Star of social networks or the internet, coconut oil is regularly put on the front of the stage for its “countless virtues”. It is found in the recipes of healthy cooking bloggers where it is attributed in particular with slimming properties. So how do you find your way through this heap of information? Answers with Daniel Sincholle, pharmacologist.
” Everything is not clear in all that we advance on coconut oil so we must be careful when reading certain information… There are scientific studies which contradict each other. And there will undoubtedly be new data and analyzes in the future ” warns Daniel Sincholle, pharmacologist.
As a reminder, this oil is part of the family of fats. And there are several categories. That of trans fatty acids to avoid: they are found in margarines, pastries or pastries, many industrial products.
THE saturated they are present in charcuterie, red meat or certain dairy products. Finally, so-called polyunsaturated fats are those recommended for health.
THE Omega 3 are found in sardines or mackerel for example.
THE omega-6 in sunflower, grapeseed or Brazil nut oils.
As to omega-9they nestle in olive oil or avocados in particular.
Those present in coconut oil are among those that are not recommended, i.e. saturated. Logically, we should therefore avoid it. So where does this good reputation come from?
Coconut oil does not require any work of digestion
“There are several categories of fatty acids. Those called short, medium or long chain. And according to this specificity, our body will not digest them in the same way. Those with a long chain require a great effort of digestion. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids. Clearly, they do not require any digestion work. They are directly used by the liver to produce energy usable by our muscles and our brain. Which means they don’t store in our fat cells. underlines Daniel Sincholle pharmacologist.
It is for this reason that some were quick to make an oil with virtues slimming. Unfortunately, there are no miracles. If we consume a lot of it and every day, we will not see our figure melt.
Be careful, it remains fat
” The fact that it goes directly to the liver is an asset compared to butter, which must be digested, cut, etc., but it should not be used systematically and all other oils eliminated. It remains fat. And any exclusion of other categories of fat is not desirable in the context of a balanced and diversified diet. We can consume between 10 and 20 g, but not every day, and we must alternate with other oils to have a balanced mixture of fatty acids of all categories. But throw away all the other oils and use only this one, no. “Slices the specialist. So rather than giving in to fads, let’s focus instead on variety and balance. The secret to good health.
Thanks to Daniel Sincholle, pharmacologist and author of Guide to coconut oilpublished by Thierry Souccar.