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Although coconut oil has been on the market for a long time, social networks have positioned it as a trend that benefits health.
Due to this “boom” that coconut oil has had on all digital platforms, many people have incorporated it into their diet and it is now part of commonly consumed products.
To clear up doubts about this revolutionary food, we spoke with nutritionists Andrea Valenzuela and Anaí Mera.
Benefits and properties of coconut oil
Some of the supposed benefits attributed to coconut oil are stimulating immune function, balancing thyroid hormones, helping in cases of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and HIV, promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar, improving intestinal transit, whitening of teeth, strengthening tooth enamel and increasing IQ.
Asked about this, Andrea Valenzuela explains that “unfortunately there is no evidence to show how healthy coconut oil is.”
Likewise, Anaí Mera assures that although this is one of the most resistant oils to high temperatures and is a good option when cooking, it is still rich in cholesterol, so its consumption should be moderate.
Mera also highlights that this oil has a laxative effect on the body, which is why people often link it with weight loss.
However, it states that this food only has that effect, a laxative, so the theory that it leads to weight loss on its own is totally incorrect.
How is coconut oil consumed?
Additionally, Valenzuela comments that the benefits of foods vary when observed individually, versus as a complement to eating habits.
Those people who consume coconut oil along with coconut fiber, with many omega-3 lipids from fish, and also have a low consumption of refined carbohydrates, will clearly see positive results, which have to do with eating habits as a whole. , and not with a particular food.
Therefore, we must be clear that the complexity of dietary patterns and lifestyles are the main explanation for a health benefit.