Studies show that coconut oil increases harmful cholesterol (LDL -low-density lipoprotein) and beneficial cholesterol (HDL - high-density lipoprotein). They also contain a high amount of lauric acid, which raises HDL levels in the blood more than LDL levels.
But lauric acid is not that healthy. It is categorized as a C12 fatty acid and is at the limit of a medium-chain fatty acid. Roughly 70% of C12s act as long-chain fatty acids, which are stored in the liver as fat, and over time, can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes of Mediterranean-style cooking. Here's how to adopt the Mediterranean diet. By Mayo Clinic Staff If you're looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you.
Many tried-and-tested diets have stood the test of time. These include the Mediterranean diet, low-carb diets, the paleo diet, and whole-foods, plant-based diets. These diets - and others shown to be healthy long term - share a few important similarities. Here are 6 things that all successful diets have in common.