"Is It Really a Healthy Oil?"... The Surprising Risks of Frying Eggs with Coconut Oil

Using This Oil to Fry Eggs May Pose Cardiovascular Risks

Coconut Oil, Though Considered 'Healthy,' Is Not Suitable for Cooking

Opt for Low-Fat Yogurt or Granola Instead

A recent study has drawn attention by revealing that using coconut oil as a cooking oil for frying eggs may be harmful to cardiovascular health. While coconut oil is often marketed as a health food, its use in cooking actually poses a risk of raising cholesterol levels.

On September 16 (local time), the U.S. health media outlet 'Parade' reported on this issue via an interview with a cardiologist. Dr. Nick West, a cardiologist and the Chief Medical Officer of the Vascular Business at Abbott, a leading U.S. medical device manufacturer, emphasized that he does not recommend using coconut oil or palm oil when frying eggs.

Fried egg. Pixabay

According to experts, coconut oil consists of 80 to 90 percent saturated fat. High intake of saturated fats can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol. In addition, unlike olive oil, there is no evidence from long-term clinical research that coconut oil provides heart-protective effects.

Related studies support these concerns. In 2020, the international journal 'Circulation' published the results of a clinical trial analysis by a research team from the National University of Singapore. The researchers analyzed data from 730 participants and found that the group consuming coconut oil had significantly higher LDL cholesterol levels compared to the group consuming non-tropical vegetable oils.

So, what type of oil should be used for making fried eggs? Dr. Sriahari Naidu, Professor at New York Medical College and cardiologist, told the same outlet that, as a medical professional, he recommends canola oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil. Extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are also known to be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol.

However, simply changing the type of oil is not enough to completely eliminate cholesterol risks. Dr. West recommended opting for a more balanced breakfast with berries, apples, pineapples, low-fat yogurt, or granola, rather than eating egg dishes fried in oil every day. He explained that, rather than consuming an excess of a specific health food, it is healthier to reduce overall intake of saturated fats and to consume moderate amounts of unsaturated fats.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.