Irene Belmonte, Do Not Age Advisory Board Member

Lately, the demand for coconut oil has increased greatly due to the many claims about its supposedly extraordinary health benefits. Two of the most extended ones are the effects of coconut oil on lowering cholesterol levels and on weight loss and abdominal fat loss. However, is there any scientific basis that proves any of them to be true?

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, several epidemiological studies suggest that populations that live in places where coconut, as a whole fruit, is consumed as part of their diet, have higher HDL cholesterol levels and lower risk for cardiovascular diseases. This could be explained by the fact that they might be eating more whole fruits, beans, and greens, and less processed and sugary foods. A typical Western diet, however, usually includes high amounts of refined flour and ultra-processed food products. Coconut oil doesn’t only increase HDL levels but also total cholesterol and harmful LDL levels. When compared with other saturated fats like beef fat and palm oil, the total cholesterol and LDL levels were not that different, although it was found to be notably better when compared with butter.

Regarding the weight loss and abdominal fat loss claim, there is not enough research and placebo-controlled studies that show significant changes in weight, total fat, or abdominal fat loss. There is no benefit to coconut oil over placebo shown in any study to date.

Then why are there so many online articles talking about its extraordinary health benefits? The answer is that companies always try to attract customers with the promise of new miraculous superfoods that will solve their health problems in the blink of an eye.

However, we all know there is no instant solution or one magical ingredient to a long-term healthy body. Coconut oil could be a great option for those who live in countries with easier access to it. When it comes to health, it’s not a matter of one single ingredient, but a whole and well-planned diet with whole and healthy foods combined with an active lifestyle.

Irene Belmonte works with NutritionFacts.Org and is a Do Not Age Advisory Board Member.