Coconut Oil: Good on the Outside but Not on the Inside

Anyone else notice how coconut oil has managed to inch itself onto the shelves of stores worldwide over the past few years? Coconut water! Coconut dressing! Coconut coffee and tea! Coconut flour! Coconut milk! Coconut butter! Coconut extract!

According to a recent article released by Harvard University's T.H Chan School of Public Health professor, the tropical treat is considered "pure poison."

So pure poison or cure-all miracle food? The answer likely lies somewhere in the middle. To RDs everywhere, the "pure poison" label does't come as a shock. We've been saying this for years! The term "poison" however, may be a bit harsh. It is true that coconut oil is full of artery-clogger saturated fats. The good kind, right? Yes and no. Coconut contains a fat known as lauric acid. It works to raise the good cholesterol while also raising the bad.

Fun fact: Coconut oil is about 85% saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommendation? About 10g per day for the average bear. Ever flipped over a package to check out the nutrition facts panel? Those little grams add up QUICKLY!

Therefore, a small amount a few days a week? Go for it! 
For use as a moisturizer or conditioner? Even better!
Daily use in cooking, marinades, dressings, water, coffee and tea? ABORT! ABORT! You're much better off using it as a daily makeup remover :-)