Low-fat diets, cutting out the carbs, and increasing “good fats” have long been touted as the path to good health. While cutting fat completely out of your diet isn’t a good idea, there’s still plenty of controversy on which types you should include regularly.Natural oils and fats are important for the immune system and a healthy metabolism, but many have been labeled as “bad fats” and fallen out of the typical American diet. Coconut oil first slid out of public favor in the late 1950s, a time when saturated fats were blamed for high cholesterol and other heart-related problems. Before this time, coconut oil was primarily used as a cooking oil, but it was soon replaced by heart-healthy choices such as corn, olive, and sunflower oil.

A Good Bad Fat?
However, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1981 offers a different perspective. In studying two Polynesian populations with high concentrations of coconut oils and products in their diets, researchers found that the high saturated-fat intake did not have any negative effects on heart health; in fact, it proved to be a positive addition for vascular health.

According to Mary Enig, Ph.D., one of the country’s leading experts on nutrition,”Coconut oil has a unique role in the diet as an important physiologically functional food. The health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from consuming coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries.”

Fat is an essential component of a meal, helping improve satiety. It can even lead to healthier skin. Knowing which source to turn to can be a challenge; coconut oil, vegetable oil, and olive oil are just a few options for this vital energy source. A few key benefits of coconut oil include:

• Promoting weight loss by supporting a healthy metabolism.


• Helping skin stay healthy, youthful, and glowing.


• Providing an efficient energy source.


• Supporting thyroid function.


• Nurturing healthy growth of hair and nails.

Make Room for Coconut Oil
The easiest way to supplement your diet with coconut oil is to use it for cooking. The dangers of polyunsaturated fats are associated with common vegetable oils, including canola, sunflower, and safflower oil. Substituting coconut oil instead can provide multiple benefits. Coconut oil is also free of trans fats, the primary cause of clogged arteries and other heart problems.

Between good fats that promote heart health and even prevent cancer, and bad ones that can lead to coronary problems and excess fat storage, it can be difficult to gauge which type of oils are actually good for you. Coconut oil may be just what you need to balance out your daily diet.

—Sabah Karimi