This observation had brought nutritionists to study on the reality behind coconut cooking oil.  Generally, saturated fats are known to be the fats that are associated with heart diseases but studies showed that the saturated fat in coconut oil may even give many benefits on health, nutrition, and beauty.

But how about the relationship between coconut oil and cholesterol?  Is it true that coco oil does not raise cholesterol level in our blood?

 

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid or fat-like substance that is naturally produced by the liver to help build cell walls and can be useful in the digestion of fat into energy.  Since our body has its own source of this lipid, eating foods that are rich in cholesterol is not necessary for it would lead to heightened cholesterol level which is dangerous for the health.

The Bad and the Good Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol:

1.) Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – these are the bad cholesterols that compose the majority of cholesterol count in the body.  When there is too much LDL in the blood, it forms plaques that slowly clog up the arteries.  This could impair blood circulation and could result to coronary heart disease and stroke.

2.) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – the good cholesterol which contains ¼ to 1/3 of the blood cholesterol in the body.  These are the type that tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries, thus, preventing plaque build up.

Despite the fact that we do not need cholesterol from other sources than our liver, we could not completely avoid it because they are present in almost all our favorite and staple foods. Egg, for example, is one of the top sources of cholesterol followed by chicken, beef, and turkey.

 

Complications linked to cholesterol

1.) Coronary Heart Disease

Occurs when there is too much cholesterol that builds up and narrows the arteries. Because of the difficulty for blood to flow to the heart, it could cause chest pains.  When blood vessels are completely clogged, a person then will have heart attack.

2.) Stroke

When there is insufficient blood supply to some parts of the brain, then it results to stroke. This is when blood vessels are blocked by too much cholesterol build up that impairs blood and oxygen distribution to the brain.

3.) Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure happens when the heart exerts more effort than normal to pump blood through cholesterol-clogged arteries.

4.) Diabetes

The glucose in the blood of a diabetic person makes the LDLs sticky.  This can cause faster build up and hardening of cholesterol in the arterial walls. 

Coconut oil and cholesterol

The bad press against coconut oil started decades ago when there was a study made on coconuts and its effects on the body.

The result of the tests showed that the animals fed with coco oil became fat and unhealthy because of trans-fatty acids present in the oil.  The study may have showed accurate results.  However, it discounted the fact that the coconut oil used then was hydrogenated coconut oil. Any type of oil, when it is hydrogenated even if it were olive, soy, or avocado oil, will have adverse effects on health.

In a study on Sri Lankan males in 1989, it was reported that corn oil decreased the LDL or bad cholesterol levels.  However, there was also a decline in the good cholesterol or HDL.  These males were traditionally using coconut oil before the tests.  This has shown that coco oil does not encourage build up of bad cholesterol in the artery the way corn oil does.

While coco oil can not be associated with raising cholesterol levels like other oils do, it does not necessarily mean coconut oil can lower your bad cholesterol.  Studies only show that coconut cooking oil may have a neutral effect on LDL and HDL counts which means that using it everyday in your cooking lessens that possibility that your cholesterol level will increase.

Other coconut oil health benefits:

Coconut oil for thyroid, according to nutritionist, Bruce Fife, coconut oil helps improve thyroid function. A healthier thyroid aids in better digestive system and more efficient conversion of food to nutrients.

Coconut oil for diabetes, learn about the nature of diabetes.  Find out how coconut oil is said to lessen the effects and complications of diabetes and discover how coconut diet may improve the state of your health.

Coconut oil for candidiasis, there had been claims that coco oil reduces the risk of candida yeast overgrowth inside our body.  Learn how coconut oil works and find out for yourself whether such claims are true.