Coconut Oil: Its Heart Health Benefits

Recent research has found that treatment with oil coconut protects the neurons of the cerebral cortex in laboratory conditions, while a study carried out in 2006 showed that the consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (contained in coconut) led to an immediate improvement of brain functions in patients suffering from mild forms of Alzheimer's disease.

According to new research, daily consumption of oil coconut for 4 weeks, maybe reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Researchers Kay-Tee Khaw and Nita Forouhi from the University of Cambridge, conducted research on 94 volunteers between the ages of 50 and 75. None of them had a history of heart disease or diabetes.

The scientists divided the participants into 3 groups and asked the members of each to consume 50 grams, or about 3 tablespoons, of coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, or unsalted butter, every day for 4 weeks.

His aim was to analyze how the regular consumption of these fats could affect the cholesterol levels of the participants.

The findings showed that participants who consumed butter had an average 10% increase in levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

Those who consumed olive oil had a small decrease in LDL levels and 5% an increase in HDL cholesterol.

Those participants who consumed coconut oil, however, saw the greatest increase in their levels of good HDL cholesterol, with an average of 15%.