Over the last few years, coconut oil has gained a glorious reputation as a ‘superfood’ and all-around general fix for just about everything. Fans of the oil will use it for anything - from cooking, to remedies for acne and eczema, as a hair conditioner, and even for teeth whitening. Coconut oil is natural, cheap and coined by health gurus as ‘healthy’. What’s not to love?! The question is, is coconut oil all its cracked up to be?
‘Superfood’
Although many use coconut oil whilst on a diet, or ‘clean eating’, it is actually high in saturated fat and contains more than that of lard or butter. Around 2 tablespoons of coconut oil would fill a woman’s whole daily quota (based on the recommended daily amount of sat fat). So what? Well, to keep it simple, saturated fat is the ‘bad’ kind (in contrast to ‘good’ unsaturated fat), which overall, raises cholesterol levels, and can contribute to a greater risk of heart disease. Despite it previous being known as a ‘good fat’ or ‘healthy oil’ to use with cooking, there is zero evidence to show that coconut oil lowers the risk of heart disease.
Other radical health statements unsupported by scientific evidence are that coconut oil is rich in antioxidants (however it barely compares to that of fruit and veg), and that it can be used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Many scientists are skeptical and unconvinced by the ‘super powers’ of coconut oil, and believe its branding as a 'superfood' is nothing more than marketing hype. In fact, the British Nutrition Foundation’s Nutrition Bulletin summarised that there just isn’t enough scientific evidence to support any of these health claims.
‘Natural Healer’
Any lover of natural remedies will be an advocate of coconut oil. The oil is said to be an anti-bacterial and also harness anti-inflammatory properties, as it contains lauric acid. Although, technically this should be true, this has only been shown in the lab at extremely concentrated levels. Other studies have shown that this anti-inflammatory effect is mild to moderate, and not the miracle cure the world has been sold. Additionally, coconut oil also cannot be used to protect against sun damage. Though there is research into the potential health benefits of coconut oil, the results have on the whole been inconclusive.
Cosmetic Use
There is no denying that by nature, coconut oil works well for cosmetic use. It is very moisturising for those with dry skin, and does wonders as a natural makeup remover. It has also been shown to have an effect on aiding wound healing when used topically. It goes without saying that using a natural oil is more kind to your skin than products pumped full of chemicals. Therefore, using it for its skin benefits does seem useful, but do not expect miracles overnight.
Refined Vs Virgin
If after reading this, you still feel the need to religiously add a scoop to your frying pan (those on a plant based diet etc), or you swear by coconut oil in your beauty regime, there is another catch. Be careful with the ‘type’ that you are buying, and consider the purpose in which you are using coconut oil. Simply, refined coconut oil is undergoes greater processing, hence virgin oil is considered to be more ‘pure’. With regards to the effect on your diet or health, there is really no difference, other than that it is flavourless. However some believe that the anti-oxidant and inflammatory properties are greater in virgin coconut oil.
Although the hype about coconut oil may not all be true, that's not to say that everyone should stay away. For those on certain diets, or who simply like the taste, coconut oil is still completely fine to be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With regards to its skin benefits, there is no denying that it seems to soothe damaged skin, and those with eczema and other skin conditions do find it particularly helpful - but, its certainly no magic potion.
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