of saturated fats.

'Then what about olive oil or flax oil - and other "healthy" supplements'
According to Dr. Fuhrman, these are not healthy. The meditteranean diet is not healthy because of the olive oil, but because of the high fruit/vegetable content of the diet.

You should get all your fatty acid needs from whole foods: raw nuts and seeds and avocado's. Oil is a processed food (like for example orange juice is more processed than a whole orange) that should be eaten in limitation. There is not much wrong with a sprinkle of olive oil over your food, but one tablespoon of oil has 120 calories, and not many nutrients at all.

That's the doctor's opinion, and I tend to agree with him, even though I do still use oil in my cooking.

I have to admit, I'm not familiar with either one of these guys. I hadn't really run into the coconut oil thing at all.
But, based on my overall health and the cholesterol and triglycerides levels I'm getting, I'm just going to stick with keeping my daily fat grams below 50, eating balanced meals, and exercising daily. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

70 pounds down, 40 to go!

Actually I found out about cocounut oil without the help of these self promoting doctors.

I think Sally Fallon who wrote Nourishing Traditions makes a good case for the use of mid chain triglycerides...

I guess I don't trust the medical establishment to know anything except what the drug companies tells them.

Hi, I don't like coconut so won't be tempted. However, it makes my head spin when what was considered really bad is now considered really good.

I say any diet that tells you veggies and fruit are bad and any diet that says all carbohydrates are bad are just over the top. (I know my hubby lost a lot on Atkins but is it healthy)

There used to be a diet where you just ate 3 yogurts a day. Yes, you lost weight on that one too, but healthy, I think not.

The thing people fail to recognize about Advice such as Mercola's and others is that you are not eating much of what fat gets put in or onto, such as bread, pastries and baked potatoes. About all you might be doing with fat is coating a skillet, dressing a salad or seasoning your veggies.

Fallon has been making the case for natural fats for decades. Artificial low fat this and that has been on the grocery shelves also for decades. The nation is considered overweight. How do we know who is right. I would go for close to nature.

There is a difference between natural unheated coconut oil and the heated processed kind you find in most grocery stores. So-called experts fail to make the distinction time and time again. Just as they fail to make the distinction regarding "grain fed" red meat and "grass fed" red meat. The difference is significant enough to give it a great deal of consideration.

COCONUT OIL IS DANGEROUS
Trans fat is a monounsaturated fat that occurs naturally in low levels in milk and beef, but 80 percent of the trans fat Americans consume is from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Trans fat is considered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be Generally Recognized As Safe.

Until around 1990, trans fat was considered as innocuous as other monounsaturated fats (such as those in olive oil.) Then studies demonstrated that trans fat, like saturated fat, increases the "bad" (LDL) cholesterol in our blood. That provided solid evidence that trans fat increases the risk of heart disease.

Further studies found that, unlike saturated fat, trans fat also decreases the "good" (HDL) cholesterol in blood. That may well further increase the risk of heart disease. For that reason, some leading researchers think that trans fat is even more harmful than saturated fat. In July 2002, the National Academies' Institute of Medicine concluded that the only safe level of trans fat in the diet is zero.

In addition, four large studies of human populations (like the Nurses Health Study) all have indicated that, a given amount of trans fat is a far more potent cause of heart disease than the same amount of saturated fat. Thus, trans fat may cause heart disease by other mechanisms as well as by affecting blood cholesterol.

In 1994, the Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the FDA to require trans fat to be listed on Nutrition Facts labels. In 1999 the FDA proposed a labeling regulation and in 2003 finalized it, with labels being required to list trans fat by January 1, 2006. The FDA estimated that just listing trans fat on labels would save several thousand lives a year, largely because margarine manufacturers would reduce or eliminate trans fat. If trans fat were removed from all processed foods, upwards of ten thousand—and possibly many more—lives would be saved each year. The savings in lives and dollars likely would dwarf the modest costs of switching oils.

