Viral video speech of Harvard professor says Coconut oil is 'pure poison': Know why

New Delhi : It is known to all that coconut oil is the resourceful products for health and skin care. However, the statement has been challenged by a professor from Harvard University, who mentioned that coconut oil is pure poison. She has clearly mentioned that the kind of oil is worst of all edible products and the video of her speech has gone viral. 

Coconut oil in India holds a special corner in the kitchen as well as beauty section. While people, especially in Kerala cook food in coconut oil, most women across the country take it as a make-up remover, for healthy growth of hair, for flawless skin and so on. In 2011, it has gained the status of ‘superfood’ in terms of boosting immunity and helping with weight loss. With so many benefits, how is coconut oil a ‘pure poison’?

The viral video of Harvard professor speech has gained more than 1 million views. "I can only warn you gently about coconut oil. This is one of the worst foods you can eat. Coconut is pure poison," said Harvard faculty member Karin Michels in her video talk in German. Michaels is also the director of the Institute for Prevention and Tumor Epidemiology at the University of Freiburg in Germany.

Michels said that coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat and regular consumption leads to high cholesterol and heart diseases. However, arguing Michels views on coconut oil, a doctor from Harvard, Walter C Willett, wrote in a university newsletter that coconut oil is not at all bad. “Fat in the diet, whether it's saturated or unsaturated, tends to nudge HDL levels up, but coconut oil seems to be especially potent at doing so,” he wrote.