Coconut oil could keep heart disease at a distance

Though she thought she could do wonders for skin and hair, no one suspected that coconut oil could have other benefits to the body. With more saturated fat than butter and lard, experts have always tried to find out if coconut oil could do more harm than good. Now, researchers at the University of Cambridge have conducted a comprehensive study demonstrating that coconut oil can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, this if it is consumed every day for just four weeks. Teachers Kay-Tee Khaw and Nita Forouhi recruited 94 volunteers, aged 50 to 75, who did not have heart disease or diabetes. Participations were divided into three groups and each party was asked to consume 50 grams (about three tablespoons) of coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or butter every day for four weeks. Specialists wanted to find out how these cholesterol levels affect volunteer cholesterol levels.

The results were surprising. While butter-consuming participants experienced a 10% increase in LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol, those who chose olive oil noticed a slight reduction in LDL and a 5% increase in . Meanwhile, those who opted for coconut oil recorded the highest increase in good cholesterol, averaging 15%. Specialists have concluded that it could keep heart disease and stroke away, but research continues. .