Your Qs: Is coconut oil good for you?

You asked, we answered.

"I've heard conflicting things about coconut oil. Is it a superfood or the dietary devil?"

Coconut oil is not the panacea that some make it out to be. There's more research that needs to be done, but don't fall for the hype surrounding it. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

While many laud coconut oil's health benefits, these are yet to be corroborated by the science. What is known, however, is that coconut oil can raise both our good and bad cholesterol. Meanwhile, one review paper concluded that coconut oil cannot be relied on to cut our risk of heart disease. That's got to burst coconut oil's bubble.

Coconut oil is the flavour of the month, but unfortunately, its nutrient profile just doesn't stack up against the likes of avocado, soy, canola or extra virgin olive oil. These oils well and truly bowl coconut oil over in the nutrition stakes.

You don't need to shy away from coconut oil completely though. My recommendation is use it if a recipe calls for it, but don't go adding it to your mushrooms or frying an egg in it. Further, please don't use it to whiten your teeth. There's not a skerrick of evidence that this ancient practice works.

- Joel Feren, Accredited Dietitian and Dietitian Association of Australia spokesperson

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.