All About Coconut Oil....Should You Consume It?

Coconut Oil - Are you loving it for all the wrong reasons? - Take our Quiz and Find Out!

 

Here we go again. Every few years we have to have something to go ape over – and now it’s Coconut Oil’s turn.

It’s not that I object to drinking coconut milk or even using coconut oil for some therapies. But are you loving coconut oil for the wrong reasons? Perhaps you’re smitten with this tropical fruit for these three reasons. Here are some thoughts to consider before smothering your “healthy” lunch in it….

 

Reason #1:  Coconut Oil is Nature’s Elixir – It Will Cure All!

There are several health claims made connected to coconut oil including weight loss, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, speeding up metabolism and improving brain/memory function. Studies are limited at this point and there is no solid evidence to support the above assertions. A small amount may be ok but due to its high levels of saturated fat, the World Health Organization, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, United States Food and Drug Administration, American Heart Association, International College of Nutrition, American Dietetic Association, British National Health Service, British Nutrition Foundation, and Dietitians of Canada advise that coconut oil consumption should be limited or avoided. You get the point.

Reason #2:  Coconut Oil Will Increase My Energy, Metabolism and Weight Loss

Coconut Oil is predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids (about 94%), with a good percentage (above 62%) of medium chain fatty acids among them (there are 11 types of fatty acids in them and the top 5 are medium chain fatty acids.) Medium chain fatty acids aid in increasing the rate of metabolism in your body, thereby aiding in weight loss, increase the level of good cholesterol (high density lipoproteins) and lower the level of bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins). They are also great sources of energy and also contains Vitamin E. Since they are so easily absorbed they can be metabolized more quickly and used for energy. (www.organicfacts.net). However, the down side to the weight loss and energy issue is two-fold. From the weight loss side, many things increase metabolism including a good workout. Why not opt for physical exercise which has better benefits? From the energy standpoint, while the medium chain fatty acids have a better absorption rate, fat is a poor fuel. Carbohydrates are a much better source of fuel in the long run for energy.

 

Reason #3:  There’s No Such Thing as Too Much of a “Good Thing”

The American Heart Association recommends aiming for a dietary pattern that achieves 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat. For example, if you eat about 2,000 calories a day, no more than 120 of them should come from saturated fats. (Roughly 13 grams of saturated fats a day). The recommended dosage of coconut oil is 2 tablespoons per day – at 12 grams of saturated fat PER tablespoon that amounts to 24 grams! Remember that the above example is based on a 2,000 calorie diet – how many people (especially women) eat that many a day? Hardly! This is also assuming you will eat NO other saturated fat in the day: no red meat, no butter or packaged snacks for example.

 

Here’s Our Short and Simple Quiz to see if you’re a Coconut Oil Fanatic:

1.    If two tablespoons is the recommended amount, then four can only be better: true or false?

2.    I have substituted coconut oil for healthy food I would have eaten otherwise: true or false?

3.    I regularly add coconut oil to the majority of my meals: true or false?

4.    In order to include my desired amount of coconut oil, I cut out all other sources of saturated fat: true or false?

5.    I have replaced traditional dental care with “oil pulling” exclusively: true or false?

If you answered true to two or more of these questions…then you may be a Coconut Oil Fanatic!

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIAM (for coconut oil) but not for good health. Remember: balance is the key.

If you or someone you love has a Coconut Oil problem then share or tag them in the comment section below. Love is blind- sometimes we need an intervention.  #CoconutOilFanatics #CuckooforCocounts #CurbtheCoconut#BalanceisKey