The bottom line is that until more scientific evidence assures us that consuming coconut oil carries no potential harm, this oil is still in the watch-this-space category, cautions Joubert.
If you do choose to eat coconut oil — and that’s not what Joubert recommends — remember this: Coconut oil provides only a few nutrients for its many kilojoules. Joubert suggests you view it as a ‘sometimes’ food (like butter) and use it sparingly.
“It’s better to use extra-virgin coconut oil, as it provides more antioxidants,” advises Joubert. “Studies show that once coconut oil is refined and processed with heat and chemicals, it loses key beneficial properties, including protective phytonutrients.”
As for those other sources of saturated fat, such as fatty meats, processed meats, takeaway food and processed baked foods, it’s smart to keep your intake to a minimum.
As Joubert confirms: “What’s really important for optimal health is to ensure you eat a variety of wholefoods every day, not focus on individual foods in isolation.”
