Coconut Oil

Oil, coconut

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Coconut oil FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is coconut oil gluten-free?
• Is coconut oil low FODMAP?
• Is coconut oil vegan?
• Does coconut oil contain fat?
• Does coconut oil contain protein?
• Does coconut oil contain saturated fat?
• Does coconut oil contain sugar?
• Is coconut oil high in fiber?
• Is coconut oil low in cholesterol?
• Does coconut oil contain omega-3?
• Does coconut oil contain vitamin D?
• Is coconut oil high in omega-6?
• Does coconut oil contain calcium?
• Does coconut oil contain magnesium?
• Does coconut oil contain potassium?
• Does coconut oil contain biotin?
• Does coconut oil contain collagen?
• Does coconut oil contain vitamin A?
• Does coconut oil contain vitamin C?
• Is coconut oil high histamine?
• Is coconut oil high in purines?
• Does coconut oil contain arginine?
• Does coconut oil contain vitamin K?
• Is coconut oil high in triglycerides?
• Does coconut oil contain estrogen?
• Does coconut oil increase testosterone?
• Is coconut oil good for fertility?
• Is coconut oil paleo?
• Is coconut oil Whole30 approved?
• Is coconut oil kosher?
• Is coconut oil Keto?
• Does Coconut oil contain carbs?
• What are some alternatives to Coconut oil?

Is coconut oil gluten-free?

Yes, coconut oil is inherently gluten-free as it is a pure, plant-based oil extracted from the meat of the coconut.

Is coconut oil low FODMAP?

Yes, coconut oil is a low FODMAP food. FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates that can trigger digestive discomfort, and coconut oil contains none of these problematic substances.

Is coconut oil vegan?

Yes, coconut oil is vegan as it is derived entirely from coconuts, a plant source, and involves no animal products or byproducts in its processing or production.

Does coconut oil contain fat?

Yes, coconut oil is high in fat. One tablespoon (14g) of coconut oil contains around 13.5g of fats, which accounts for virtually 100% of its calories. The American Heart Association recommends that the average individual, who consumes a 2000 calorie daily diet, limit their fat intake to less than 30%, or approximately 77g. A tablespoon of coconut oil thus provides about 18% of your recommended daily total fat limit.

Does coconut oil contain protein?

No, coconut oil does not contain protein. It is made up almost 100% of fat – predominantly saturated fats like lauric acid. A healthy diet typically requires around 50g of protein per day, but this requirement won’t be served by coconut oil.

Does coconut oil contain saturated fat?

Yes, coconut oil does contain saturated fat. In fact, coconut oil is high in saturated fat. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains about 13.5 grams of fat, over 80% of which is saturated. The American Heart Association recommends that the majority of your daily fats should come from unsaturated fats, and to limit your saturated fat intake to less than 13 grams per day (following a 2,000 calories/day diet).

Does coconut oil contain sugar?

No, coconut oil does not contain any sugar. This makes it a safe option for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Is coconut oil high in fiber?

No, coconut oil is not a source of fiber. Unlike whole coconuts which are high in fiber, the oil does not contain any dietary fiber.

Is coconut oil low in cholesterol?

Yes, coconut oil is cholesterol-free. However, it’s essential to note that coconut oil is high in saturated fat which can raise your blood cholesterol levels if consumed in large amounts.

Does coconut oil contain omega-3?

No, coconut oil does not contain omega-3 fatty acids. If you are looking to boost your omega-3 intake, you may want to consider foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, or fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel instead.

Does coconut oil contain vitamin D?

No, coconut oil does not contain vitamin D. It is not a natural source of this essential vitamin, which plays a significant role in the body’s calcium absorption necessary for bone health.

Is coconut oil high in omega-6?

No, coconut oil is not high in omega-6. It contains only a trace amount of omega-6 fatty acids, roughly 2 grams out of 100 grams. While our bodies need some omega-6 fatty acids, it is critical that the dietary intake balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids; too much omega-6 can lead to inflammation.

Does coconut oil contain calcium?

No, coconut oil does not contain calcium. While very beneficial for us, calcium, which is necessary for bone structure and function, must be obtained from other dietary sources.

Does coconut oil contain magnesium?

No, coconut oil does not contain magnesium. Although magnesium plays a pivotal role in over 300 enzyme reactions within the body, you would need to look to other sources such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds for it.

Does coconut oil contain potassium?

