Q. Should I take extra-virgin coconut oil to lower my cholesterol?

A. The effects of coconut oil on health are not entirely clear. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat. Saturated fats and partially hydrogenated fats are known to clog our arteries. Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to liquid fats to make them more solid. The coconut oil that is added to many processed foods is partially hydrogenated.

A product which is not partially hydrogenated, called "extra-virgin coconut oil" is being promoted on the Internet as being healthful. Advocates claim that it promotes weight loss, lowers cholesterol, controls diabetes, prevents cancer and improves digestion. Many of these Web sites make claims that go beyond what the limited research tells us. The FDA has taken action against several companies that promote extra-virgin coconut oil for making unproven claims.

The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are shorter in length than those found in animal foods. This means the body may use the fat in coconut oil differently than the fat in meat. This is why coconut oil might not be as harmful to your heart as a loco moco or chicken katsu plate.

Studies on the effects of coconut oil on heart health have shown mixed results. Some research indicates it may increase heart disease risk. Studies of people in Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, where coconut products are routinely eaten, have not shown a link between coconut oil and heart disease. This may be because people in these countries tend to eat a healthy diet overall, consuming lots of fruits, vegetables and grains, while keeping meat intake low.

In a study on Pacific Islanders, coconut oil added to the regular diets of participants improved cholesterol levels compared to butter fat. However safflower oil improved cholesterol more than coconut oil.

When it comes to heart health, the jury is still out on coconut oil. It may end up being neutral like the fats in dark chocolate. Extra-virgin coconut oil is certainly not a miracle food! In contrast, the benefits of fish oil, canola oil, and extra-virgin olive oil have lots of research showing their benefits to heart health.

Fresh coconut contains fiber and vitamins. If you use extra-virgin coconut oil or fresh coconuts, do so in moderation. Extra-virgin coconut oil is just as high in calories as other oils — approximately 120 calories per tablespoon.

Amy Tousman is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with Nutrition Unlimited in Kailua. Hawai'i experts in traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine and diet take turns writing the Prescriptions column. Send your questions to: Prescriptions, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com; or fax 535-8170. This column is not intended to provide medical advice.