Is Coconut Oil Good or Bad?

Coconut oil was believed harmful due to high concentration of saturated fats. Experts dismissed coconut oil and considered it unhealthy for consuming. A lot of researches have been carried out and it has been found out that coconut oil contains healthy fat. It has been proven that coconut oil is worth consuming for boosting immune system and lowering cardiovascular risk. Although coconut oil has regained its beneficial properties and popularity confusion still dominates whether to consider coconut oil good or bad. Understanding the oil features can give the answer to this question.  

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is derived from coconuts that grow on palm trees in tropical countries all over the world. Coconut oil makes up about 60 percent of the fruit’s edible section, being a highly concentrated source of saturated fats (read about Coconut Oil Nutrition Facts). Exactly these fats have caused the concerns about coconut oil according to a nutritional researcher and an adviser to the Weston A Price Foundation Mary Enig Ph.D.

Saturated Fat

The Weston A. Price Foundation reports that there is no evidence that proves a connection between saturated fats and chronic diseases, including heart problems. Mary Enig Ph.D. doubts the statement that saturated fats should be restricted. She points out that the consumption of saturated fats has dropped since 1970s; however, we notice the rise in heart diseases and obesity levels. Enif considers coconut oil one of the healthiest because coconut oil’s saturated fats are a source of medium-chain fatty acids. It is a unique combination of caprylic, lauric acid and capric acids. They are not stored, but assimilate well in the body and they don’t clog arteries. These lauric, capric and caprylic acids have a cardio-protective, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and fat-burning effect.

Cardiovascular system protection

Coconut oil has a positive effect on our cardiovascular health. Regular intake of coconut oil lessens lipoprotein and triglycerides levels.  It helps avoid heart disease.

The polyphenol in coconut oil can aid in lowering cardiovascular risk. Researches made in the Weston A Price Foundation show that polyphenols suppress the process of cholesterol oxidation in the bloodstream. This provides significant help in prevention of heart attacks and strokes, because it is oxidation that plays the most important role in the atherosclerosis development inside artery walls.

SEE ALSO: How to Take Coconut Oil to Benefit from It

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effect

 The medium-chain fatty acids have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Dr. Bruce Fife, the author of “The Coconut Oil Miracle”, a physician, points out how they ruin the cell membranes of pathogenic microorganisms and fight with bacteria, fungi and viruses.

The caprylic acid is considered a good antifungal  substance, the capric acid appears effective against microbes and even herpes, while the lauric acid has an effect against bacteria.

Conclusion

 You see that coconut oil demonstrates a large number of positive effects on our bodies making us dismiss doubts whether to consider coconut oil good or bad.

SEE ALSO: 3 Must Uses for Coconut Oil.