The labeling regulation has stimulated many food processors to consider replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil with ingredients that do not contain trans fat. Frito-Lay has stopped using partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in most of its products; Ruby Tuesday now fries in canola oil instead of partially hydrogenated oil; Kraft has announced its intentions to reduce levels of trans fat; and smaller companies have announced similar intentions. Even Crisco now comes in a trans-fat-free version.

Because of their harmful effects, partially hydrogenated oils that contain trans fat should not be allowed to be used as a food ingredient. On May 6, 2004, the Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the FDA to do exactly that. Denmark limits trans fat to 2 percent of the fat content of foods, which is tantamount to a ban on partially hydrogenated oils. While the FDA ponders CSPI's petition, the food and restaurant industries should voluntarily switch as rapidly as possible. That means switching to liquid oils like canola, soy, and corn, and using as little butter, palm, and coconut oil as possible.

Well, I've been reading about omega-6 acids recently and it looks like 10% of coconut oil is actually 0mega-6 acid. The problem with omega-6 is its negative effect on cancer cells, as the recent research shows. http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=66576-epa-dha-prostate-cancer

It seems omega-6 gives cancer cells additional energy for a more rapid growth. What do you guys think about it?

Most oils contain a percentage of omega 6. Flaxseed oil is 16% omega 6. The ratio is what matters. Omega 6 is fine as long as you're getting enough omega 3 to balance it out. Modern diets provide too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3. This is where the problem lies.

I've lost 30 lbs since starting on 3 tabls. of coconut oil per day. My body temperature never went over 96 degrees and my hands and feet were always cold. I was also lethargic and minimally depressed. Since the first day I began taking the oil, my body temperature rose to 98.6 and has remained there. My hands and feet now feel normal all the time. My hair and nails are thicker and look healthier. My appetite and cravings for carbs are gone. I am full of energy and feel happy again. This is not hype. I hope more people post their testimonials. I'm sick to death of everyone believing that canola oil and soy are good for us. Dig deeper and realize that doctors get maybe 1 or 2 courses in nutrition during their 4 years of medical school. I believe those that have a passion for nutrition and really study it, not docs just because their docs.

One more thing, Most Coconut oil is NOT a partially hydrogenated oil. Partially hydrogenated oil must be produced that way (by humans in a factory); it is not found in nature. Pure, organic cocunut oil is not hydrogenated and has nothing whatsoever to do with any of Williams comments above. Thank you. Sorry for the rant, but I am living proof of it's healing abilities and hate to see misinformation on these sites.

Question for those who have used coconut oil. I have some from the hfs and it leaves a burning sensation in my throat...I didn't get the kind that was filtered, as I thought this would be a more natural and so healthier form. Have you had this exp? How do you use it? thanks, terry

Terry,
If coconut oil leaves a burning sensation in your throat it has gone rancid. Coconut oil has a very long shelf life when it is prepared properly because it is so saturated, however you will find some places that have old stock.
Also, to William, your post is so flawed I'm was getting ready to throw my monitor out the window. You mention how bad Trans-fats are for you(I agree), but then none of the fats that you mention are Trans-fats. Real butter, and quality coconut oil or palm oils are not partially hydrogenated. I find it hard to believe that someone that can come off seeming so knowledgeable, would in the end know nothing about what they are discussing. You must be a doctor!

Bravo Stephanie, I am very happy for you and your success...and to Terry...;>) I too am SO tired of the canola and soy marketing hype. I resent as a food writer that many publishers will not publish recipes if they do not use canola oil. Some bend reluctantly, others like me look elsewhere.

"Oil is a processed food (like for example orange juice is more processed than a whole orange) that should be eaten in limitation. There is not much wrong with a sprinkle of olive oil over your food, but one tablespoon of oil has 120 calories, and not many nutrients at all."

Olive oil is 'processed' in that the fruit is washed, pressed, strained then bottled. That is how our regional oil presses work here (Spain) as do most. It is as 'processed' as squeezing orange juice - which is often pasteurized too. Anyone want to see photos? Sigh.

