Harvard Professor Says Coconut Oil Is 'Pure Poison.' Here's Why

Aug 29, 2018

Coconut oil has become popular for numerous reasons and is found in many common products. Nutritionists have discovered negative aspects of coconut oil for the human body including a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. The fat and caloric content have a negative impact and there are much better choices. 

Coconut oil has become trendy and a cure for everything from weight loss to ailments. The oil comes from the meat of the coconut and is found in cosmetics, cooking sprays, body lotions, shampoos, and foods. A survey revealed 72 percent of Americans believe it is healthy. Nutritionists are urging the population to be careful with coconut oil due to the negative impact on the body. 

An epidemiologist and professor at Harvard TH Chan school stated coconut oil is pure poison during a lecture at the University of Freiburg in Germany. Karin Michels stated coconut oil is one of the worst foods anyone can eat. She said it contains a large amount of saturated fat which causes LDL cholesterol to rise. This increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.

You probably do not realize coconut oil has approximately eighty percent saturated fat. This is double the amount in bacon. This warning is alarming for those using large amounts of coconut oil but experts have been warning about using too much coconut oil for some time. 

The American Heart Association spoke of the future health benefits of coconut oil in an advisory in 2017. This has been updated to advise the population to avoid coconut oil due to the fatty acids in the oil. Coconut oil is considered in the middle when it comes to specific fats. It is not as bad as hydrogenated oils with a lot of trans fats. The unsaturated plant oils are the ones with proven benefits for health such as canola and olive oil.

The best oils to use for the cooking you do every day are vegetable oils. The best sources of fats are found in seeds and nuts. These are a lot better for your health and their effects are much more positive. This includes decreasing your risks of heart disease for the future. 

Despite the numerous claims that coconut oil will help you lose weight, there are a lot of calories found in the oil. This means it is probably not one of your better choices. There are 120 calories in only one tablespoon of coconut oil. This is the same as four cups of plain popcorn when popped using air or a large apple. This does not mean you need to completely give up coconut oil but you should use it carefully and in moderation.

Coconut oil should be limited to achieving a specialty flavor such as making a special dessert or Thai food. 

It is important to realize the negative impact of coconut oil on the body. Encouraging others to read this post will provide them with the same useful information. Leaving a comment or opinion is always appreciated. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!