Easy on the coconut oil

Monday, April 28, 2014

Easy on the coconut oil    

These days, it seems like coconut oil is soaking up credit for its positive affect on a wide range of health conditions. But, still developing science around the popular oil tells a little different story.

“We know all saturated fats are not created equally, but there’s no evidence that coconut oil is better or healthier than other vegetable oils,” said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist.

A tablespoon of coconut oil has 117 calories and is 86 percent saturated fat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database. By comparison, the same amount of canola oil contains 124 calories and is 7 percent saturated fat.

Plant based oils, including virgin coconut oil, provide some antioxidant properties which can offer some health benefits. Click here to read more.