If the point is to be aware of such healthy fats because of the high caloric content, then I can assure you that it is verrrryyyy easy to stack up the calories nibbling on nuts (which I love).

Nutrients in olive oil and its special benefits are well documented over the centuries.

It is one of THE most used and oldest oils. Like with most things, one must know how to use it. Sustained high heat and deep frying is not one of its uses...but this is not really 'Mediterranean style cooking' either. Low heat cooking, such as for an egg or sautéing (a quick process), flavouring foods such as vegetables, salads etc. preserving cheese etc. ,yes.

Oh yes...doctors and their 'nutritional' credentials...what a joke. Unless they specialize (in nutrition) their advice is outdated and useless/biased...I can agree to that with experience (early years before I left the med. field).

"It is as 'processed' as squeezing orange juice"
Yes, that's what I said in the comment you quoted. Oranges are healthier than orange juice. Olives are healthier than olive oil. Flax seeds are healthier than flax seed oil. Coconuts are healthier than coconut oil. For me, it only makes sense.

The health benefits in the Mediterranean diet are mostly due to its high fruit and vegetable content. Recent information suggests olive oil is not that healthy, and canola oil is healthier (I was surprised too). See for example http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm People from Okinawa are the longest living people on earth. Their main method of cooking is low temperature stir frying in canola oil. Clearly canola oil cannot be as bad as some commenters here make it out to be.

I agree that doctors in general don't know much about nutrition, but there are doctors that do specialize in nutrition. Dr. Fuhrman is one of those.

a reply to William Rhone's post... "COCONUT OIL IS DANGEROUS"

ummm.. your post is about trans fats, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils... not cold pressed coconut oil (which is NOT hydrogenated or a trans fat). You copied that information verbatim from some source, but it is not directly related to the topic of coconut oil. It is that kind of rationale that promotes unnecessary misunderstandings. Please educate yourself before you make elaborate, erroneous posts.

"Recent information suggests olive oil is not that healthy, and canola oil is healthier..."

One must always consider who comes up with said research especially when it involves big money makers such as canola, and whatever else trend. Dig deep and in many cases the 'independent studies' are funded by the very companies who are pushing said product.

Oranges, olives in original state, yes, of course are healthier...there is the fiber to consider etc. But when one wants and needs oil for a salad or cooking, then fruit oil such as olive is excellent.

It is not so surprising that when an oil like canola is so pushed that suddenly dis-information on healthy standards such as olive oil appears. Same thing happens about other products. The mega food industry 'has its ways'.

What else is healthy about the Med. Diet - and plays a major role - is that red meat and meat in general plays a smaller role. This is a generality as meat consumption in Spain is higher than say Italy. Umm, besides this, the Med. Diet is a very vague term. We don't all eat the same here. But in general what is attractive about so called Med. Diet is less meat, which equates to more vegetables and fruit.

In the end, be it coconut oil, olive, flax oil whatever, I think moderation is the key. As in all things. ;>)

I just recently started eating (2-3 T. per day) organic raw unfiltered coconut oil and have noticed energy increase, cravings to snack are gone and warmer hands and feet. I have also been using it on my dry winter skin and it is a good moisturizer. My concern is what will it do to cholesterol levels...LDL, HDL, Triglycerides? Has anyone had their levels checked since eating the oil?

Can anyone tell me if taking the coconut supplement pill is still as beneficial as the unfiltered coconut? I am using the real right now and finding I get a little sick to my stomach from it. I make it into a shake.

Thanks!!!!!

I read this debate with great interest...the difference in the type of saturated fats in meat and dairy productsand the type in coconut oil seems to have been largly overlooked. The type of sat. fat in coconut oil is medium chain, that in animal fats is long chain. It is the long chain fats that have been implicated in human health problems,while short and medium chain sat. fats are thought to have health benefits. Heres a 'cut and paste from http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/coconut_oil_healthy.htm

Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid which is abundant in coconut oil and is considered responsible for many of its health benefits. Coconut oil is about 50 percent lauric acid. The only other abundant source found in nature is in human breast milk.

