The Effects Of Vco On Plasma Lipoproteins Levels
This open-label, randomized, controlled, crossover trial among 32 healthy participants assessed the effects of daily VCO consumption on plasma lipoproteins levels compared to control . We found that taking 15mL of VCO twice daily for 8 weeks was associated with a significant increase in HDL-C level compared with taking 2% CMC solution. Nevertheless, we did not find any significant differences in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels between VCO and the control.
Our findings are in line with the findings that VCO consumption is potentially beneficial for increasing HDL-C levels . Our lipid parameter results are similar to a recent study by Cardoso et al. who evaluated the effect of VCO on lipid profiles and anthropometric parameters among patients with coronary artery disease . Cardoso et al. found that HDL-C levels significantly increased in those consuming VCO 15mL for 3 months, while no significant change occurred in total cholesterol or LDL-C levels . Our results are similar to a randomized crossover study by Voon et al. conducted in Malaysia with 45 healthy participants who consumed diets with 30% of energy from fat and two-thirds of fat from coconut oil, palm oil, or extra virgin olive oil . Compared with consuming extra virgin olive oil, consuming coconut oil significantly increased the HDL-C level by 3.48mg/dL .
Potential Risks Of Coconut Oil
Taken in moderation and used as a topical agent for moisturizing, coconut oil can provide many benefits. Still, there are a few potential health risks to be aware of, including the amount of saturated fat the oil contains. Here are some other potential health risks of coconut oil:
Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Even though some studies have shown that coconut oil can boost good cholesterol and lower the bad, other studies have shown that compared to other oils like olive oil, coconut oil raised harmful LDL cholesterol levels. High levels of LDL cholesterol can raise your risk of developing heart diseases or suffering from a stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day in your diet. As stated earlier, coconut oil contains more than that in one serving, meaning its easy to overdo saturated fat in your diet when you consume coconut oil. Too much saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol, increasing risks of heart disease and stroke.
Flaxseed Health Benefits Can Flaxseed Help Your Blood Sugars
I just love flaxseed, and one I supplement with daily. Flaxseed has an amazing amount of benefits to help promote overall health. In saying that, how can one find flaxseed? What actual benefits does organic flaxseed provide? Can it help prevent your blood sugars from spiking? For that and much, much more, continue reading!
Flaxseed oil is an excellent supplement that supports the bodys vital systems. It is rich in the omega-3 essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Although omega-3s are crucial to human health, they are not manufactured by the body, so its important to get a steady supply through dietary sources and supplements.
There are two types of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6. Most Americans get enough omega-6fatty acids from dietary sources such as meat, eggs and dairy. Omega-3s are necessary for growth, heart health and brain function, but many of us do not get enough of them from dietary sources. MayoClinic.com reports that multiple studies have shown that omega-3 supplements may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
These supplements have also been studied as a treatment for depression and other mental illnesses, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, ADHD, osteoporosis, and even cancer prevention.
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Does Coconut Oil Raise Cholesterol
Many people wonder, is coconut oil bad for cholesterol? No, it is not. There are two types of cholesterol, good cholesterol, also known as HDL, and bad cholesterol, also called LDL good cholesterol helps to maintain a healthy body, while bad cholesterol damages the body and causes numerous health problems. Coconut oil does raise cholesterol levels however, it raises the HDL or good cholesterol levels, not the LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Coconut oil has been proven to improve cholesterol ratios and reduce the risk of heart disease. The benefits of coconut oil and cholesterol levels are far greater than when other cooking oils like vegetable, olive, soybean, peanut, sunflower, or canola oils are used.
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Products Used In The Study
VCO was produced by Siam Paradise Health Products Co. Ltd. The oil contained lauric acid 50.4%, myristic acid 17.5%, caprylic acid 9.0%, palmitic acid 7.9%, capric acid 7.0%, oleic acid 5.9%, stearic acid 1.6%, and linoleic acid 0.9%. The control regimen was 2% CMC solution, produced by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University. A 2% CMC solution was chosen as the control regimen instead of other types of oil in order to avoid any effects of other oils on the lipid profiles.
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Amazing For Skin Hair And Your Teeth
Coconut oil is an amazing beauty product. It works wonders for hydrating the skin and reducing symptoms of eczema. It can also be used to moisturize the lips if you have a chapstick addiction like myself ! Coconut oil is also amazing for damaged and dry hair and can pull oils from the teeth when used as a mouthwash.
Coconut Oil And Cholesterol
Overview
Coconut oil has been in the headlines in recent years for various health reasons. In particular, experts go back and forth debating about whether or not its good for cholesterol levels.
