Coconut/MCT Oil and Cardiovascular Health

Question:

Aren't Coconut/MCT Oils high in saturated fat and bad for our health?

Short Answer:

Both Coconut and MCT Oils are still relatively newer foods to the health food space. While on the surface they may look unhealthy with their high saturated fat content, a deeper dive shows some promising benefits.

Longer Answer:

If looking to define the difference between the two, check out this support guide. But in a nutshell, Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil is the majority fat found from Coconut Oil and has more of the potential fat-burning benefits we are looking for (Caprylic and Capric acid). Coconut Oil contains these two but a larger portion of Lauric acid (the least efficient of the three). But both Coconut/MCT contain high amounts of Saturated Fat so isn't that bad for our cardiovascular health? Not so fast!

MCT can actually be quite healthy and may even help prevent cardiovascular disease! Nature's most perfect food (Breast Milk) is super rich in MCTs as our bodies use them very efficiently. They can help our bodies burn fat, provide long-lasting energy, and can even help with our gut and skin health. But research shows Coconut Oil can raise LDL cholesterol and isn't that the "bad" kind? LDL cholesterols isn't bad in a vacuum, rather oxidized LDL cholesterol found from trans/saturated fats are the "bad" kind.

We recommend using both in moderation. Perhaps some Coconut to stir-fry with or MCT in your coffee or shakes? We are talking no more than a teaspoon or tablespoon here. But the bottom line is that if you are not comfortable using either, you can swap in other healthy fat sources such as Avocados, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Nuts, Ghee, Grass-Fed Butter, etc.

Yours in Health & Friendship,

- The Fit Mother Project  
Customer Success Team

*DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. This FAQ content is for informational purposes only. See our full terms and disclaimer here. Always talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have.