NOT ONLY IS IT ONE of the most commonly talked about ‘superfoods’ of recent years, but coconut oil has worked its way into such high regard as to be heralded a ‘cure-all’ product. Its suggested health benefits range from reducing weight and lowering cholesterol, to healing wounds and having positive effects on our immune system, energy levels and memory. It’s even been claimed to be an effective treatment for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid conditions, diabetes, and Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Unsurprisingly, coconut oil sales have flourished as a result. Yet it wasn’t so long ago that this fat was described as ‘more artery-clogging than lard’ due to its high saturated fat content. Is its recent surge in popularity backed by scientific evidence or is it just marketing garb? British Nutrition Foundation nutritionist SARA STANNER looks at the main claims and the evidence (or lack of) to support them…
THE CLAIM