What is the relation between coconut oil and cholesterol?

Coconut oil has become one of the most popular food items in recent years, especially in the health enthusiast circle. There is mounting evidence that it is effective in controlling weight, improving cardiovascular health and improving the appearance of the skin and hair as well. But there is a big debate which has been going on for years, whether coconut oil is good for cholesterol levels. Coconut oil and cholesterol influence is debatable and there are contradictory researches proving different points. 

But before we discuss about coconut oil and cholesterol, it is important to understand different types of coconut oils available in the market. 

Not all Types of Coconut Oil are created equal

Coconut oils are produced using two different methods broadly. 

1. Cold press
2. Heated Hydraulic press

When fresh coconut milk extracted from fresh coconut flesh is cold-pressed, then we get virgin coconut oil. This is healthier, has a powerful aroma and taste. 

When dried coconut is refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) and pressed in a heated hydraulic press to extract the oil, then we get refined coconut oil. This type of coconut oil is devoid of the natural coconut oil aroma, taste and nutrition. 

And hence, when you think of consuming coconut oil for its health benefits like weight loss and other conditions, make sure you go for virgin coconut oil. Now let’s try to understand the relationship between coconut oil and cholesterol.

Impact of coconut oil on cholesterol

The coconut oil and cholesterol relationship is debatable. A study compared the effects on cholesterol levels of butter, coconut fat, and safflower oil and found that coconut oil was effective at lowering “bad” LDL and triglyceride levels and raising “good” HDL levels.

Many studies claim that coconut oil enhances good cholesterol, but it enhances bad cholesterol as well. 

There are many studies with contradictory conclusions on Coconut oil cholesterol impact. Hence, we recommend that if you have cholesterol issues, it is better to limit your virgin coconut oil consumption. Do not consume refined coconut oil at all. You can consume virgin coconut oil once in a while, use it in cooking or with tea but do not consume it regularly. Unless there is concrete research to establish the relationship between coconut oil and cholesterol with more certainty, it only makes sense to limit the consumption in case you have cholesterol related issues.

Try 24 Mantra Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and savour the taste of organic goodness.