Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Food

This ‘healthy’ cooking oil isn't healthy at all

Don't believe the hype. - by Laura Barry
  • 27 Aug 2018

During a 50 minute lecture given at the University of Freiburg, Harvard professor Karin Michels called coconut oil ‘pure poison’. Michels is the director of the Institute for Prevention and Tumor Epidemiology at the University of Freiburg and professor at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, so her opinion isn’t something to be ignored.

A Youtube clip of the lecture Michels gave in July, titled ‘coconut oil and other nutritional errors’, has since gone viral, making many people rethink their choice to use coconut oil in their cooking.

Karin isn’t the only person to question the belief that coconut oil is good for you. Public health organisations such as Canada’s Heart and Stroke Foundation, the World Health Organization, and Dietitians of Canada have noted that coconut oil is high in saturated fat and advise limiting its use.

coconut oil and coconut shell
Getty

Coconut oil has been spruiked by celebrities and wellness coaches as being a natural cure-all with endless health benefits such as aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and a healthier alternative to olive and vegetable oils, yet there’s no scientific proof to support these beliefs. And while coconut oil is praised for containing many antioxidants, this is only true for the extra virgin varieties, but is also true for any extra virgin variety of oil, such as olive oil – which has less saturated fat.

Coconut oil actually contains more than 80 per cent saturated fat which is why it remains solid at room temperature. For comparison, animal-based fat lard contains only 40 per cent saturated fats, and butter only 27 per cent.

The high content of saturated fat in coconut oil is thought to raise LDL cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. 

Ultimately, coconut oil is better used topically on the skin as a moisturiser, rather than as a staple in cooking.

You might also like:

The only vegetable you need to boost your health

5 super foods for good health and weight loss

How to detox your life and home

  • News
  • Food
  • Beauty
  • Health
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

A dietitian reveals why absolutely everyone should eat avocados

A dietitian reveals why absolutely everyone should eat avocados

New research finds cooking is good for your mental health

New research finds cooking is good for your mental health

These are the hot new health food trends for 2019

These are the hot new health food trends for 2019

{headline}

{headline}

Coconut Oil Uses: 7 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Uses: 7 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

These are the 6 best substitutes for vegetable oil

These are the 6 best substitutes for vegetable oil

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How long does caffeine last in your system?

{headline}

{headline}

The beautiful rolling pin every baker needs

The beautiful rolling pin every baker needs

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

Study finds chocolate milk is actually good for you

Study finds chocolate milk is actually good for you

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

How to lose your holiday weight gain

How to lose your holiday weight gain

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription