Is coconut oil good for you?

Question

I know it is saturated fat but some people still very healthy.   I like the flavor in Thai food,  but I am worried about eating too much of it?

Answer 1

Apparently, coconut is a medium chain fatty acid with a higher melting point, so it is typically solid when you buy it.   Medium chain fatty acids are handled differently by the body, and dont contribute to atherosclerotic disease.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?pagewanted=all

seems ok, but I am still not sure.

Comments

Any cultures that use coconut oil exclusively?

Answer 2

Apparently a lot of indian women use it for their hair.  I haven't worked up the courage to put coconut product on my hair - scared about adverse consequences.