You Docs: Coconut Oil Not Nutritious

Coconut oil is finding its way into more products, but the You Docs tell readers to stay away from it because of its unhealthy attributes. In an advice column in the Athens Banner-Herald, doctors Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen, authors of "YOU: On a Diet, answer a readers question about coconut oil and weight loss. The reader, Brenda from Frederick, MD, said her friend uses it to make her lean and healthy.

In their response, the You Docs said coconut oil is a complete misfit. They said despite its recent public relations campaigns, coconut oil is filled with more saturated fat than butter, burgers and lard. Saturated fat, they said, clogs arteries with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increases the risk of heart attacks. Saturated fats can also cause dementia

They noted even virgin coconut oil should not be considered a healthy ingredient.

Coconut oil promoters say the medium-chain fatty acids make it a healthy food, but the You Docs call this bad science. They even go as far as saying, The data give coconut oil no more a clean bill of health than butter or menthol cigarettes.

Instead of using coconut oil, they recommended using olive and canola oils. They noted the good fats found in nuts and avocados also promote health as well as eating fruits, vegetables, beans, fish and whole grains. Lastly, they said walking for 30 minutes a day will help create a lean and healthy body.