CR (EN): Coconut oil | DEPS-Skills

Exercise: Analyzing Conflicting Opinions About Coconut Oil
Objective:
Develop critical thinking skills to analyze information and draw balanced conclusions from different sources.
Instructions for Participants:
Step 1: Carefully read both articles.
1. Article A: “Coconut oil is 'pure poison”
2. Article B: “10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil”

Article A: Coconut oil is "pure poison":

The carefully-crafted image of coconut oil as a cure for many ills has been roundly rejected by a Harvard professor. Karin Michels poured scorn on the superfood movement and singled out the fad for coconut oil in particular, calling the substance “one of the worst things you can eat” that was as good for wellbeing as “pure poison”.

Michels based her warning on the high proportion of saturated fat in coconut oil, which is known to raise levels of so-called LDL cholesterol, and so the risk of cardiovascular disease. Coconut oil contains more than 80% saturated fat, more than twice the amount found in lard, and 60% more than is found in beef dripping

“Coconut oil can be included in the diet, but as it is high in saturated fats should only be included in small amounts and as part of a healthy balanced diet,” the British Nutrition Foundation said. “There is to date no strong scientific evidence to support health benefits from eating coconut oil.”

“Coconut oil is about 86% saturated fat, about one-third more saturated fat than butter,” said Victoria Taylor, a senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation. “We know that diets high in saturated fat are associated with increased non-HDL cholesterol in the blood, and high cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. What we do know is that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats like vegetable oil, olive oil and sunflower oil, and their spreads, has been shown as an effective way to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. If you like the taste of coconut oil, then, as with butter, it’s fine to use it every now and then. However, it’s best to restrict yourself to small amounts and use unsaturated oils as an everyday choice instead.”

"There is not enough good-quality research to provide us with a definitive answer whether some of the saturated fat present in coconut oil may be better for us than other saturated fats."

Article B: 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is an increasingly popular cooking oil. Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of coconut oil, plus some special considerations to keep in mind if you want to include it in your diet.

Coconut oil is a rich source of a type of saturated fat — MCT. Since the fats in coconut oil are 65% MCT, it may have fat-burning properties. MCT supplementation significantly decreases body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. But it’s also important to keep in mind that coconut oil is very high in calories and can easily lead to weight gain if you consume it in large amounts

MCTs are absorbed intact from the small intestine into the blood and can be immediately used for energy, in much the same way as carbs — your body’s preferred source of energy.

Due to its MCT content — specifically, lauric acid — coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that makes up about 50% of the MCTs in coconut oil. Studies show that lauric acid may act as a bacteriostatic agent. This is a substance that prevents bacteria from multiplying without killing the bacteria. It may also act as a bacteriocidal agent, which destroys some bacteria. In addition, it may also inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are harmful to plants.

A proportion of MCTs you eat are broken down in a process that produces molecules called ketones which reduce appetite by either acting directly on the brain’s chemical messengers or altering the levels of hunger-inducing hormones.

Researchers believe that the lack of available glucose to fuel brain cells is a possible explanation for the reduction in seizure frequency in people with epilepsy on ketogenic diets. Reducing your carb intake reduces the glucose in your blood, and increasing your fat intake leads to significantly increased concentrations of ketones. Your brain can use ketones as an energy source instead of glucose.

Many people use coconut oil for cosmetic purposes to improve the health and appearance of their skin. Coconut oil can boost the moisture content of dry skin. It may also improve the function of the skin, helping prevent excessive water loss and protecting you from external factors, such as infectious agents, chemicals, and allergens.

Since coconut oil deeply penetrates hair strands, it makes them more flexible and increases their strength to prevent them from breaking under tension. Similarly, another study found that coconut oil nourishes hair strands and reduces breakage, which further strengthens the hair.

A 2020 study found that using coconut oil as a mouthwash benefits oral hygiene in a cost-effective way. Swishing coconut oil in your mouth like mouthwash may significantly reduce the count of harmful bacteria in the mouth compared with a regular mouthwash. This is thought to be due to the antibacterial properties of lauric acid. Additionally, lauric acid in coconut oil reacts with saliva to form a soap-like substance that prevents cavities and helps reduce dental plaque buildup and gum inflammation.

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that reduces your brain’s ability to use glucose for energy. Ketones can offset Alzheimer’s disease by providing an alternative energy source for brain cells. Since coconut oil is rich in MCTs, which significantly increase blood levels of ketones, it may potentially help with the disease symptoms.

Coconut oil is a good source of antioxidants, which help neutralize damaging molecules. This helps reduce the risk of several chronic and degenerative diseases. A 2017 animal study also suggests the possible role of coconut oil, particularly the MCT lauric acid, in reducing secondary diabetic complications.

Conflicting Information in the Coconut Oil Articles

When analyzing both articles, we can identify several significant discrepancies in the information provided about coconut oil:

1. Impact on cholesterol levels:

Article A: Emphasizes that the high saturated fat content in coconut oil raises LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Article B: Doesn't mention the negative impact of coconut oil on cholesterol levels. It focuses on the health benefits of MCTs, omitting potential risks.

2. Overall health impact:

Article A: Presents coconut oil as "pure poison" and one of the worst foods to consume.
Article B: Presents coconut oil as a source of numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved cognitive function, stronger hair and skin.

3. Consumption recommendations:

Article A: Suggests limiting coconut oil consumption due to its high saturated fat content.
Article B: Doesn't provide specific recommendations regarding the amount of coconut oil to consume, focusing on its benefits.

Summary:

The discrepancies in information presented in both articles likely stem from:

Different perspectives: Article A focuses on potential risks, while Article B focuses on benefits.
Selective information: Each article focuses on selected aspects, omitting others.
Different interpretations of scientific research: There are studies that support both the positive and negative effects of coconut oil on health.

Step 2: Answer the analytical questions:

Summary of arguments:
- What are the main arguments against using coconut oil in Article A?
- What are the main benefits of using coconut oil mentioned in Article B?
Comparison of evidence:
- What scientific evidence is provided in both articles? Are the arguments credible and well-supported?
- Do the authors refer to specific studies or statistics? If so, what are they?
Reflection on perspectives:
- Why might the authors have different opinions about coconut oil? Consider the article's purpose, target audience, and potential biases or interests of the authors.
- In what contexts might coconut oil be harmful, and in what situations could it be beneficial?
Your evaluation:
- Based on the articles, what is your opinion about using coconut oil?
- What is your opinion on coconut oil?
- Are you going to buy coconut oil?
- Will you use it?
- Would you give it to your loved ones?

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Coconut oil