Not all saturated fats are created equal. They have a different effect on blood cholesterol depending on the number of carbon atoms in their molecular structure. Lauric acid, the predominant fatty acid in coconut oil has twelve carbons and unlike longer chain fatty acids does not raise LDL the "bad cholesterol" significantly but does elevate HDL, the "good cholesterol."ÌýÌýThis does not make it into any sort of "miracle fat" because like any other fat, it is high in calories (9 calories per gram). What it does mean is that for cooking purposes it is preferable to other saturated fats.ÌýÌýThere is no reason to add coconut oil to the diet in hopes of gaining some health advantage.
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