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The Daily Insight

What does the Mayo Clinic say about coconut oil?

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on March 11, 2026

The reality: Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels — the good and the bad kinds — more than other plant-based oils like olive or canola. And in truth, medium-chain triglycerides make up only a small amount of the fatty acids in coconut oil.

Simply so, what do doctors say about coconut oil?

They found that, according to the studies they evaluated, coconut oil significantly increased LDL ("bad") cholesterol by about 9% compared with nontropical vegetable oils. HDL ("good") cholesterol also increased. "There is no evidence from medical studies that coconut oil is beneficial for health.

Additionally, what do cardiologists say about coconut oil? “Good for your skin, not good in your body.†Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky says coconut oil is not good for your heart health, because it raises bad cholesterol.

In this regard, what are the dangers of coconut oil?

Like other saturated fats, coconut oil increases LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad†cholesterol, which has been associated with increased risk of heart disease. But coconut oil also raises HDL, the “good†cholesterol, especially when replacing carbohydrates in the diet.

Why do they say coconut oil is bad for you?

Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids, and saturated fat has been linked to high cholesterol levels and heart disease.

Related Question Answers

Can coconut oil clog arteries?

Eating foods that contain coconut oil can increase your risk for heart problems. Fatty plaque buildup causes the artery walls to harden and narrow, making it difficult for blood to deliver the oxygen and nutrients your organs need.

What is the healthiest oil?

Olive Oil. Best all-around award goes to olive oil. You can use it for almost any kind of cooking without breaking it down. The healthiest type is extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO).

Is coconut oil healthier than olive oil?

Olive Oil Is Healthier and More Nutritious

Which is healthier — coconut oil or olive oil? The clear winner in this matchup is olive oil. That is because it is rich in good fat (polyunsaturated fat) and low in bad fat (saturated fat). On the other hand, coconut oil contains 80 to 90 percent saturated fat.

Is cooking with coconut oil unhealthy?

These benefits have been attributed to its high content of lauric acid, a unique saturated fat that is otherwise rare in food. In conclusion, eating coconut oil appears safe and may even improve your health. But as with all cooking oils, make sure to use it in moderation.

What's the truth about coconut oil?

Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats that increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in your body. They may also help turn LDL (bad) cholesterol into a less harmful form. By increasing HDL, many experts believe that coconut oil may boost heart health compared with many other fats.

Can I eat coconut oil raw?

There are a bunch of superfoods you can eat that will provide a lot of nutrition to your body on a daily basis. Today, we're gonna tell you about the health benefits of consuming coconut oil on a daily basis. You can add it to your salads, cook with it or even have it raw straight out of the jar.

Is coconut oil good for gut bacteria?

Organic virgin coconut oil is packed with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal nutrient lauric acid. This nutrient provides excellent support to help boost immunity and improve gut health. Coconut oil can aid in restoring healthy balance to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut.

Can coconut oil cause high cholesterol?

The reality: Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels — the good and the bad kinds — more than other plant-based oils like olive or canola. And in truth, medium-chain triglycerides make up only a small amount of the fatty acids in coconut oil.

Is coconut oil poisonous to humans?

Coconut oil is "one of the worst foods you can eat" and is "pure poison", a Harvard professor has said. In a speech at the prestigious American university, Dr Karin Michels warned against consuming it.

Why coconut oil is bad for your heart?

But coconut oil is generally not recommended for heart health. The culprit is saturated fat. Eighty-two percent of coconut oil is saturated fat: one tablespoon contains 12 grams (14 grams total fat). High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease.

Which oil is best for heart?

The chart below lists the best oils for specific uses.
Type of Oil Browning, Searing, Pan-Frying
Type of Oil Browning, Searing, Pan-Frying
Sunflower Oil (high-oleic) Browning, Searing, Pan-Frying Sauteing, Sauces
Canola Oil Browning, Searing, Pan-Frying Sauteing, Sauces
Olive Oil Browning, Searing, Pan-Frying Sauteing, Sauces

Is coconut oil really good for your heart?

But coconut oil is generally not recommended for heart health. The culprit is saturated fat. Eighty-two percent of coconut oil is saturated fat: one tablespoon contains 12 grams (14 grams total fat). High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease.

Is it safe to drink virgin coconut oil?

When taken by mouth: Coconut oil is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. But coconut oil contains a type of fat that can increase cholesterol levels. So people should avoid eating coconut oil in excess. Coconut oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as a medicine short-term.

Does coconut oil prevent stroke?

Four weeks of consuming coconut oil lowers risk of heart disease, stroke: Study. Participants who ate coconut oil saw the biggest rise in HDL levels with an average of 15 percent. Consuming coconut oil daily for just four weeks may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, suggests a recent study.

Is coconut oil OK for high blood pressure?

Either coconut oil supplementation or exercise training was shown to reduce blood pressure. However, only combined coconut oil and exercise training were able to bring the pressure back to normotensive values.

Is coconut bad for heart?

A. Viewed in isolation, coconut and coconut oil can't be considered heart-healthy foods. A 2-ounce piece of fresh coconut contains more than 13 grams of saturated fat — nearly two-thirds of the recommended daily limit for the average person.

Which is healthier coconut oil or avocado oil?

Since coconut oil is a great source of fatty acids, it encourages your body to burn fat and provide more energy to your body which means more energy to exercise. Avocado oil, on the other hand, is rich in heart-healthy monosaturated fats which improve our cholesterol levels.

Can coconut oil make you gain weight?

Coconut oil, like any oil, is dense with calories. “So a steady diet of coconut oil will very likely lead to steady weight gain,†warns Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD, Director of Nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center, a health and weight-loss resort in Miami that has been teaching healthy-living skills since 1975.

What happens if you eat too much coconut?

Increases Blood Cholesterol Levels: Eating too many coconuts can also be very harmful to our heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke and irregular heartbeat.

Which oil is good for cholesterol?

Heart-healthy oils like canola, corn, olive, peanut, and sunflower oils contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and raise "good" HDL cholesterol.

Is coconut oil good for cholesterol?

Studies show that coconut oil may raise the levels of the “good†HDL cholesterol, relative to total cholesterol, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease.

Is coconut oil or butter healthier?

Whilst avocados and nuts are good fats, coconut oil is a saturated fat and thus no better for us that butter, the American Heart Association says in its updated advice. They say it can raise “bad†cholesterol, even though it is often marketed as a health food.