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Blog
July 31, 2017
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is a loved oil by many in the wellness industry, including me. So it was a shock in June when the American Heart Association listed coconut oil as “bad” and should be reduced in one’s diet.
I think it’s important to note that the study that has been quoted1 looked generally at all forms of saturated fat. There was no differentiation between VCO and say, beef lard or processed palm oil.
The recommendation was this – their findings found a link between saturated fat and an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (although other studies say otherwise2) and coconut oil is 82% saturated fat. So, due to that number alone, coconut oil is “bad” and should be consumed in very small amounts.
The problem is not all saturated fat is created equally. And VCO has been found to raise HDL cholesterol (the good stuff)3, while leaving LDL cholesterol (considered the ”bad” stuff) right where it is4. Every type of fat is used by and affects the body differently, and what matters most is how it has been processed.
The latest research on VCO is amazing. It’s also been found that it may help improve memory, increase energy, and improve digestion. There’s a reason that VCO is so popular in wellness circles right now.
There’s no doubt that I’m a huge fan of VCO, but I need to balance my fandom with a bit of common sense. Virgin Coconut Oil is ONE of the fantastic healthy fats available right now. Use it along with a variety of healthy fats for a healthy body. Other important unprocessed fats include avocados, extra virgin olive oil, organic butter, and high-quality fish oil. Your body needs a variety of fats in your diet to run as a well-fuelled.