Coconut oil not as healthy as thought, study says

MIAMI – The dream that coconut oil is a healthier oil has been shattered and a new study advises against using the oil altogether.

A new report by the American Heart Association says coconut oil is as bad for the body as other oils high in saturated fat, like butter, beef fat and palm oil.

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USA Today reports 82% of the fat in coconut oil is saturated, way above that in butter (63%) and pork lard (39%).

The Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease advisory showed coconut oil actually increased "bad" LDL cholesterol in all seven of its controlled trials.

"Because coconut oil increases LDL cholesterol, a cause of CVD (cardiovascular disease), and has no known offsetting favorable effects, we advise against the use of coconut oil,” the AHA said in the advisory.

Olive oil and vegetable oil are considered to be better alternatives to coconut oil, which are better for your skin than your body.