Olive oil and coconut oil are both growing in popularity. Proponents of both claim the oils are the best choice for low weight and low cholesterol, pointing to the good health of people from regions of the world where the oils are regularly consumed.

However, coconut oil is high in saturated fats, and Mayo Clinic doctors warn that saturated fats are not good for the heart because they can raise the level of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. This is the kind of cholesterol which can build up in the arteries and lead to strokes and heart attacks.

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Olive oil, on the other hand, has a long-established track record of helping keep the heart healthy. Olive oil's oleic acid helps reduce cholesterol, and it contains monounsaturated fats, which can lower the risk of heart attack. Olive oil also contains antioxidants and has been shown to improve memory.

According to the International Olive Council, people in countries where the highest levels of olive oil are consumed have the lowest levels of cardiovascular disease. Research continues to focus on the diet of the Mediterranean world in an effort to discover how olive oil contributes to good health. The consumption of olive oil is on the rise all over the world.


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Medical News Today reports some doctors are taking a second look at the saturated fats in coconut oil in order to assess its potential health benefits. The argument lies in the idea that the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are hard for the body to convert into stored fat.

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