New kid--question about coconut oil

[bkloots]

Hello, PP! I'm at "Atkid" doing very nicely on maintenance for about two years. However, I've enjoyed the Eades's blogs for quite a while, and got my hands on a copy of Protein Power over the weekend. It's a great discussion of the research and principles of low-carb eating, and not far from where I already am.

I use a small amount of coconut oil for cooking, but I'm having trouble tracking down information about this particular oil on the site and in the book. Can you steer me to a discussion?

Or briefly--is this oil okay or not according to PP?

[Mitra]

Welcome :).

I don't know if it's been discussed much here, but coconut oil is one of the "good fats," and definitely OK according to PP. Did you have any particular question about it?

[bkloots]

I haven't seen a "good fat" list that includes coconut oil in my 1998 edition of PP. So...if it IS one, thanks. That was my only question.

[LisaS]

it is listed (IIRC) in PPLP

[bkloots]

I'll keep reading. Thanks.

[LisaS]

are you reading Protein Power (PP) or Protein Power Life Plan (PPLP) ?

[bkloots]

The only book I have so far is PP. Looks like PPLP has additional information that would be helpful. I'll get that, too.

[dvdmon]

The resurgence of Coconut Oil is fairly recent, so the original Protein Power, written almost 12 years ago now (!), wouldn't have listed it. Basically, although it contains mostly saturated fat, even some of the more mainstream nutritional authorities are rethinking whether perhaps at least plant-based oils high in saturated fats might be healthier than they thought. The reasoning is that they contain short and medium-chain fatty acids which have a variety of beneficial effects, from heart-health to anti-microbial properties. There is still a lot of cautiousness mainly, I think, due to the years of built-up animosity towards these oils, but also perhaps rightly so because these oils were often found in hydrogenated (trans-fat) forms. The more recent movement involves no use of trans-fat, of course. You should look for coconut oil that has been expeller pressed. So-called "virgin" coconut oil is supposed to be best, as it is the least processed, no chemicals are used, etc. You can do a fair amount of research on this subject by just plugging "coconut oil" into Google. :)