Sales of coconut oil have boomed in recent years, thanks to the rise of healthy eating bloggers and the ‘wellness movement’. The basis of its popularity stems from the fact that coconuts are free from lactose, and so can be used in vegan recipes. However, the health benefits of coconut oil are under debate among scientists.

This is important, as heart disease is the number one cause of death in Ireland, and is largely preventable!

Coconut oil contains approximately 82% saturated fat.

In comparison:

  • Rapeseed oil contains 7% fat
  • Olive oil contains 14% saturated fat
  • Butter contains 52% saturated fat

The science: Saturated fat consumption raises levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol), which, when consumed over long periods of time, can cause the build-up of plaques in arteries and lead to heart disease.