Certain substances from foods help protect your bloodstream from plaque and cholesterol buildup to decrease the risk of heart disease. Coconut oil, however, may pose an adverse effect because it contains saturated fat, which promotes the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Saturated fat mostly comes from animal protein, such as beef, veal, pork, poultry and dairy products. Plant foods, including coconut, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil and cocoa butter, also contain saturated fat, the American Heart Association points out.
Plaque Buildup
Saturated fat raises levels of LDL cholesterol, sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol. Excess amounts of LDL in the bloodstream form plaques on the inner walls of the arteries. The plaques eventually narrow the arteries and slow down blood flow to and from the heart. This can lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a symptom of heart disease. More serious consequences result when the plaques burst, blocking the arteries with fatty deposits and threatening heart attack or stroke.
High in Saturated Fat
Oil from coconut contains 85 to 90 percent saturated fat, according to ABC Health & Wellbeing. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation health site adds that fatty acids in coconut oil differ from those in animal foods, which leads to claims the oil offers better health options. Meat contains mostly palmitic acid. Coconut has less palmitic acid and more lauric and myristic acid, but the fatty acids in coconut oil still raise LDL cholesterol.
Raising Healthy Cholesterol
Coconut oil may also raise healthy HDL cholesterol as saturated fats usually do. HDL, known as the "good" cholesterol, gathers excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and carries it to the liver for disposal. However, the effects from raising LDL may overshadow its HDL activity. Unsaturated fats work more effectively at raising healthy HDL and lowering LDL.
Replacement Oils
Olive, peanut and canola oils contain high concentrations of monounsaturated fats, which improve overall cholesterol levels, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Monounsaturated fats help decreases LDL and raise healthy HDL levels. Replacing coconut oil with oils that contain monounsaturated fats helps in a heart-healthy diet. Use olive, peanut or canola oils instead of coconut oil or other additives with saturated fat when cooking or preparing foods. Along with avoiding coconut oil, choose lean meats with all visible fat trimmed off, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or nonfat dairy products to reduce your saturated fat intake and decrease your risk of heart disease.
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