Dr. Jon J. Kabara, PhD. and Professor Emeritus of Michigan State University, says, "Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of lauric oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical effects."

Peace, Dreadly.

Wow - great post. I have to disagree with you siting the differences in long chain fatty acids (in most saturated fats including olive oil) and medium chain fatty acids (in coconut oil). I found a great explanation on this blog http://www.coconutoilhealthbenefits.com/2006/04/can-coconut-oil-help-you-detox-your.html. It seems logical to me. I think we have gone too long with our lack of knowledge of the differences in saturated fats. I agree, though, everything in moderation.

Although i have never had it. but still would like to try it. Sounds intersting..

My 2Cents
I hail from South Indian State of Kerala where people use coconut oil for their everyday cooking. Almost all of the 33M people use coconut oil for cooking every day and grated coconut is used in almost every curry we make.
There was a general scare amoung people when reports start coming in papers around 10-15 years ago about the "Dangers of coconut oil". People started switching to other types of oil almost overnight. People switched back to Coconut oil after the smoke screen moved over.

NONE OF THE 26 LONG TERM PROSPECTIVE TRIALS ( ALL THAT HAVE EVER BEEN DONE TO DATE) SINCE 1963 EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SATURATED FAT AND CVD, NONE HAVE SHOWN ANY REDUCTION IN CVD FROM SATURATED FAT RESTRICTION FACT1!

EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY NONE OF THE 18 RANDOMIZED LONG TERM CLINICAL TRIALS (ALL THAT HAVE EVER BEEN DONE TO DATE) NONE HAVE SHOWN ANY REDUCTION IN CVD MORTALITY AT ALL FROM SATURATED FAT RESTRICTION OR CHOLESTEROL LOWERING NONE ZERO NONE

www.theomnivore.com/sat-fat-chol-CHd.html

www.theomnivore.com/Malmo_Study_2005.html

THIS WHOLE ANTI-SATURATE NONSESNE IS A COMPLETELY UNFOUNDED CROC THAT IS KEPT ALIVE FOR ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REASONS

NONE OF THE CLINICAL RESERACH SUPPORTS THIS UNTENABLE NONSESNE PROPAGANDA

www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm

The Framingham Research BACKFIRED in the AHA;S face so they lied
DIRECT PROOF OF THEIR LIE www.ravnskov.nu/myth8.htm

"11 % OVERALL AND 14 % CVD DEATH RATE INCREASE PER 1 MG DROP IN CHOLESTEROL" THIS IS TH EREAL RESULT!!!

RAZWELL WILL SPREAD THE FACTS. TELL THE AHA TO REMEMBER THE NAME RAZWELL

I have been taking 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil for 2 weeks now. I have not started to lose weight, though have lost centimetres.

What is most startling is the fact my sugar cravings (always a problem) have declined about 80%. Added to that, my hair, that was rather dry and frizzy when I was eating vegetable oils, is now soft, shiny and managable. This alone has convinced my that processed vegetable oils were not doing my body any favours and this was reflected in the condition of my hair.

Coconut oil has been consumed by tropical peoples for generations and they perhaps provide the best proof that is it safe and beneficial.

I've never taken coconut oil, but when I eat a tbsp of fresh grated coconut in my oatmeal instead of say, all-natural peanut butter (to compare with another fat, and not with more carb like a banana), I feel considerably warmer in around 40m and it lasts for about 2h. I have hypothyroidism and although on medication, I still have lower body temperature (and metabolism) than a normal person, and I feel very different when I eat the coconut.

I'm not sure if a person with a normal thyroid would feel the same effects, but if they do, I'm sure it would help lose weight along with a good diet and exercise.

