Fat, inflammation, brain: why coconut oil changes everything

For decades, it was vilified, accused of clogging arteries and harming cardiovascular health. Yet, coconut oil is now making a remarkable comeback, supported by scientific data that contradicts these misconceptions. Far from being an enemy, this plant-based fat could well be one of the best allies for your brain, metabolism, and immunity.

Pharmacologist and expert Daniel Sincholle invites us to reconsider this ingredient, scrutinizing its mechanisms of action and its true effects on the body. From neuronal protection to metabolic support, discover why it’s time to move your jar of coconut oil from the bathroom to a permanent fixture in your kitchen.

The end of the myth: why coconut oil was demonized

Coconut oil’s bad reputation stems from a simple but misleading physical observation: its texture. Rich in saturated fatty acids, it solidifies below 23°C. This characteristic has fueled a simplistic image: that of a fat which, once ingested, goes directly to solidify in our arteries to form blockages

This view is now considered a physiological aberration. Fats do not circulate unchanged in the blood; they are digested and metabolized. Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in February 2022 confirmed that saturated fatty acids are not the culprits behind cardiovascular disease, contrary to the ideas promoted by certain industry lobbies favoring other vegetable oils (such as corn or soy).

In reality, being “saturated” offers a major biochemical advantage: stability. Unlike fragile polyunsaturated oils that oxidize and go rancid quickly, coconut oil resists oxidation, making it a healthy cooking fat.

The secret of coconut oil: Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
What fundamentally distinguishes coconut oil from butter or other animal fats is its unique composition. It consists of approximately 65% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid.

These fatty acids possess an exceptional metabolic property:

They are not stored in adipose tissue like conventional fats.
After digestion, they go directly to the liver.
They are immediately converted into energy available to the cells.
It is this fast pathway that allows coconut oil to boost metabolism rather than weigh down the figure.