Is coconut oil bad for you? Let’s be clear

Coconut oil may not be as miraculous as you think. Let’s see what are the benefits and what are the contraindications not to be underestimated.

Coconut oil has always been praised for its many properties, both for cosmetic and food use. Stars like Miranda Kerr have repeatedly declared that they use it for skin and hair , as a moisturizer, as a make-up remover and conditioner, with excellent results.

Recent studies, however, have shown that this vegetable oil is not all that miraculous and indeed in some cases it can even become harmful. In short, is coconut oil good or bad? Let’s find out!

Is coconut oil bad for the skin?

Coconut oil is often offered both as a natural moisturizer and as a makeup remover . In fact, it dissolves makeup perfectly and makes the skin feel very soft without (apparently) getting too greasy, but it’s not really good for all skin types .

On oily, combination and acne-prone skin, in fact, it would be comedogenic , i.e. it would cause blackheads and pimples. Not only that: even those with very dry and mature skin should not use it, because it does not have the humectant properties they need, that is, it does not retain water in the deeper layers of the skin.

Coconut oil on hair: is it good for you?

Coconut oil contains lauric acid , which helps reduce protein hair loss. This means that it can help make them stronger, shiny, durable and smooth.

However, it should be used in moderation, especially on very frizzy and curly hair, because it can cause an accumulation of proteins , which would make them not very elastic and dull.

Edible coconut oil: contraindications

By now we all know very well that palm oil should be avoided, because it is rich in saturated fats, responsible for the increase in LDL cholesterol.

For a long time coconut oil has been proposed as a healthier alternative, but this is not quite the case: a 2017 study by the American Heart Association showed that this oil also has a high content of saturated fat and that, indeed, it is one of the oils, both vegetable and animal, with the highest concentration. In short, in every field, better to use it sparingly!

Plus coconut oil would be a natural way to whiten your teeth !

Photo source: https://pixabay.com/en/photos/olio-di-cocco-sul-cucchiaio-di-legno-2090575/