Is Coconut Oil Bad For You?
Short answer
Coconut oil is good for you (unless hydrogenated), as it has many beneficial attributes.
Recommended Alternative
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Coconut oil has previously been noted as not being good because of the fat content. Recently studies have shown coconut oil has many very positive traits. Health Impact News Daily states "Coconuts are rich in specific fats that have incredible health benefits. Traditional tropical populations that consume a lot of coconut oil have considerably less diseases that afflict most western cultures and are seldom overweight."
The body needs a proper balance of good fats for health benefits, which is where coconut oil comes into play. It is unfortunate that in recent years, the U.S food industry has exchanged many healthy saturated fats with harmful trans-fats.
Some of the benefits of coconut oil include: treatment for Alzheimer's patients, increased metabolism, helping sluggish thyroids, increased energy levels, killing candida and yeast infections, clearing up skin infections, killing viruses and improving digestive health.
Possible short-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- promotes thyroid health
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promotes digestive health
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promotes skin health
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promotes weight loss
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lessens fatigue
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fight candida / yeast infections
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decreased risk of diabetes
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decreased risk of heart disease
Healthier alternatives
- organic coconut oil
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cold pressed coconut oil
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Viva Naturals Coconut Oil
- Cold-pressed extraction
- Nourishes hair/skin
- Enhances cooking flavors
- USDA Organic certified
- Non-GMO
Learn More!
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Written by Maddiebair
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Maddiebair
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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