In recent years, there has been massive hype on the potential health benefits of adding coconut oil to one's diet. Even more recently, however, the oil has created mass controversy between its die-hard proponents and other health-based officials.
The debate stems from the blurry facts surrounding coconut oil and how good it truly is for you. First, you’re cooking everything with coconut oil. Now, you’re afraid to feed your family anything with coconut oil. But which is it? No matter which side you take on the great coconut oil debate, the science behind the food is all the same.
# The truth about cooking with coconut oil is that you must take the good with the bad. What most people don’t know, is that not all the effects of coconut oil are favourable. While the MCT’s are heart-healthy, the other 40%-50% of the saturated fats making up coconut oil are not medium-chain fatty acids.
# In comparison to something seen as healthier than butter, olive oil contains 5-10 times more good fat than coconut oil does. Both monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are much more abundant in olive oil than in coconut oil.
# Like anything, too much of it can have harmful effects on the body. At the same time, the medium-chain fatty acids are a useful addition to your diet. Fats are necessary for the body to perform, but an overwhelming amount of fat can damage the heart in the long run.
# The most crucial point to remember is that saturated fats in moderation are no problem at all. Whether it’s coconut oil, olive oil, or even something we’ve all been coached to fear (the evil carbohydrates), moderation is key.
# Don’t be afraid of fats, but know which ones are healthier. To gain the most health benefits from coconut oil without the adverse side effects, we recommend a pure MCT oil supplement for cooking of daily consumption.