First Check studied over a dozen research papers published on the subject and found no conclusive evidence to support the viral social media claims.

When viral social media videos hail coconut oil as the natural remedy for various health concerns, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases, it’s important to check the veracity of these claims. First Check studied over a dozen research papers published on the subject and here’s what we found – there’s no conclusive scientific evidence yet to support any of these claims.

The idea that coconut oil could potentially aid in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, can be attributed to the presence of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fatty acids are believed to provide an alternative energy source for brain cells that struggle to metabolise glucose, which is a common issue in Alzheimer’s patients. However, currently available evidence is not comprehensive and we need further research before advocating the use of coconut oil as a dietary intervention.

Similarly, evidence supporting the benefits of coconut oil for heart health is inconclusive. Even though coconut oil contains a relatively high concentration of MCTs, the clinical benefits cannot be directly applied to coconut oil. 

In fact, some studies indicate that the consumption of coconut oil can lead to an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), potentially impacting cardiovascular health negatively. Coconut oil contains a significant amount of lauric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid, which collectively have long been recognised for their association with increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. 

It's safe to say that investigating the role of coconut oil in curing Alzheimer’s disease or heart diseases is an important area of research. However, currently, the scientific evidence is far from conclusive. Extensive research, involving diverse participant groups, is imperative before we can believe viral social media claims. 

Stay safe and stay informed with First Check.