Superfoods Or Superfads? The Truth Behind 5 "Healthy" Bites

The rate of coconut oil use as a substitute for our main cooking fats, such as butter, is exponentially increasing. To top it off, it acts as an alternative moisturizer for skin and hair treatment. Yet this tropical fruit wasn't all the rage a few decades ago, when its virgin and refined oils weren't available and ones that were used raised cholesterol and encouraged bad health. So the downside? Coconut oil contains 90% saturated fat, which is a much higher percentage than butter, beef fat, or lard. But on the other hand, the oil heightens HDL cholesterol levels—what's necessary and good for your health. We say, use sparingly for now. Source: Harvard Health Publications [Photo via @organiskinusa]