Coconut Oil- Silver Bullet or Devil's Posion?

This past week the American Heart Associaton released a position statement on Saturated Fats- Coconut Oil was mentioned.  Since then the Internet has been a buzz.  So . . .  What is the right answer?

STOP - Hammer Time.

First, as a scientist and clinician we don't make decisions off of 1 article.  And we for "reals" do not make a decision about someone's health after reading someone elses' opinion about the article.  Sooo, if you want to understand.  Step 1:  Read the Article.  Yes it is a little sciencey but no one is going to grade you or judge you, just read it:)
Here is the Link.

Second,  You have to take YOUR health into account when you try to apply the science we understand.  If you have high cholsterol (LDL), then you have to think about all of your saturated and unsaturated fats more than those who don't have high cholesterol.  Your genetics, decisions in your past, age, may all be working against you.  If none of that applies to you- GREAT!!  You don't have to be as cautionous, restrictive, aware . . ..

Third,  This article is summarizing what is known, by looking at large studies.  This is good science, is it perfect?  No, we don't have all the answers.  If we did, I wouldn't have a job.  The 2nd section Summary of  Conclusions makes, for me, the most sense.  Different studies compared different types of diets.  Do you replace fats with carbohydrates?  Or Do you replace fats with different types of fats?  The conclusions are slightly different.

So what do I do?  Here is my 2 cents for what it is worth.  Everything in Moderation!  No one single pill, vitamin, etc is going to "cure" poor health habits.  You have to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep, avoid smoking . . .  You know these things.  More importantly, if you still have questions about how this impacts YOUR health. Talk to your physician, or better yet a Registered Dietician about how this study or Coconut Oil impacts your health, specifically.  

You have to individualize the health recommendations to YOUR health and YOUR goals.  

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