Recent studies have identified serious metabolic and health concerns related to prolonged use of coconut oil, including hormonal imbalances, increased weight, and inflammation. Marcio Alberto Torsoni, the study’s lead, cautions against indiscriminate use of coconut oil and urges adherence to dietary guidelines.
Researchers at the State University of Campinas, during their mouse studies, observed altered eating behaviors, weight increase, anxiety symptoms, and increased inflammation in the brain, fat tissues, and liver.
A Journal of Functional Foods publication detailed a study where mice given oral doses of extra-virgin coconut oil showed significant shifts in eating patterns, weight gain, anxiety, and inflammation in various body tissues.
The study also revealed that the effectiveness of the metabolic hormones leptin and insulin in regulating satiety and blood sugar levels was diminished. Additionally, it was found that the biochemical processes involved in fat production were activated.
Researcher’s Perspective
Marcio Alberto Torsoni, from the State University of Campinas’s LabDiMe, emphasized the gradual but significant metabolic changes caused by long-term coconut oil supplementation, potentially leading to obesity and related health issues. He holds a PhD in functional and molecular biology and has completed postdoctoral research at UNICAMP and the University of Michigan, USA.
LabDiMe is part of the Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC) and the Metabolic Programming and Perinatal Management Center (MPPM), supported by FAPESP’s Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) and funding from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Animal Fat and Coconut Oil Risks
High intake of animal fat is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. One element of this risk is cholesterol, but saturated fatty acids, which can trigger inflammatory processes through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), are also a significant concern.
Plant sources, like coconut oil, also provide saturated fatty acids, constituting 90% of its lipids. Despite containing beneficial short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation, the saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are enough to initiate inflammatory pathways and damage various cell types.
Torsoni highlighted the rising trend of coconut oil consumption without professional nutritional guidance, often exceeding individual dietary needs.
Experimental Model
The study involved healthy mice consuming daily coconut oil for eight weeks, mimicking the caloric equivalent of a tablespoon (13 g) per day for an average adult. This amount represents 5% of an adult’s daily saturated fat intake.
Torsoni advises using coconut oil sparingly, ideally with fresh or minimally processed vegetables, in line with the Brazilian Population’s Health Ministry Dietary Guidelines, which emphasize a balanced, moderate, and enjoyable diet.
He also clarified that coconut oil is not advisable as a health supplement or treatment.
Study Citation: The research, titled “Supplementation with CO induces lipogenesis in adipose tissue, leptin and insulin resistance in healthy Swiss mice” by Alana Carolina Costa Veras et al., was published on June 4, 2023, in the Journal of Functional Foods (DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105600) and funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coconut Oil Health Risks
What are the main health risks associated with long-term coconut oil consumption?
Long-term coconut oil consumption is associated with metabolic and health risks including hormonal imbalances, increased weight, and inflammation.
Who conducted the research on the health implications of coconut oil?
The research was conducted by scientists at the State University of Campinas, led by Marcio Alberto Torsoni.
What changes were observed in mice during the coconut oil study?
In the study, mice exhibited changes in eating patterns, weight gain, anxiety, and heightened inflammation in the brain, fat tissue, and liver.
How does coconut oil affect metabolic hormones?
Coconut oil impairs the function of key metabolic hormones like leptin and insulin, affecting their ability to regulate satiety and blood sugar levels.
What are the recommendations for coconut oil consumption?
It is recommended to use coconut oil in moderation, preferably with fresh or minimally processed vegetables, and under the guidance of a nutritionist.
Where was the study on coconut oil’s health impacts published?
The study was published in the Journal of Functional Foods.
What is the professional background of Marcio Alberto Torsoni, the lead researcher?
Marcio Alberto Torsoni has a PhD in functional and molecular biology and has completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Michigan, USA, and UNICAMP’s School of Medical Sciences.
More about Coconut Oil Health Risks
- State University of Campinas Research
- Journal of Functional Foods Study
- Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population
- LabDiMe, State University of Campinas
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC)
- Metabolic Programming and Perinatal Management Center (MPPM)
- São Paulo Research Foundation Funding
6 comments
interesting study, but what about other oils? are they any better?
this is why moderation is key with any food, even the ‘healthy’ ones
wow, didn’t realize coconut oil had these risks, always thought it was super healthy…
should’ve seen this coming, every superfood trend has its downsides eventually
So mice and humans are the same now? how can we be sure this applies to people
got to admit, the science behind this is pretty solid, thanks for sharing!