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Will Natural Coconut Oil Lower Cholesterol?

In addition to being very healthy, natural coconut oil is reputed to lower cholesterol. Raw, unprocessed coconut oil is used for a variety of purposes, from skin care to an additive in recipes. Animal fats are widely known for being unhealthy, causing cancer, and raising cholesterol, but unhydrogenated vegetable oils, especially raw coconut oil, can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol. The reason has to do with how the body processes raw oil.

  1. Natural vs. Processed

    • Dr. Mary Enig, an expert in the function of vegetable oil in the human body, states that processed coconut oil is very unhealthy and raises cholesterol due to the presence of hydrogenated oils, which the body has a difficult time processing (see Resources). In contrast, natural coconut oil contains no dangerous hydrogenated fats. Recent studies have shown that unprocessed coconut oil actually raises "good" cholesterol while lowering "bad" cholesterol.

    Cholesterol In the Body

    • A fat molecule is composed of carbon atoms and hydrogen. If there are more hydrogen atoms, it is considered more "saturated" and therefore has a positive effect in the human body. Natural coconut oil can lower cholesterol because of its high lauric acid content, which also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties in addition to cholesterol lowering properties, according to NaturalNews.com, a citizen journalism website.

    Consumption

    • NaturalNews.com recommends that people should consume about three to four tablespoons of natural coconut oil per day in order to lower cholesterol and fight viral infections. You can easily consume this amount if you incorporate the oil in a smoothie mixed with some fruit.

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