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This view is now considered a physiological aberration. Fats do not circulate unchanged in the blood; they are digested and metabolized. Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in February 2022 confirmed that saturated fatty acids are not the culprits behind cardiovascular disease, contrary to the ideas promoted by certain industry lobbies favoring other vegetable oils (such as corn or soy).
In reality, being “saturated” offers a major biochemical advantage: stability. Unlike fragile polyunsaturated oils that oxidize and go rancid quickly, coconut oil resists oxidation, making it a healthy cooking fat.
The secret of coconut oil: Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
What fundamentally distinguishes coconut oil from butter or other animal fats is its unique composition. It consists of approximately 65% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid.
These fatty acids possess an exceptional metabolic property:
They are not stored in adipose tissue like conventional fats.
After digestion, they go directly to the liver.
They are immediately converted into energy available to the cells.
It is this fast pathway that allows coconut oil to boost metabolism rather than weigh down the figure.
An alternative fuel for the brain and Alzheimer’s disease
It is perhaps in the field of neurodegenerative diseases that coconut oil offers the most hope. The brain normally uses glucose to function. However, in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, neurons become resistant to insulin and can no longer properly use glucose. They become literally starved of energy, which leads to their degeneration.
Coconut oil offers a vital lifeline. When metabolized by the liver, it produces ketone bodies . These molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier and serve as an alternative fuel for failing neurons. It’s like providing a backup generator to a power plant that has failed.
Clinical cases, such as those reported by Dr. Mary Newport, show that regular consumption (about 2 to 3 tablespoons per day, or 40 to 50 g) can lead to a boost in brain activity and an improvement in cognitive functions in some patients.
Diabetes and weight management: an apparent paradox
Although it is a fat, coconut oil can aid in weight loss and diabetes management. The mechanism is similar to that observed in the brain: by providing stable energy that doesn’t require an insulin spike, it relieves the pancreas and liver.
Furthermore, because it is used to produce energy rather than being stored as triglycerides in adipocytes (fat cells), it promotes a better overall metabolism. For overweight individuals, replacing some of their usual fats with coconut oil can therefore be a relevant strategy.
Immune support and adjuvant therapy
Lauric acid, which makes up about 50% of coconut oil, is also found in breast milk. This molecule has powerful antimicrobial properties. It is capable of attacking the lipid membrane of certain viruses (such as influenza or herpes) and pathogenic bacteria.
Regarding cancer, caution is advised, but the observations are encouraging. Cancer cells, which function autonomously and chaotically, feed primarily on glucose. The intake of ketone bodies via coconut oil, combined with a reduction in sugars (ketogenic diet), could weaken tumor cells while nourishing healthy cells. Some studies also suggest that it could help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy. However, these approaches must absolutely be discussed with an oncologist and considered as complementary therapies.
Beyond the plate: skin, hair and dental care