Coconut oil may help cholesterol levels

Coconut oil’s long shelf life and high melting point once made it and other tropical oils, such as palm oil, popular ingredients in processed snacks. But, like butter, whole milk and red meat, coconut oil contains saturated fat, which experts have said contributes to high cholesterol, clogged arteries and heart disease. More recently, however, researchers have revealed that the fat molecules in coconut oil are shorter than those in animal-derived saturated fat. Some say that this subtle difference may explain why the traditional Polynesian diet -- high in tropical oils, like coconut -- appears to lead to relatively low rates of heart disease.

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Uses: Some people are now turning to coconut oil to combat hypothyroidism and obesity and improve their cholesterol levels.

Dose: Proponents say a tablespoon a day or more is needed to reap coconut oil’s health benefits. The oil is sold in tubs for cooking and as a dietary supplement in softgel (pill) form.

Precautions: If you choose to significantly increase your coconut oil intake, monitor your blood cholesterol to avoid any unhealthy changes in LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels.

Research: Lab and animal studies suggest that coconut oil and different types of “short” fat molecules can increase fat metabolism and improve the balance of cholesterol in the blood. Good human studies are far less in number, but so far they show that consuming coconut oil and shorter fatty acid molecules (in place of butter and other fats) might lead to a healthier ratio of HDL (“good”) to LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

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-- Elena Conis