Can you tell me the benefits of coconut oil and coconut milk? – Miguel

There may be a rise in beneficial HDL cholesterol with consumption of coconut oil or milk, but with it comes a rise in damaging LDL cholesterol.

Coconut oil is mainly fat—and 85% of it is saturated (lauric acid). Though this type of fat is medium chain length, compared to the long chain which is what you find in meat & dairy, it may still negatively impact your heart health. Coconut milk obtained from the white meat of the fruit is very high in calories (due to the fat content) and high in potassium.

To get the benefits of electrolytes choose coconut water because it is nearly fat-free.  – Debbie J., MS, RD

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Debbie James is a registered dietitian. Any views or opinions presented in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or recommendations of Fitness International, LLC.