Is it a wonder product, capable of curing acne, promoting weight loss and even preventing heart disease and cancer? Or should it be shunned for its high saturated fat content? One thing is certain – coconut oil has seen a massive explosion in popularity. It’s in every health food shop across the UK, often promoted as a solution to various ailments. So what’s the truth about coconut oil?
Saturated fat
Most saturated fat consumed in the UK comes from meat and dairy products such as cheese, cream, butter and ghee, as well as lard and palm oil, and processed foods such as cakes and biscuits are often packed with it. As most of these are animal products and shunned by vegans, it’s easy for us to think that we’re exempt from high blood cholesterol levels because we consume only plant oils.