Coconut Oil - misconception?

01.12.12: Unrefined coconut oil is very good for you!
This CBN News items clearly destroys my understanding of coconut oil.


Apparently, there is growing evidence to show unrefined organic coconut oil (no trans fats) has many benefits to our health and should be included in our eating habits. 


The question is how much? 


It appears to be gaining support in the fight against dementia, schizophrenia, alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, etc.
The area I am interested in is improvements to HDL levels (heart health).


Harvard Medical School is still uncertain about overall cholesterol benefits of daily use.


From what I have read to-date:


Coconut oil is very high in saturated fats (much higher than butter, beef fat or lard). 


The problem with saturated fat is it raises LDL levels ... high HDL is good, low LDL is good ... probably contributing to cardiovascular disease.


However, not all saturated fats are bad for you.


Unrefined coconut oil's saturated fat has the highest amount of lauric acid (excellent job of raising HDL levels) of any oil. 


But, does that justify its daily use to lower cholesterol levels?


Until more results are in, it appears best to stick to olive and soybean oils (unsaturated fats ... lower LDL and raise HDL) for good health.


However, I may just begin including some virgin coconut oil (2-4 tbsp)  in my diet ... but will continue to not order Thai dishes with coconut oil.