Can someone please tell me about Palm Kernel Oil! It's the main ingredient in Smart Balance spread. I've been a life long butter person, but my trainer told me that 100% of saturated fat must be stored before it can be used, so I don't want to eat saturated fat anymore. He said about half of monosaturated fats can be used right away and not stored. Maybe I should just use olive oil??? I'd like to have a little something else, ya know?

COCONUT OIL IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My brother emailed me this website and I feel compelled to respond.

The false belief about coconut oil is that everyone thinks that the saturated fat in coconut oil is the same as that found in eggs or meat. IT'S NOT.

The fat found in coconut is called Lauric acid. This is a fat that is smaller than the saturated fat found in eggs and meat. It is its size that enables coconut oil to kill flu viruses by penetrating the virus membrane and is Mother Nature's natural flu vaccine. Lauric acid has ALSO been shown to be a fat-burner.

Of course coconut oil not a magic bullet. Of course people need lots of fruits, vegetables, sunlight, exercise, and nuts.

It's not saturated fat that's killing us. It's the omega-6 fats we get from all the soybean, corn, and vegetable oil in our food supply is killing us because of the inflammation it unloads in our body.

You need to remember that livestock today are fed grain, not grass, and loads the food with inflammatory omega-6 fats, NOT the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Hence the re-emergence of the health benefits of grass-fed products.

All the vegetable oil that's used during cooking is giving us heart disease because of how damaged it gets from heat, a process called oxidation. Read about it here:

www.completechiropractichealthcare.com/images/pdf/oxidation.pdf

Stop believing the internet and take a look at the research. You can even read a handout I've put together for my patients:

www.completechiropractichealthcare.com/images/pdf/coco_oil.pdf

Please feel free to email me with any more questions or visit my Patient Education section:

Thank you.

Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS
Danville, CA

I did buy the unrefined, organic coconut oil at my local healthfood store, and tried it for a very short time. I like coconut, but it is a little hard to swallow straight. Of course, when it was warm in the summer it was liquified, but now it's solid. Do you consume it solid(eat it)? Just need some advice. I'm learning as I go along.

Thanks

Terry said:
Question for those who have used coconut oil. I have some from the hfs and it leaves a burning sensation in my throat...I didn't get the kind that was filtered, as I thought this would be a more natural and so healthier form. Have you had this exp? How do you use it? thanks, terry[...]

Terry said:
Question for those who have used coconut oil. I have some from the hfs and it leaves a burning sensation in my throat...I didn't get the kind that was filtered, as I thought this would be a more natural and so healthier form. Have you had this exp? How do you use it? thanks, terry[...]

Yes! Yes! Just bought a jar of coconut oil three days ago. the very first day, experienced a burning scratchy feeling in my throat, thought I was coming down with a cold. In fact, it bothereded me terribly all day. Next day did not take any,thought oh well am not coming down with a cold afterall. However, today took some, throat began to burn and hurt again, bothers me the entire day. Will be taking it back to the store, for a refund.

Dave, I bought Extra virgin coconut oil, with a expiration date of 10/2008, and it still burned my throat, in fact I've also experienced mild nausea, but at first did not attribute it to the coconut oil, but now am beginning to think it may be the culprit. This is my first experience with the oil, am really dissapointed, because now am very much turned off by the stuff.

Dave said:
Terry,
If coconut oil leaves a burning sensation in your throat it has gone rancid. Coconut oil has a very long shelf life when it is prepared properly because it is so saturated, however you will find some places that have old stock.
Also, to William, your post is so flawed I'm was getting ready to throw my monitor out the window. You menti[...]

Terry, I also experienced a burning sensastion in kmy throat, using extra virgin coconut oil. See Niecie's comment at bottom of page.

Good God! The FDA also said Vioxx and Fen Fen were healthy and safe. Coconut oil is one of the healthiest products you could ever consume! I switched all fat consumption to Coconut oil five years ago. My blood work is excellent, I havn't had a cold in 5 years, and this year I completed my 4th Ironman triathlon. Pre-coconut, I was 20 lbs. over weight, not anymore!

