Could coconut oil, a major source of saturated fat, be part of a healthy diet? A dietitian friend of mine says Yes. Yet, when I was in college, the fat-free craze was in full-swing, and the answer would have been a resounding No! Bakeries pushed dozens of fat-free products. Butter became low-fat margarine, chicken became the new meat of choice, salad dressings became low-fat, and even bags of pretzels—an already fat-free snack—had large bold letters announcing the lack of this vile substance. Evil fat was being blamed for America’s health problems.Those who cared about their health cut down on red meat. We started cooking with less oil and devoured the zero-fat bakery items. I remember thinking one more slice of fat-free cake wasn’t so bad—without the fat, how bad could it be? What I hadn’t realized was that insane amounts of sugar were being added instead.
Studies Explore Saturated Fat
Today, researchers are questioning anti-fat thinking, and they have the science to back them up. Fat used to be the devil and was to be avoided at all costs. But now the question has become: Is saturated fat really bad for you?
At first glance, scientists can’t seem to agree: some studies claim yes, and some no. But more and more, we’re realizing it can be part of a healthy diet as long as moderation is used. More interesting is that all saturated fat is not the same.
There are twenty-four different types of saturated fat! Each type affects your body in diverse ways. There are even beneficial types:
· Stearic acid, found in chocolate, lowers LDL (the “bad” cholestrol).
· Lauric acid, found in coconut oil, may improve our cholesterol ratio and have an antibacterial and antiviral effect.
Studies seem to contradict each other. Upon taking a closer look, you have to consider what form of coconut oil is being tested. For example, one study tested hydrogenated oil—a far cry from virgin organic oil: they are like two totally different substances. Past studies are being seriously questioned.
New data points to the benefits of saturated fat. In the past few years, twenty-one studies concluded that saturated fat had been falsely accused. It may not be so bad after all.
Fat Found in Coconut Oil
· Coconut Oil: 12 grams saturated fat/1 tablespoon
· Olive Oil: 2 grams saturated fat/1 tablespoon
Okay, even if new research implies saturated fat might not be the devil, I’m still cautious. Ten years ago, looking at the numbers above would have been enough to keep me as far away from coconut oil as possible. But today, it’s worth adding some to our diets.
Science has discovered two healthy acids in coconuts: ferulic and p-coumaric acid. Both of these acids fight free-radicals—molecules responsible for aging and tissue damage. Coconut oil, in moderation, could help us stay younger.
Conclusion
Coconut oil can be a healthy addition to your diet, even though it’s loaded in saturated fat. The key is moderation, moderation, moderation.
Chris Cosentino, chef at Incanto in San Francisco, says it best: “Excess in anything is bad for you. But a good balance of animal fat with protein is actually good for you.”
