Coconut Oil and your Thyroid

There have been a number of studies which strongly claim that coconut oil is not only beneficial but, according to some sources, can actually reverse hypothyroid problems by stimulating the production of increased thyroid hormone.However, an equal number of ‘eminent’ authorities will tell you that if coconut oil works at all, it is as a placebo and nothing more.  They go on to say that, because only virgin coconut oil can be sure to have the beneficial impact suggested, this further adds to the profit margin which is the true reason for the marketing campaign rather than anything medical.As is so often the case, the answer appears to lie somewhere between these two extremes.Many vegetable oils in modern western diets are prepared in such a way that the so-called long chain fatty acids they contain are not beneficial for our bodies.   Soy-based oils, for example, can actually be seen to slow down the thyroid.  Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that can speed up the metabolism, and natural antioxidants that can help lower our cholesterol.   Coconut oil smells quite nice, tastes very pleasant and is good for our bodies.   Using coconut milk or coconut flakes is undoubtedly a pleasing and tasty experience for many people, as well as being beneficial.   Many consumers of coconut oil quite enjoy drizzling some on their salad in place of other oil and some people have been known to drink it on its own, from a spoon, like a medicine.But it is not a miracle cure.   It won’t replace conventional medication.Coconut oil, in its pure, virgin manifestation, is a healthy element of a balanced diet.   It is safe to use and doesn’t turn to fat inside your body and, like extra virgin olive oil, it can help you to lower your cholesterol levels.  But it won’t make the weight fall off you as if by magic.   It won’t kick start your metabolism overnight.People who have to live with hypothyroidism desperately want to live a ‘normal’ life and, almost certainly, coconut oil, as part of a careful, balanced diet, correct medication and a well-adjusted life style can help them to do just that.   It can be part of your weight loss program, part of your lowering the cholesterol level campaign and part of your attempts to eat better ‘for your body’s sake’.   As long as you maintain a sense of perspective and don’t get carried away by the hype!