Update to this topic: a recent review of coconut oil posted below the vid is in line with my recs in this vid on coconut oil. One comment/correction I would make to that review below, It states:
“…the clinical benefits of commercial MCT oils cannot be generalized to coconut oil.”
All true, but would lead the reader to assume the clinical benefits of MCTs have in fact been well documented as beneficial, when the data has been mixed at best. MCT’s themselves in healthy people, are, to use a science term, meh at best.
Other than a small amount of coconut oil added to my Bomb Proof Coffee recipe, I tend to favor other sources of fat in the diet.
Coconut oil is all the rage these days as the latest greatest “natural” product promising
everything from weight loss to immune support. IS IT TRUE?
I cover that topic in this latest vid!
Current Nutrition Reports
Are We Going Nuts on Coconut Oil?
Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave, Section Editor)
First Online: 04 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Sales and consumption of coconut oil have been on the raise due to effective marketing strategies. Coconut oil is stated to offer various benefits including weight loss, improvement in immunity, heart health support, and memory enhancement. Also, it is often portrayed as an excellent source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Here, we review the evidence behind the clinical utility of coconut oil consumption.
Recent Findings
Several studies consistently showed consumption of coconut oil increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and thereby could increase adverse cardiovascular health. Even though coconut oil has relatively high MCT concentration, the clinical benefits of commercial MCT oils cannot be generalized to coconut oil.
Summary
Until the long-term effects of coconut oil on cardiovascular health are clearly established, coconut oil should be considered as a saturated fat and its consumption should not exceed the USDA’s daily recommendation (less than 10% of total calorie intake).
Will Brink is the owner of the Brinkzone Blog. Will has over 30 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.
His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.
He’s also been published in peer reviewed journals.
Will is the author of the popular e-books, both accompanied by private members forum access , Bodybuilding Revealed & Fat Loss Revealed.
You can also buy Will’s other books on Amazon, Apple iBook, and Barnes and Noble.
Thanks for another insightful video, Will! Your research basically corroborates what I’ve read on Mercola.com (Dr. Joseph Mercola’s website). I liked the fact that coconut oil has a much lower heating temperature than other oils, which means less toxic byproducts are produced, from what I’ve read. Plus, I love the aroma and the taste. I’ve never detected any coconut taste, however, when I’ve cooked with it. Keep up the great work, I’m hooked on the videos, now! LOL! Take care.
Will…what’s your choice between fish and krill oils?
I generally use fish oil myself.
Hi Will,
Any particular reason why Fish oil over Krill oil?
Krill oil is a superior source of EPA and DHA because the polyunsaturated fats are packaged as phospholipids, which can be used immediately by your body. The EPA and DHA in fish oil, on the other hand, are typically packaged as triglycerides and have to undergo additional processing in order to make them bioavailable. Krill oil is also more stable because it includes astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, that protects the fragile fats from oxidizing
Hi Will,
Would like to say thank you for all these insightful videos and many have helped me make decisions regarding my health and well being. THANK YOU!!!!!
Thanks for all you articles and setting straight myths and legends on supps.
Your comments are interesting on coconut oil. I have been adding it to my protein shake for 2 yrs now. I will continue to. I started because of what I had read concerning purported benefits to cholesterol. Surprising your article says studies have shown the it increases LDL.
I started adding 2 tbsp of it to my protein shake. After about 3 months had my cholesterol checked during my employer health exam. My HDL had jumped 5 pts. What a surprise since it had been low for years. A year later again through my employer health exam my HDL had jumped another 4 pts, but this time my LDL and triglycerides had also decreased. I will continue to add coconut oil to my protein shake.
dear will thank you for your expertise, your great, i got to know you from a frend of mine years ago don ross, from golds gym in venice california in 1980.ys, thank you again, have a good one, ginov black.
Don Ross?! Now that’s a name I have not heard in a long time. Wow. Glad you’re enjoying the info. 😉
It is the best article and thanks for sharing this important information with us.
I have watched your video about coconut oil facts and found some interesting tips.
I am very thankful to you. Keep posting more.
Love all the articles…and love the alpha Joe recipe thanks
Was curious if this many years after posting this one if the summary has changed re saturated fat?
Not clear I follow the Q. Which summary of saturated fat? On coconut specifically? Unless on say a keto diet, I’d keep coconut to the very small amounts used in the classic Alpha Joe recipe, especially if you have any issues with labs/lipids. If you’re labs are good, I would not worry about a little coconut oil but it’s not magical nor magic lipid source some seem to claim.