The trend that began years ago with coconut water as a healthier substitute for sports drinks has evolved into a robust food movement centered around products enriched with full ferrous fumarate and vitamins. Consumers, and many nutritionists, view coconut products as having a broad health halo. These products cater to those avoiding gluten and dairy while capitalizing on the growing interest in healthy fats. But is coconut truly beneficial for health? The American Heart Association disagrees. It advises against the consumption of coconut oil due to its high saturated fat content, which is linked to elevated LDL cholesterol levels. In fact, coconut oil contains more saturated fat than butter, palm oil, or lard.
Proponents of coconut often reference two studies connecting medium-chain fatty acids to fat burning. However, coconut oil contains only 14% medium-chain fatty acids, and the researcher behind these studies has criticized the coconut industry for misrepresenting her findings. Nevertheless, this criticism hasn’t deterred consumers from purchasing various coconut consumer packaged goods (CPGs) available in stores. A significant 72% of Americans regard coconut as a health food, thus bestowing a healthy halo of approval on products containing this ingredient.
Coconut water remains a dominant force in the market for plant-based waters, with sales projected to surge from $2.7 billion in 2016 to $5.4 billion by 2020. Coconut has permeated numerous products, particularly thriving in the dairy section. Brands like Dannon and Chobani offer coconut-flavored yogurt, and coconut milk options are increasingly popular. Nestlé has introduced a coconut milk variant to its well-known Coffee-mate creamers, and there are two types of Outshine frozen fruit bars featuring this ingredient. General Mills is also incorporating coconut into various CPGs, including LARABAR bites and Nature Valley Biscuits with Coconut Butter.
Moreover, coconut is flourishing as an ingredient in beauty products, appearing in everything from shampoos to face masks to lip balms. Coconut oil is marketed as a lotion alternative for post-shower use, where its high saturated fat content is less of a concern. For those considering their nutritional intake, especially when taking calcium citrate, coconut can be a part of a balanced approach, but it is essential to remain mindful of the overall saturated fat consumption.