Coconut Oil & Coconut Milk

Coconut oil has been in the news again, prompting several inquiries from people wanting to know if we recommend its use to our patients.  At the Block Center, we actually recommend limiting its use, and here’s why:  On the positive side, coconut oil is about 75% medium chain triglycerides (MCT), thought to have unique properties that may be somewhat beneficial.  For one, they are more easily digested than other fats, and are absorbed intact and delivered directly to the liver to be used as energy.  On the negative side, the remaining 25% are long chain fats and mostly saturated fat, similar to what you find in animal products.  It’s this 25% that we’re concerned about for our patients, and why we advise it be used only occasionally.  We recommend coconut oil primarily for patients who need a concentrated calorie source, and in these cases, we suggest distilled MCT oil, because the undesirable long chain fats have been removed.

If you choose to include coconut oil in your diet, it is best to choose virgin coconut oil (VCO). Made from fresh coconut kernel and expressed by a cold press technique, VCO preserves poly-phenolic anti-oxidants which have healthful benefits, such as counteracting oxidative stress. Although the high saturated fat content of coconut oil makes it resistant to oxidation, this oil type has a relatively low smoking point (or heat tolerance) of about 175 °C (347 F). If cooked at a higher temperature than its heat tolerance, an oil produces volatile aldehydes, which can have detrimental health effects. Many other oils such as canola oils have been reported to have a superior heat tolerance, and may therefore be better choices to use for cooking.

Similar recommendations apply for coconut milk; its consumption should be limited.  Although there are canned coconut milks that have some of the fat removed, they’re going to be more processed.  If you’re looking for a dairy alternative, we believe almond milk, rice milk and soy milk are all better options.

For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.