For decades, it was vilified, accused of clogging arteries and harming cardiovascular health. Yet, coconut oil is now making a remarkable comeback, supported by scientific data that contradicts these misconceptions. Far from being an enemy, this plant-based fat could well be one of the best allies for your brain, metabolism, and immunity.
Pharmacologist and expert Daniel Sincholle invites us to reconsider this ingredient, scrutinizing its mechanisms of action and its true effects on the body. From neuronal protection to metabolic support, discover why it’s time to move your jar of coconut oil from the bathroom to a permanent fixture in your kitchen.
The end of the myth: why coconut oil was demonized
Coconut oil’s bad reputation stems from a simple but misleading physical observation: its texture. Rich in saturated fatty acids, it solidifies below 23°C. This characteristic has fueled a simplistic image: that of a fat which, once ingested, goes directly to solidify in our arteries to form blockages
This view is now considered a physiological aberration. Fats do not circulate unchanged in the blood; they are digested and metabolized. Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in February 2022 confirmed that saturated fatty acids are not the culprits behind cardiovascular disease, contrary to the ideas promoted by certain industry lobbies favoring other vegetable oils (such as corn or soy).
In reality, being “saturated” offers a major biochemical advantage: stability. Unlike fragile polyunsaturated oils that oxidize and go rancid quickly, coconut oil resists oxidation, making it a healthy cooking fat.
The secret of coconut oil: Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
What fundamentally distinguishes coconut oil from butter or other animal fats is its unique composition. It consists of approximately 65% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid.
These fatty acids possess an exceptional metabolic property:
They are not stored in adipose tissue like conventional fats.
After digestion, they go directly to the liver.
They are immediately converted into energy available to the cells.
It is this fast pathway that allows coconut oil to boost metabolism rather than weigh down the figure.
An alternative fuel for the brain and Alzheimer’s disease
It is perhaps in the field of neurodegenerative diseases that coconut oil offers the most hope. The brain normally uses glucose to function. However, in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, neurons become resistant to insulin and can no longer properly use glucose. They become literally starved of energy, which leads to their degeneration.
Coconut oil offers a vital lifeline. When metabolized by the liver, it produces ketone bodies . These molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier and serve as an alternative fuel for failing neurons. It’s like providing a backup generator to a power plant that has failed.
Clinical cases, such as those reported by Dr. Mary Newport, show that regular consumption (about 2 to 3 tablespoons per day, or 40 to 50 g) can lead to a boost in brain activity and an improvement in cognitive functions in some patients.
Diabetes and weight management: an apparent paradox
Although it is a fat, coconut oil can aid in weight loss and diabetes management. The mechanism is similar to that observed in the brain: by providing stable energy that doesn’t require an insulin spike, it relieves the pancreas and liver.
Furthermore, because it is used to produce energy rather than being stored as triglycerides in adipocytes (fat cells), it promotes a better overall metabolism. For overweight individuals, replacing some of their usual fats with coconut oil can therefore be a relevant strategy.
Immune support and adjuvant therapy
Lauric acid, which makes up about 50% of coconut oil, is also found in breast milk. This molecule has powerful antimicrobial properties. It is capable of attacking the lipid membrane of certain viruses (such as influenza or herpes) and pathogenic bacteria.
Regarding cancer, caution is advised, but the observations are encouraging. Cancer cells, which function autonomously and chaotically, feed primarily on glucose. The intake of ketone bodies via coconut oil, combined with a reduction in sugars (ketogenic diet), could weaken tumor cells while nourishing healthy cells. Some studies also suggest that it could help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy. However, these approaches must absolutely be discussed with an oncologist and considered as complementary therapies.
Beyond the plate: skin, hair and dental care
While coconut oil is excellent for internal use, it is equally beneficial for external use thanks to its moisturizing and antiseptic properties:
Skin: It is not completely hydrophobic, which allows it to penetrate the epidermis and retain moisture. It is effective in soothing eczema, psoriasis, and skin inflammations. It is even used in hospitals to massage premature babies.
Hair: It has a strong affinity with keratin, nourishing the hair fiber deeply.
Oral sphere: The traditional Ayurvedic technique of “Oil Pulling” (oil mouthwash) helps to cleanse the mouth, reduce dental plaque and fight against cavities thanks to the antibacterial action of lauric acid.
How to integrate it into daily life?
To benefit from its virtues without unbalancing your diet, the expert recommends not exceeding 20 to 25 grams per day (about 2 level tablespoons) for a healthy person, in order to respect the recommendations on saturated fatty acids.
In practice:
Use it for pan cooking, as it withstands heat better than most vegetable oils.
Replace some of the butter in your breakfast or baked goods.
Don’t consume only coconut oil. It should be used in conjunction with other sources of lipids such as olive or rapeseed oil for a balanced intake of omega-3 and 9.
In short, coconut oil is neither a universal miracle cure nor the poison it has long been portrayed as. It is a valuable nutritional resource, particularly well-suited to supporting energy metabolism and brain health, provided it is used wisely.
