Khaberni - Over the past years, coconut oil has transformed from a traditional dietary ingredient to one of the most famous health products in the world.
It is promoted by some as a "superfood" capable of enhancing brain health, fighting inflammation, improving oral and skin health, and even aiding in weight loss.
However, nutrition experts confirm that the picture is more complicated than these claims, as while the oil does have some scientifically supported benefits, it also contains high levels of saturated fats that continue to stir controversy about its impact on heart health.
British market data indicates that consumers spend more than 16 million pounds annually on coconut oil, driven by its increasing popularity and endorsements by celebrities and influencers on social media.
British nutrition expert Grace Kingswell says that one of the key benefits of coconut oil lies in its content of a special type of fats known as "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCTs).
Unlike most dietary fats, these compounds go directly to the liver where they are quickly converted into energy or into ketone bodies that the brain can use as an alternative fuel source.
Some studies have shown that these compounds may provide short-term benefits for memory and concentration, and their potential role in supporting cognitive functions in people with dementia is being researched, although there is no conclusive evidence yet on their ability to prevent the disease.
The oil also contains good amounts of vitamin "E", an antioxidant that helps protect cells and supports skin and hair health.
Despite these benefits, coconut oil raises concerns among some experts due to its very high content of saturated fats.
Just one tablespoon of the oil contains about 120 calories, while every 100 grams of it contains over 860 calories.
Research suggests that consuming coconut oil may lead to an increase in harmful cholesterol (LDL), alongside raising good cholesterol (HDL), making its overall effect on heart health a subject of debate among scientists.
In this context, Harvard researcher Dr. Karen Michels described coconut oil as one of the worst foods in terms of saturated fat content, warning against overconsumption.
However, other experts believe it depends on the amount and overall diet pattern, affirming that using it in moderation does not necessarily make it a harmful choice.
Is it better for cooking?
Many specialists agree that coconut oil has high chemical stability at high temperatures.
Unlike some unsaturated oils that may begin to decompose at intense heating, coconut oil retains its structure better during cooking and frying.
For this reason, some chefs and nutrition experts prefer it for cooking at high temperatures, while extra virgin olive oil remains the best choice for obtaining antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds when used in salads and uncooked foods.
Does it improve oral health?
A practice known as "oil pulling" has gained wide popularity over the recent years, which involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth for several minutes daily.
The oil contains lauric acid known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, prompting some researchers to study its effect on gum and dental health.
One study showed that people who used coconut oil for oil pulling for a month experienced a decrease in dental plaque accumulation and an improvement in gum health.
Despite these promising results, experts emphasize that oil pulling cannot replace brushing teeth with toothpaste and dental floss.
One of the more widespread trends associated with coconut oil is known as "Bulletproof Coffee," which involves adding large amounts of oil or butter to coffee.
Proponents of this idea claim it helps burn fat, increase energy, and improve focus.
However, Grace Kingswell confirms that scientific evidence does not sufficiently support these claims, pointing out that consuming a balanced and nutrient-rich breakfast remains more beneficial to health than replacing food with a cup of fatty coffee.
