Can you consume a spoonful of coconut oil? (3 Backed-up Effects)
By
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro PhD is a Chemist with expertise in Food Technology, extraction of essential oils from food sources, organocatalysis, extraction by supercritical CO2 and organic chemistry. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro’s Highlights:
- PIPE-FAPESP Project Coordinator for the company Bioativos Naturais Ltda involving the extraction of essential oils from food sources, with supercritical CO2.
- PhD in Chemistry with research in supercritical fluid reactivity.
- Bachelor of Environmental Chemistry at University of São Paulo State (UNESP)/Brazil
Professional Experience:
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro’s Experience:
Dr Rafael coordinated a PIPE-FAPESP Project (Company Research and Innovation Project) for the company Bioativos Naturais Ltda, involving the extraction of essential oils with supercritical CO2 from food sources such as turmeric, ginger, hops, orange bagasse, pepper rose, cupuaçu pie, among others.
Dr Rafael has worked on a project, involving studies of the influence of pre-treatment on the recovery of crude food extracts by extraction with supercritical CO2 (Supercritical Fluid Extraction or SFE) and with pressurized liquids (ethanol and water) for food sources, aimed at obtaining oleoresins; determination of global yield and chemical composition of crude extracts. As a postdoctoral fellow for the Food Engineering department at the University of Campinas/Brazil
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro has worked as a substitute Professor at the University of São Paulo State (UNESP) on General Chemistry and Thermodynamics II disciplines for the Food Engineering course.
Education:
- 2009 Bachelor in Environmental Chemistry at the State University of São Paulo, Brazil
- 2015 PhD in Chemistry with research in supercritical fluid reactivity University of São Paulo, Brazil
- 2017 Post Doctoral in Food Engineering Research: Influence of Biomass Pre-Treatment on Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Preservation of High Added Value Assets and Reduction of Process Costs at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro are:
RC Bazito, RF CASSARO, LC OLIVEIRA, RA Gariani, CAO Nascimento. (2013). Proline derivatives as organocatalysts for the aldol reaction in conventional and non-conventional reaction media. Green Processing and Synthesis 2, 43-50
TS Bastos, SB Rodriguez Reartes, MS Zabaloy, RF Cassaro, RC Bazito. (2019).Phase Behavior for the System Carbon Dioxide plus p-Nitrobenzaldehyde: Experimental and Modeling JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA 64 (5), 2116-2125
GH Sakae, LM Takata, AS Paulino, RC Bazito, RF Cassaro, C Princival, .(2013). A high enantioselective Proline-based helical polymer catalyst for aldol type reaction. Blucher Chemistry Proceedings 1 (2), 214-214
You can view some of Dr Rafael’s work below and links to his professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rafael-Cassaro-2
Fapesp: https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/pesquisador/680718/rafael-frascino-cassaro/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ToO7HIcAAAAJ&hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-frascino-cassaro-4a156a37/?originalSubdomain=br
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3729-2858
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can you consume a spoonful of coconut oil? We will discuss supporting evidence that highlights the importance of consuming spoonfuls of coconut oil every day.
Can you consume a spoonful of coconut oil?
No, you should not eat a spoonful of coconut oil as coconut oil should not be regarded as a healthy option.
Coconut oil may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its high saturated fat content. It is advisable to limit its consumption considering its significant levels of saturated fat.
Studies have shown that compared to non-tropical vegetable oils, consuming large amounts of coconut oil notably raises LDL-cholesterol levels.
Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that coconut oil cannot be considered a healthy oil for mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease and people should not eat a spoonful of coconut oil every day. (1)
Is there evidence to support the benefits of taking a spoonful of coconut oil every day?
No. Although coconut oil intake may also increase HDL-cholesterol concentrations, previous attempts to lower cardiovascular disease risk by raising HDL-cholesterol have proven unsuccessful.
Additionally, there is no evidence supporting the superiority of coconut oil over non-tropical vegetable oils in terms of reducing adiposity or affecting glycemic and inflammatory markers.
Coconut oil cannot be considered a healthy oil and people should not eat a spoonful of coconut oil every day. (1)
What is the nutritional profile of a spoonful of coconut oil?
One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 116 calories, 13.5 grams of total fat, 11.7 grams of saturated fat, 0.8 grams of monounsaturated fats, and 0.2 grams of polyunsaturated fats. The fatty acids in coconut oil are primarily medium-chain triglycerides
Coconut oil is made with 92% saturated fatty acids, 6 percent monounsaturated fatty acids and 2 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids. (2)
It contains lauric acid as high as 48.40%–52.84% of the fatty acid content with the total medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) being in the range of 65.7%–71.3%. The phenolic compounds in the coconut oil were found in a certain amount depending on the processing method. (3)
Does coconut oil have health benefits?
It is important to approach the health claims attributed to coconut oil with caution, as the existing evidence in several areas remains limited or inconclusive.
While there is limited but consistent evidence supporting the topical application of coconut oil for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis, as well as its use in “oil pulling” for dental caries prevention, other claims require further investigation.
Coconut oil products may hold potential in preventing hair damage caused by protein loss during grooming and UV radiation exposure; however, additional studies are needed to substantiate this effect.
On the other hand, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of coconut oil in preventing or treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, bone loss, or glycemic control. (4)
How to consume coconut oil?
Coconut oil offers a distinct advantage with its high saturation level, enhancing its resistance to oxidation and polymerization.
This exceptional quality makes coconut oil more stable compared to other oils, rendering it suitable for long-term storage and various cooking applications.
It is particularly effective for single-use shallow frying, although caution is advised when it comes to deep-frying as coconut oil has a relatively low smoke point. (4)
What is the smoke point of coconut oil?
Unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of 177°C, placing it in the category of oils better suited for shallow frying, which typically involves cooking at lower temperatures.
The smoke point of a fat or oil is the temperature at which it starts to release continuous wisps of smoke, indicating potential degradation.
In general, fats with higher smoke points are more appropriate for deep frying, while those with a smoke point below 200°C are not recommended for such high-temperature cooking methods. (5)
How does coconut oil fare compared with plant oils?
When compared to cis unsaturated plant oils, coconut oil has the potential to raise levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), although to a lesser extent than butter.
However, the impact of coconut oil consumption on the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-C is often not reported in the available studies.
Based on the current body of evidence, it is suggested that replacing coconut oil with cis unsaturated fats would lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, there is no support for the popular claims that promote coconut oil as a healthy oil for reducing the risk of CVD.
Additionally, there is no evidence to indicate that coconut oil consistently differs from other saturated fats in its effects on blood lipids and lipoproteins. (6)
Citations
- Neelakantan N, Seah JY, van Dam RM. The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Circulation;141(10):803-14. 2020.
- Marcus, J. B. Lipids Basics: Fats and Oils in Foods and Health. Culinary Nutrition, 231–277. 2013.
- Ghani NAA, Channip AA, Chok Hwee Hwa P, Ja’afar F, Yasin HM, Usman A. Physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacities, and metal contents of virgin coconut oil produced by wet and dry processes. Food Sci Nutr.6(5):1298-1306. 2018.
- Wallace, T. C. Health Effects of Coconut Oil—A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1–11. 2018.
- Boateng L, Ansong R, Owusu WB, Steiner-Asiedu M. Coconut oil and palm oil ‘s role in nutrition, health and national development: A review. Ghana Med J. 50(3):189-196. 2016.
- Eyres L, Eyres MF, Chisholm A, Brown RC. Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Nutrition reviews;74(4):267-80. 2016.
