INFOGRAPHIC: How does coconut oil stack up against other oils?

Research has confirmed that the type of fat
we eat is more important than how much we eat.
But which fats are the healthiest, and where can we find them? Find key fat information about coconut oil, olive oil, canola oil, and soybean oil, and fact check some of those coconut oil claims you've heard.

Published in: Food

INFOGRAPHIC: How does coconut oil stack up against other oils? from Food Insight

 Transcript

• 1. foodinsight.org Sources: www.foodinsight.org/CoconutOilAndHealth www.foodinsight.org/Dietary_Fats_Balancing_Health_Flavor Fats & Oils:How Coconut Oil Stacks Up Research has confirmed that the type of fat we eat is more important than how much we eat. But which fats are the healthiest, and where can we find them? Coconut oil is not a cure-all. Enjoy a variety of plant-based foods for good health, but don’t replace a significant amount of other plant oils in your diet with coconut oil. Limit saturated fats by replacing them with unsaturated fats for heart health. Both MUFA and PUFA help lower your total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. SATURATED FAT v. UNSATURATED FAT MUFA (monounsaturated fat) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fat) OMEGA-3 How many tablespoons would you need to get your daily recommended amount of Omega-3 (ALA)? GETTING OUR FATS STRAIGHT Soybean TYPE OF COOKING OIL Canola Olive Coconut FACT CHECKING CLAIMS WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE? MYTH 1 REALITY Coconut oil boosts brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease, stimulates thyroid function, and prevent diabetes. 1 No research supports benefits of coconut oil for prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid conditions, or diabetes. 3 Coconut oil may prevent and even treat HIV/AIDS. 3 No research supports benefits of coconut oil for prevention or treatment of HIV/AIDS. 4 Coconut oil is healthy for you because its saturated fat content is mostly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). 4 87% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are saturated,but only a small percentage are the types of medium-chain fatty acids that research has shown to be beneficial.Coconut oil does not provide the same health benefits as 100% MCToil. Omega-3s assist in brain development. At least 15 tbsp. Coconut oil contains 0.0 g of omega-3 fatty acids, so no amount will contribute to your omega-3 needs. 2 Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that help fight off bacterial, viral, and yeast infections. 2 Your immune system is designed to defend your body from disease and infection. There’s no evidence that consuming coconut oil would boost your ability to do this. At least 1.7 tbsp. At least 1.3 tbsp.