The Coconut Oil Conspiracy - Dr. Kellyann on the Dr. Oz Show
First, why is coconut oil so popular today?
Coconut oil is incredibly versatile and the health benefits are really fabulous. I prescribe coconut oil so often that people think I have a coconut farm. This fat is popular with people who are on paleo and ketogenic diets, as well as with vegetarians and vegans, and is used in everything from baking and cooking to creating those tasty little fat bombs Dr. Oz and I talked about in an earlier episode.
Including healthy fat in your diet is an important part of my philosophy, and how I've helped hundreds of thousands of people get slimmer, and feel younger and healthier. Fat is a macronutrient the body needs but with so much conflicting research we’re all just looking for the holy grail of fats, and coconut oil, with it's many health benefits has become the darling of the decade.
So what is the debate about coconut oil?
To break it down in the simplest terms we’re at odds over two conflicting components of coconuts. Fats are classified two ways. One is in the saturation… and coconut oil is very high in saturated fat… which experts fear can raise your bad cholesterol. BUT it’s also classified based on fatty acids and the saturated fats in coconut oil—unlike those in meat—are primarily medium-chain triglycerides. These fats help do everything from fighting insulin resistance to protecting against Alzheimer’s disease.And can coconut oil prevent weight loss?
Well, all oils contain about 120 calories per tbsp... so all oils—if they are eaten in excess—can cause weight gain. If weight loss is your goal, coconut oil, like nuts, is something you should use portion control when eating. When coconut oil is used as part of a healthy diet, and combined with fiber, it can absolutely help people lose weight and get healthier.So, what is the healthiest way to consume coconut oil?
When you pair the coconut oil with fiber, your cholesterol levels don’t go up as much. It can keep your numbers more under control, meaning it’s healthier for you and your heart.- Add to vegetables
- Include ancient grains like quinoa—making a nutty flavored bowl