Coconut oil is enjoying its moment of fame. Blog posts on the internet tout it as a magical cure-all but is coconut oil heart healthy?
The Cleveland Clinic offers this excellent graphic comparing olive oil and coconut oil.
Source: http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/10/olive-oil-vs-coconut-oil-which-is-heart-healthier/
In summary:
- Olive Oil is mostly heart healthy monounsaturated fat while coconut oil is mostly saturated fat.
- The FDA and the American Heart Association have encouraged Americans to replace saturated fats with monounsaturated in their diets.
- Olive oil’s health benefits are well documented. There is no good evidence for adding coconut oil to your diet.
- Extra virgin coconut oil is just as bad for you as regular coconut oil. Meanwhile, extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil are both good for your heart.