Is Coconut Oil Healthy?

Coconut oil sounds like something that should be healthy, right? The raw white meat within the stone fruit offers nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, after all. And coconut water is often viewed as nature’s sports drink.

But don’t be fooled by the name: All the goodness and benefits touted in coconut products don’t just magically transfer over to coconut oil.

Want proof? Consider this fact: The American Heart Association (AHA) advises against the use of coconut oil. It’s a position backed by research from more than 100 different scientific studies, too.

To understand the concern, let’s turn to registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD.

Coconut oil and heart health

The knock against coconut oil centers on its gobs and gobs of saturated fat. More than 80% of coconut oil is saturated fat. One tablespoon of coconut oil has 12 grams of saturated fat, as well as 14 grams of fat total.

Basically, that puts coconut oil on par with bacon grease, which has never exactly been considered a heart-healthy option.

Extensive research shows that coconut oil increases your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. That’s the “bad” cholesterol that clogs arteries and creates all sorts of cardiac mayhem.

High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease. To lower bad cholesterol, you should limit saturated fat intake to less than 6% of your daily calories. That translates to 12 grams of saturated fat per day (on a 1,800-calorie diet).

So, a single tablespoon of coconut oil would use up your entire day’s allotment. That’s not good.

Yet somehow, that message has been lost when it comes to views on the tropical oil. A public survey conducted a few years ago found that 72% of Americans considered coconut oil to be healthy.

Nutrition in coconut oil

If you expect coconut oil to be packed with vitamins and minerals, prepare to be disappointed.

The processing that goes into making coconut oil strips out virtually all the nutrition found in the raw fruit. There are trace amounts of iron, zinc, vitamin K, vitamin E and even calcium, but not enough to really make a difference.

That’s not a lot of benefit from a food that packs 117 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon. (Click here for coconut oil’s nutrient profile from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central.)

Benefits of coconut oil

Despite being high in saturated fat, there’s some evidence that coconut oil can help with weight loss. The reason involves medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can lead to greater energy expenditure and calorie burn.

The effect is minimal, though, so don’t expect miracles. Coconut oil isn’t the key to a beach body. Moderation is still advised.

Coconut oil also fits nicely into a plant-based diet as an alternative to butter, lard or beef tallow.

A few more positives pop up once you leave the kitchen. Coconut oil is touted for hair and skin health, which explains why you might see it promoted on an assortment of beauty aisle products.

Coconut oil vs. butter

When it comes to the which-is-healthier question, there’s really no clear winner between coconut oil and butter. “Research shows that there’s little difference between coconut oil and other saturated fats like butter and palm oil,” notes Zumpano.

For heart health, the best types of oils are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils — primarily, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Several studies on the Mediterranean diet have proven EVOO’s benefits for the heart.

Final thought

Don’t fall into the trap of considering coconut oil a “healthy” alternative to other cooking oils, butter or a similar spread or baking ingredient. It’s a high-fat, high-calorie food item that should be used sparingly in your diet.