No, coconut oil does not contain potassium. It’s worth noting that potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions. You may need to incorporate potassium-rich foods such as bananas and potatoes into your diet to meet the daily recommendation.

Does coconut oil contain biotin?

No, coconut oil does not contain biotin. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is not present in coconut oil.

Does coconut oil contain collagen?

No, coconut oil does not contain collagen. Collagen is a type of protein usually found (in dietary foods) in animal products, particularly in bone broth and gelatin, which coconut oil does not contain.

Does coconut oil contain vitamin A?

Coconut oil does not contain vitamin A. Vitamin A is generally found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Does coconut oil contain vitamin C?

No, coconut oil does not contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is typically found in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and berries, but is not present in oils, including coconut oil.

Is coconut oil high histamine?

No, coconut oil is not high in histamine. Histamine is typically found in aged and fermented foods, whereas coconut oil is a pressed oil from fresh coconuts. It should be safe to consume for those who are histamine-intolerant.

Is coconut oil high in purines?

No, coconut oil does not contain purines. Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds found in certain foods like meats and legumes, but are not present in fats and oils, including coconut oil.

Does coconut oil contain arginine?

No, coconut oil does not contain arginine. Arginine is an amino acid usually found in protein-rich foods. Since coconut oil does not contain protein, it also does not contain arginine or any other amino acids.

Does coconut oil contain vitamin K?

No, coconut oil does not contain vitamin K. Vitamin K is a key nutrient for blood clotting and bone health, typically found in green leafy vegetables, meat, and dairy products. It’s not found in oils, including coconut oil.

Is coconut oil high in triglycerides?

Yes, coconut oil is high in triglycerides. Every tablespoon (14g) of coconut oil contains about 14g of fat, virtually all of which are saturated fats. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily intake of saturated fats, including those found in coconut oil, to less than 13g (about 5-6% of total daily calories) for a 2,000 calorie diet.

Does coconut oil contain estrogen?

No, coconut oil does not contain estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is not found in foods per se. Some foods can have estrogen-like effects in the body or contain phytoestrogens, but coconut oil is not one of them.

Does coconut oil increase testosterone?

There are anecdotal claims that coconut oil may boost testosterone levels, mainly because it contains saturated fat, which is needed for testosterone production. However, scientific research to support the testosterone-boosting effects of coconut oil specifically is lacking. It’s also important to note that consuming high amounts of saturated fats, which coconut oil is rich in (nearly 12 grams per tablespoon), could increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.

Is coconut oil good for fertility?

There’s no scientifically proven direct link between coconut oil and increased fertility. However, consuming healthy fats is essential for hormone production, including sex hormones related to fertility. Coconut oil is a source of these healthy fats, but it should be consumed in moderation because it is also high in saturated fats.

Is coconut oil paleo?

Yes, coconut oil is considered paleo-friendly. The Paleo diet emphasizes eating foods that were likely available during the Paleolithic era, including meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Coconut oil, harvested from coconuts, fits into this category.

Is coconut oil Whole30 approved?

Yes, coconut oil is Whole30 approved. The Whole30 plan encourages the consumption of whole foods and certain healthy fats, including coconut oil. It’s one of the recommended oils because it’s derived from a natural source.

Is coconut oil kosher?

As a raw product, coconut oil is naturally kosher. However, when it comes to commercial products, whether a specific brand of coconut oil is kosher or not will depend on the processing methods and additives, if any, used by the manufacturer. Some coconut oils may carry a kosher certification on the label, verifying that the product meets kosher dietary laws.

Is coconut oil Keto?

Yes, coconut oil is indeed Keto-friendly. It primarily contains fat, with little to no carbohydrates or protein, making it ideal for individuals following a ketogenic diet. Keto diets focus on high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake.

Does Coconut oil contain carbs?

No, coconut oil does not contain any carbohydrates. It is composed almost entirely of fat, with 13.5 grams per tablespoon, but contains zero grams of carbohydrates, protein or fibre.

What are some alternatives to Coconut oil?

Olive oil is an excellent alternative to coconut oil especially for cooking, as it also includes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Canola oil is also a good alternative when baking due to its neutral flavor. Avocado oil, with its high smoke point, is useful for frying or sauteing, and for those looking for a similar flavor to coconut oil, butter made from grass-fed cows can be a good choice as well. Each of these alternatives have their unique set of nutritional benefits, so their usage can depend on what nutritional quality you’re planning to supplement in your diet.