This Cooking Oil Increases LDL Cholesterol Levels And Ups Your Risk Of Heart Diseases

There have been several controversies pertaining to the use of coconut oil. While some have argued that coconut oil is beneficial for health, some experts have linked the saturated fat content in the oil to cardiovascular disease risk.

New evidence that combines findings from 16 different studies suggested that coconut oil is linked to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels and placing it consumers at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The findings of the study, published in the journal Circulation, reported that coconut oil consumption substantially increased LDL cholesterol levels compared to soybean, olive or canola oil. Intake of 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil every day was found to increase LDL cholesterol levels by 10-mg/dL.

"The main message is that scientific studies in humans do not support a beneficial effect of coconut oil consumption on body fatness, inflammation, blood sugar, or heart health," Medscape Medical News quoted the study’s senior author Rob M. van Dam, professor of epidemiology and vice dean of academic affairs at the National University of Singapore. "There is thus no good reason to consume coconut oil to improve health," he added.

The study authors opined that the type of fat present in the oil could be blamed for the harms. Coconut oil contains about 90% saturated fat which exceeds the saturated fat content of butter or lard.

Individuals who support the health benefits of coconut oil suggest that medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed by the portal vein rather than producing cholesterol in the body. But, the study’s authors emphasize that the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil metabolize in a different way. It is not absorbed and transported like other medium-chain fatty acids but as long-chain fatty acids. Thus, they highlight the fact that coconut oil isn’t as healthy as people believed.

The findings of the study also conveyed that there is no good reason to consume coconut oil to attain health benefits. The authors highlight the fact that increased coconut oil consumption was associated with high blood LDL-cholesterol levels which can put people at risk of heart diseases.

They urged clinicians to recommend against regular consumption of animal fats or tropical cooking oils including coconut oil and vote for sunflower, soybean canola or olive oil to prevent heart diseases.