Coconut Oil: A Not-So-Superfood?

Several news outlets, including NBC News, Mashable and Shape magazine, reported on the release of the American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on dietary fats and cardiovascular disease. The advisory cautions that, despite popular opinion, coconut oil is a substantial source of saturated fat that contributes to high blood cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. The AHA suggests instead healthier alternatives, such as canola oil. One of the authors of the AHA advisory, cited by the Huffington Post is more pointed: “You can put [coconut oil] on your body, but don’t put it in your body.”