Some experts say you should avoid coconut oil because of its high levels of saturated fat .
Others say that the structure of the fat in coconut oil makes it less likely to add to fat buildup in the body and that, for that reason, its healthy.
There are a lot of conflicting reports about whether or not coconut oil can help:
- maintain healthy cholesterol
- help raise good high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
Research hasnt been definitive, but there are many facts known about this oil. These may help you choose whether or not to incorporate coconut oil into your diet. Consulting your physician is also a good idea.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the oil from fresh coconuts contains a high proportion of medium chain fatty acids. These dont seem to be stored in fat tissue as easily as are long chain fatty acids.
Experts say that coconut oils lauric acid, which is a healthy type of saturated fatty acid, is quickly burned up by the body for energy rather than stored. Thats why some people think of coconut oil as a potential weight loss tool.
All types of fat have the same number of calories. Its only the difference in the fatty acid makeup that makes each fat distinct from the others.
In a saturated fat to soybean oils 15 percent.
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Types Of Healthy Fat In Oils
Incorporating a variety of different oils in your diet can help to provide an array of different micronutrients.
Monounsaturated fats contain a single unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule. A good source of vitamin E, monounsaturated fats are found only in plants. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends MUFAs make up 15% to 20% of total daily calories.
Polyunsaturated fats have more than one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule and are found in plants and fish such as salmon. PUFAs also contain vitamin E and high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acidsnutrients essential for brain function and cell growth.
Some oils are high in omega-3 fatty acidshealthy fats that help to reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of arterial plaque. Avocado, canola, flaxseed, olive, peanut, sunflower, and walnut oils are all good sources of omega-3.
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What Else Can It Do
Theres a claim that coconut oil can reduce the mental losses from Alzheimers disease by providing an alternate energy source for your brain. But right now the evidence is mostly word-of-mouth and not from research.
Coconut oil does have antioxidants, compounds that may help reduce the risk of disease. But Young says youll likely get a bigger antioxidant bang for your buck from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
You may also see coconut butter coconut flesh thats been pureed into a creamy spread. It has more fiber than the oil. Coconut flour is another higher-fiber option that you can use when baking.
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What Does The Evidence Say
Research on MCTs cannot be applied to coconut oil
Research on medium-chain triglycerides is widely quoted as supporting use of coconut oil. However, coconut oil only contains a very small amount of medium-chain fatty acids. The main fatty acid is lauric acid, which acts like a long-chain fatty acid in the body.
Evidence in humans is lacking
Research in animals is also widely quoted. This type of research can help build theories , but these must be tested in humans before we can draw any meaningful conclusions. There are only a small number of research trials on coconut oil in humans. Overall, they show that coconut oil raises all types of cholesterol in the blood.
Coconut oil is not typically eaten in the Pacific
Epidemiological research from the Pacific Islands is widely quoted as supporting use of coconut oil. However, this research is on squeezed coconut milk/cream rather than coconut oil. Coconut oil was typically used as a hair conditioner or moisturiser rather than eaten. Furthermore, the traditional Pacific diet was far different to that in New Zealand, based largely on fresh vegetables and fruit, seafood, and with no processed or junk foods.
You can read the full review of the research in our ‘Coconut and the heart’ evidence paper and Position Statement.
Best Ways To Reduce Heart Disease Risk Using Food
Different people respond differently to foods. Thats why its really hard to make blanket nutrition statements. Some people tolerate coconut oil well and see great improvements in hormone profiles, mood, memory and weight. For others, coconut oil may not be the answer.
This AHA report is another reminder that we need to push for personalized nutrition and medicine. What works for one person may not work for another.
In general, though, here are more foods to work into your diet for better heart health:
- Herbs: Turmeric, garlic, rosemary, cayenne and cinnamon have all been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Bitter Greens: Its well established in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine that bitter green vegetables promote heart health. These include arugula, broccoli rabe, dandelion greens, dill and watercress.
- Omega-3 Rich Foods: Wild caught fish high in EPA and DHA, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna, have tremendous anti-inflammatory benefits, as do nuts. ALA-rich chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts are also rich in omega-3s.
Final Thoughts
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Why Virgin Coconut Oil Is Better Than The Regular Or Refined One
Please note that the rather neutral effect on cholesterol is only true for real virgin coconut oil. It is cold extracted from ripe and fresh coconuts, without heating or chemicals. It is considered unrefined. You spot it because it has a sweet smell of coconut, unlike hydrogenated or bleached and deodorized coconut oil, much cheaper but also much less healthy because of its trans fats content more dangerous for cholesterol and health than saturated fats.