William, your post is completely off base. You are not talking about coconut oil at all, but partially hydrogenated fats.

Plant based saturated fat is comprised of very different fatty acids than those found in meat or dairy foods like butter, despite the fact that they are all "saturated." In the case of coconut oil, the primary fatty acids are lauric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid. These are short and medium chain fatty acids which are avidly absorbed through the gut and not through the lymphatic system. Palmitate, which is an antioxidant used to help stabilize the vitamins added to milk (the stabilizer must be added when fat has been removed) is actually derived from the palmitic acid. Furthermore, these fatty acids found in coconut oil have been shown to have significant use in treating people with gut absorption disorders, as well as viral infections, especially in AIDS patients. Furthermore, lauric acid has significant antimicrobial properties. Look it up in Wikipedia. There's evidence to suggest that we've been tarring all "saturated fats" with the same brush and perhaps selling ourselves short.

Of course no oil or substance should be viewed as a miracle cure. Coconut oil isn't a miracle, it's just a good old fashioned fatty acid-rich substance which contains some things that we need. Period.
The debate on fats goes far beyond saturated versus unsaturated. You have to look at the individual fatty acids as well as oxidation factors to understand what a lipid's effect is going to be on the body.

You anti fat people can cry all you want. But the truth is the truth. Fact: your heart prefers saturated fat as a fuel. Fact: trigycerides plug you up not cholesterol. Carbohydrates raise your triglycerides. Helsinki Policeman study collected blood samples of 9000 policeman over many years. At death the blood samples proved that high trigylcerides was a better predictor of cardiovascular disease then cholesterol levels. Maybe Atkins was correct. Saturated fats will not hurt you but polyunsaturated ones will. So I will eat animal fat and you democrats can eat soy bean oil. I put soy oil in my car and save soy to may inks and paints. Ha Ha Ha!

The Lipid Hypothesis should have been DESTROYED years and years ago starting with the METICULOUS research odf Drs. Lande and Sperry in 1936. They found ABSOLUTELY NO CORRELATION between blood cholesterol levels and degree of atherosclerosis.

Ancel Keus Seven Countries Study FLATLY CONTRADICTS the Lipid Hypothesis , although frequently cited as supportive by proponents

The Framingham Heart Study showed that those who lowered thie cholesterol during the first 14 years of the study had HIGHER RATES OF CORONARY AND ALL - CAUSE MORTALITY during the follwoing 18 years

MOUNTAINS of valid scientific evidence should have destroyed the UNfounded Lipid Hypotheis years ago

The Lipid Hypothesis is scientifically baselss and LDL reduction is UNfounded
See here Colpo explains how researchers in oCt 2006 ADMITTED THIS

http://www.lowcarbmuscle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162

http://www.lowcarbmuscle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111

http://www.thegreatcholesterolcon.com

http://www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm

http://www.THINCS.org

The Lipid Hypothesis is a FLAT OUT FRAUD and has been DIScredited over and over agin

"The fact that coronary atherosclerosis gets worse , JUST AS FAST, IF NOT FASTER, when cholesterol goes DOWN, as when it goes up, the OPPOSITE of exposure response should have led scientists to question the whole Lipid Hypothesis"- Dr Uffe Ravnskov

In 1961 Greece NOT Japan held the longevity record. By 2001 animal fat intake in Japan had increased by 260 percent . IF SATURATED FAT WERE UNHEALTHY THEN SOMEONE FORGOT TO TELL THE JAPANESE, for their ascendancy to the top of the longevity ladder deos NOT APPEAR TO BE HARMED IN ANY WAY BY THE INCREASE IN ANIMAL FAT CONSUMPTION

It is intersting to note that SWEDES,WHO EAT A DIET RICH IN ANIMAL FATS , HAVE THE SECOND longest life expectancy behind th Japanese by a MERE 2 MONTHS