Harvard professor busts myth, calls coconut oil 'pure poison'

Karin Michels states that the saturated fatty acids found in coconut oil can clot coronary arteries

A professor at Harvard University Karin Michels has revealed that, as opposed to contrary belief, coconut oil is actually very harmful, reported Business Insider.

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A 50-minute German lecture that has been creating quite a buzz on the internet. Michels, who is also the director of the Institute of Prevention and Tumor Epidemiology at the University of Frieburg has stirred an online debate.

Her lecture titled 'Coconut Oil and other Nutritional Errors' highlights dietary recommendations which also underlines that coconut oil is not healthy. Its superfood status has come under the limelight after American Heart Association (AHA) updates its guidelines last year. AHA recommended that people should avoid the saturated fatty acids that are found in coconut oil.

PHOTO: EVERETT HERALD

Michels went a step further claiming coconut oil to be "pure poison" and being "one of the worst foods to eat". No studies so far have showed significant health benefits from the consumption of coconut oil. The professor states that the saturated fatty acids found in coconut oil can clot coronary arteries.

Experts recommend olive or rapeseed oil as an alternative because they contain unsaturated fatty acids. While flaxseed oil can't be used in cooking, it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is good for the body.

PHOTO: HEALTHLINE

The scientific world still stands divided on whether saturated fatty acids are actually harmful or not. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that people who consume cheese, whole milk - which are high in saturated fatty acids - were at no higher risk of heart diseases than people who don't.

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So what's the deal with coconut oil? Many dietary guidelines recommend consuming saturated fats in moderation. All coconut oil lovers are advised not to overindulge.

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