Coconut oil may impact blood sugar control

Meals prepared with coconut oil may cause blood sugar spikes, a new research study found. Coconut oil constitutes medium-chain saturated fatty acids. Foods containing saturated fats cause LDL (bad) cholesterol to spike.

A review study was conducted on earlier research studies that examined the short and long term effect of coconut fat on blood sugar control. The review study was published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. The study found that consuming meals cooked in coconut oil increases the sugar level in the blood in the short term. It impacts insulin secretion in the body and causes insulin resistance in the long term. Although fasting blood sugar levels were not affected by coconut oil consumption, post meal blood sugar levels were found to be high due to lowered secretion of insulin. This may, in the long term lead to Diabetes. Consult your dietician regarding the most suitable cooking oil for you.