How About Those Double D's

Coconut Oil

Coconuts have made their way back from just being a good ingredient for a frozen pina colada, and they are not just being used for consumption anymore. Consumers can find coconut oils in shampoos, body lotion, or you can buy it in pure form in 10 pound jar.

photo credit: Nikobella Photography 

Before you buy the 101 uses manual and the life time supply at the surplus stores here's our concerns: Nut allergies have taken the world by storm and all of us know someone with a serious nut allergy.  CocoNUT oil is considered a fruit but also a part of the nut family, and allergies to them do exist.  In addition, coconut OIL is exactly that, an oil.  It is a saturated fat that can clog pores and lead to acne, so don't put it on your face! 


Also, remember that any product that you put in your hair ends up on your pillow and onto your facial skin at some point.


Just because the label says calming, hydrating, and recommended by skin care professionals, don't believe everything you read. If you are looking for skin hydration, look to products with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Skin hydration is important, and we are already working on recommendations in an upcoming blog.

Coconut Oil has been claimed to be a medical miracle, superfood, and health food. I watch people purchase this oil and listen to people (who aren't qualified to do so) tell me about this miracle. I'll let you in on what I'm thinking. The most common form of coconut oil is RBD which stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. I don't know about you but that doesn't scream health to me. Since the oil is so high in saturated fat (80% of the product) and is more heat stable, it has been reported that it is being tested to be used as diesel fuel.  In fact the Philippines, Vanuatu, and Samoa all use coconut oil as an alternative fuel source to run automobiles, trucks, buses, and power generators. I guess it's cheaper than gasoline!

Some claim that coconut oil helps with weight loss by speeding up metabolism, that it can reverse Alzheimer's and thyroid disorders, and it reduces candida (yeast) levels;  I did not find any reputable research on this.  My research found it was great for frying, something I usually don't recommend when anticipating a medical miracle. 

As a dietitian, I'm sticking with my recommendations: Coconut oil may be a better substitute for lard but limit the frying and saturated fats overall. When cooking I recommend Canola and Olive Oil which is also supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), American Dietetic Association (ADA), American Heart Association (AHA). 

photo credit: NikoBella Photography

In our professional opinion: Coconut oil, should in no shape or form, be considered a health food or medical miracle.   Save your pores and your arteries and keep the coconut as a flavor enhancer for your next Pina Colada only.


In Good Health,

Amy and Kris