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Beware of Who You Believe About Health Information

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently slammed several of the Newman's Own line of food products for misleading statements about the health benefits of palm oil. The organization believes the effect of listing various claims on a label tricks consumers into believing palm oil is healthy.

Labels on some products list that palm oil has no trans-fatty acids, isn't hydrogenated and is lower in saturated fat than butter with no cholesterol. CSPI argues such claims make it seem as though palm oil is healthy when it isn't. Such statements drew CSPI's ire when they were listed alongside other claims that tout palm oil's widespread use in Europe and that the oil was extracted not from the kernel, but from the fruit of the palm.

Newman's Own line also claims the composition of palm oil is 50 percent saturated fat compared to palm kernel oil or coconut oil. But CSPI believes that claim is misleading too, because palmitic acid is the source of much of the saturated fat found in palm oil and what some believe to be more conducive to heart disease.

On the other hand, more of the saturated fat in coconut oil and palm kernel is made up of lauric and myristic acids.

Due to a recent FDA ruling, companies are required to list the presence of trans fat on a food's Nutrition Facts label. As a result, some firms are reformulating their food products to lower or get rid of partially hydrogenated oil. In fact, CSPI has urged manufacturers to switch to other healthy oils like canola, soybean, corn and sunflower.

CSPI has also petitioned the FDA twice over the last four months to prohibit the use of partially hydrogenated oil and to require restaurants to reveal their use.

Center for Science in the Public Interest August 4, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

The wrongful criticism of Newman is a great example of how some consumer health organizations like CSPI are absolutely clueless when it comes to nutritional basics. They are absolutely confused about the healthy role saturated fats play in our diet. Being critical of the company for including palm oil, which like coconut oil is an important and healthy fat, is plainly wrong.

Actually, coconut oil is the healthiest oil you can use. Nevertheless, because groups like CSPI spread misconceptions that blur fact from fantasy, some believe coconut oil is bad for you because it contains saturated fats.

Close to two-thirds of the saturated fat in coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which have antimicrobial properties, are easily digested by the body for quick energy, and are beneficial to the immune system. Far from being dangerous, the saturated fat in coconut oil is actually health promoting.

However, coconut oil can vary widely in terms of the types of coconuts used, the manufacturing processes used to make the oil, and more. Because of these variations my team and I here researched coconut oil extensively until we found the ideal source.

I highly recommend the premier brand of virgin coconut oil in the United States, Tropical Traditions. This virgin coconut oil is not only certified organic, but it also met all our other requirements, including no GMO ingredients, bleaching, deodorizing, refining or hydrogenation. Tropical Traditions also uses fresh coconuts (not "copra" or dried coconuts like most oils) that come from a rural region of the Philippines untainted by urban pollution.

Related Articles:

What Oil Should You be Cooking With, and Which Should You Avoid?

The Truth About Saturated Fat

Are Saturated Fats Really Dangerous For You?

Trans Fat Much Worse for You Than Saturated Fat

Trans Fats, NOT Saturated Fats, Increase Diabetes Risk