US heart experts claim coconut oil is as unhealthy as butter or beef fat. A new report by the American Heart Association (AHA) reveals coconut oil contains high levels of saturated fats. Saturated fats can raise 'bad' cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Even though coconut oil contains higher levels of saturated fat, more so than pork, it is sold as a health food, according to the Daily Mail.
LDL cholesterol,'bad' cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in your arteries and result in heart diseases. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol absorbs cholesterol and carries it to the liver which is then flushed out from the body. High levels of HDL can have a more positive and opposite effect of LDL, which can reduce heart disease risk.
AHA suggests limiting your intake of such bad fats mostly found in butter, cheese and red meat. AHA also recommends replacing saturated fats with healthier alternatives. Oily fish, nuts and legumes, avocados, olive oil and low-fat dairy products are great sources.
