Are you a fan of coconut oil? You may want to reconsider its place in your diet. A recent study found that low doses of coconut oil added to the diet of mice contributed to the development of obesity and related health issues. The study found that the coconut oil disrupted the mice's ability to properly use leptin and insulin, two hormones important for regulating energy expenditure, hunger, and how the body handles fats and sugars. This disruption can lead to leptin resistance, which is a primary characteristic of type 2 diabetes.
While many consider coconut oil to be a healthy option, this study suggests otherwise. Nutritionists recommend unsaturated or polyunsaturated oils instead of saturated oils like coconut oil. This study builds upon previous research that observed coconut oil producing weight gain, a higher percentage of fat, reduced energy expenditure, and anxious behavior in mice, suggesting a systemic imbalance.
Coconut Oil and Hormone Signaling
Coconut oil has been touted as a superfood with numerous health benefits. However, recent studies suggest that consuming coconut oil may have negative effects on hormone signaling, which could lead to obesity and insulin resistance. According to nutrition scientist Dr. Taylor Wallace, coconut oil could interfere with the body's ability to respond to hormones that regulate hunger and energy use.
The study found that coconut oil disrupted the normal signaling pathways in the brain and other tissues that these hormones use to communicate their messages. This disruption caused stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, an area of the cell where proteins are made and processed. These findings are concerning, as obesity and insulin resistance are key issues in diabetes.
Although more human studies assessing coconut oil are needed, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick cites the amount consumed and the processing of the oil itself as important factors to consider. Dr. Wallace's takeaway from the study is clear: "Don't consume coconut oil for improving health. It is not a superfood."
Considerations When Interpreting Animal Studies
When interpreting animal studies, it is important to keep in mind that the relevance of the findings to humans is not always clear. While mice and humans share similar genetics, there are many factors that may give pause. For example, biological differences, dose differences, and the tightly controlled experimental environments of mice studies that lack the variables found in a human study. Additionally, genetic uniformity, rodents' simpler systems, rodent interspecies differences, and ethical concerns all play a role.
According to Dr. Wallace, while rodent studies can provide invaluable insights and guide further research, they are usually considered preliminary. In fact, a systematic review cited by Dr. Wallace found that only 37% of animal studies were replicated in humans, and 20% of them showed contradictory results.
Therefore, any findings from animal studies should be validated through rigorous, controlled human trials before definitive conclusions can be made. While animal studies can highlight potential areas of concern or benefit that deserve further study in humans, it is important to approach their findings with caution.
Choosing the Right Oils for Your Diet
When it comes to dietary oils, some are better for you than others. Oils that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil, have been shown to have numerous health benefits. These oils have been linked to improved blood sugar management, reduced inflammation, and lower fat storage.
On the other hand, oils that are high in saturated and trans fats, such as coconut oil, butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter, should be consumed in moderation. In fact, coconut oil has the highest percentage of saturated fats among common dietary fat sources.
Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including lower LDL (“bad cholesterol”) levels. Canola oil is a great option for those looking for an oil that is low in saturated fats.
While coconut oil has been marketed as a health food, it is not as healthy as some other oils. In fact, it is worse than butter, lard, and other animal-derived fats. If you have an existing heart condition or are at risk of one, the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 6% of your daily calories from saturated fat. Just one tablespoon of coconut oil comes close to that limit.
In summary, when choosing oils for your diet, it is important to focus on those that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while consuming oils that are high in saturated and trans fats in moderation. Canola oil is a great option for those looking for an oil that is low in saturated fats.
Attribution
Medical News Today
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/food-supplementation-with-coconut-oil-can-cause-obesity-study-shows