The Good, The Fat, The Oil
What is really up with coconut oil?
Is it considered a “healthy” fat great for cooking? Is it harmful? What is it really doing to me when I do use it?
Many of us, including me, have heard that using coconut oil has a positive effect on heart health. Sadly, for now, this seems to be a myth. According to the New England Journal of Medicine (March 27, 2023) “So far, there is insufficient evidence on the intake of coconut oil and risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease) to draw clear conclusions.”
What my research did uncover is that small, short term studies have linked coconut oil to boosting metabolism, increasing the HDL’s in your blood (good cholesterol) and improving brain health. But there have been no large, long term studies to make real conclusions. Who wants to be my guinea pig?!
While I’m not giving medical advice, heart health is something we all need to pay attention to. Coconut oil is 92% saturated fat, the kind of fat that can raise cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fat should make up no more than 10% of your daily intake. It seems at this time, using coconut oil in limited quantities in your diet makes the most sense.
But, don’t despair entirely and don’t throw your jar out just yet (unless it is refined…get rid of that)! There are indeed some benefits. First, it's great as a vegetarian option for baking, especially for desserts if you're an occasional baker like me. I’ve used it in brownies and it is damn heavenly. And who is watching saturated fat when baking or consuming brownies?! (Note: I’m not advising baking brownies with or without coconut oil but if you’re doing it, enjoy it, man.)
I’ve also used it in coffee when traveling. The fat satiates me, holding me over until mealtime. And it’s an extra boost of energy I need because I am not the best traveler. It tends to suck the life out of me.
And, I add a tablespoon when I’m making a smoothie as a meal. I love the flavor and the fat fills me up.
To conclude… coconut oil has a place in your life sometimes, or at least it has a place in mine.
But let’s talk about using coconut oil topically, a passion of mine. I think this is where coconut oil really shines. As a staple in my skin care, coconut oil contains no toxins or hormone disruptors found in many commercial products and fragrances. It is blissfully pure and can be used in the following ways:
Soothing moisturizer on your body (not your face).
An excellent overnight mask for your hair and scalp to be washed out the next morning (probably best to sleep with a towel on your pillow)
A lip balm
Eye makeup remover (use caution to keep it out of the eyes and then wipe off gently with cotton ball or cotton pad).
Helps with abrasions to the skin. Coconut oil is said to be antimicrobial and antifungal.
For me, this baby is a powder room/travel companion powerhouse. A major space saver in my travel bag!
One more final important recommendation: use unrefined, organic, cold press extra-virgin (or just virgin) coconut oil that’s ethically sourced. That’s a mouthful but It is better for you, social justice and the planet.
So there you go!
I hope I’ve cleared some mystery up for you here. I know you may be a bit disappointed that coconut oil is not the superfood you may have hoped but I am grateful to be able to provide useful information that will keep my people healthy!