Effects Of Coconut On Cholesterol Level
Considering the fact that coconut contains saturated fats in large amounts, its effect on cholesterol levels is a subject of concern. The following article provides some information on the nutrition facts, and its effect on the overall body cholesterol level.
Considering the fact that coconut contains saturated fats in large amounts, its effect on cholesterol levels is a subject of concern. The following article provides some information on the nutrition facts, and its effect on the overall body cholesterol level.
Despite the name, coconut is not truly a nut. Rather, it is a fruit of the palm. Its scientific name is Cocos nucifera. It is the endosperm of this fruit that is edible. In a tender coconut, the endosperm is the liquid that is widely consumed as coconut water. As the fruit matures, it hardens to a white, solid meat. The fruit is consumed in a number of ways. However, the health-conscious people remain doubtful whether this tropical fruit has negative effects on the heart and cholesterol levels or not.
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Whats The Bottom Line
While coconut oil shouldnt be considered off-limits, it doesnt quite live up to the hype, either.
This is another case of it if sounds too good to be true, it probably is, Young says. Its fine to add small amounts to your diet. But keep the focus on healthier fat sources along with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
If you want a product with the most flavor, look for jars labeled virgin. That means its made with a process that will help it keep more of its tropical taste.
Is Coconut Good For You
There are a lot of claims being made about coconut oil. In relation to heart health, the claims are not convincing, and there is little evidence to support coconut oil being called a ‘superfood’.
The research suggests coconut oil is better than butter for cholesterol levels, but not as good as other plant oils that are lower in saturated fat.
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Health Concerns Of Saturated Fat
Diets high in saturated fat are linked with a higher risk of heart disease. Saturated fat is known to increase low-density lipoprotein — the “bad” cholesterol. When LDL builds up in your blood, it sticks to the inside of arteries, causing them to become hard rather than pliable warns the American Heart Association. Your heart works harder to keep blood moving, adding unnecessary wear and tear on your heart muscle.
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Ask The Doctors Could Coconut Oil Lower My Cholesterol
Dear Doctor: Im 75, healthy, and want to stay that way in spite of a bad family history regarding hearts and arteries. I have taken 10 milligrams of Lipitor for several years, but am wondering if I should try coconut oil to lower my cholesterol.
We seem to be seeing a sudden rise in the use of coconuts for health reasons, both in this country and in many others. Some of my family members tout coconut oil for a variety of ailments, and many of my patients report health benefits from coconut oil. And, to be sure, Indonesians, Indians and Filipinos have incorporated coconuts into their diets for thousands of years. However, those societies were eating coconut meat and drinking coconut milk, not solely utilizing the oil of coconuts. Thats likely a good thing.
Coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, with 12 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. Compare that to olive oil, which has 1.9 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. Both have 14 grams of total fat, but almost all of olive oils fat is monounsatured fat, widely considered to be better for the heart and cardiovascular system. Saturated fats in meats and dairy products, on the other hand, have been shown to increase LDL cholesterol, the so-called bad type of cholesterol linked to coronary artery disease.
In addition, if you have risk factors for heart disease, there is a significant benefit in staying on the statin you are taking. I would not stop that in lieu of adding coconut oil to your diet.
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Ask The Doctor: Coconut Oil And Health
ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Q. I have started noticing more coconut oil at the grocery store and have heard it is better for you than a lot of other oils. Is that true?
A. I’ve also noticed that coconut oil seems to be catching on these days. Coconut oil is about 90% saturated fat, which is a higher percentage than butter , beef fat , or even lard . Too much saturated fat in the diet is unhealthy because it raises “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart disease. So it would seem that coconut oil would be
But what’s interesting about coconut oil is that it also gives “good” HDL cholesterol a boost. Fat in the diet, whether it’s saturated or unsaturated, tends to nudge HDL levels up, but coconut oil seems to be especially potent at doing so.
Coconut is a wonderful flavor and there’s no problem using coconut oil occasionally. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so cooks are experimenting with using it instead of butter or vegetable shortening to make pie crust and other baked goods that require a solid source of fat. And if you’re preparing a Thai dish, cooking with coconut oil may be essential.
Walter C. Willett, M.D.
The Oils Best For Your Heart
For heart health, the best types of oils are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils primarily extra virgin olive oil . Several studies on the Mediterranean diet have proven EVOOs benefits for the heart.
To maximize the nutritional value and benefit of EVOO, avoid cooking with it at high temperatures . More refined oils, like peanut, sunflower and canola, are acceptable to use if you need to cook at higher heats.
Following these tips will help you best reap the benefits of heart-healthy oils.
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