In wet processing, coconut oil is obtained from raw coconut meat — instead of dried — to create virgin coconut oil. This helps retain the coconut scent and results in a lower smoke point ( 25 ).

The study finds that coconut oil disrupted mice’s ability to use leptin and insulin, two critical hormones, with insulin resistance being a primary characteristic of type 2 diabetes.

Like many trendy health foods, coconut oil enjoyed a burst of popularity that has waned in recent years. While retail sales of coconut oil peaked in 2015, they fell by around 30 percent in 2018.

Coconut oil is about 90% saturated fat, throwing a wrench in its purported health food status. (Getty Images) If your social media feed is filled with food and recipes, ...

Coconut oil, which is made from the meat of the coconut, contains a variety of fats and fatty acids, says Dr. Lal. This is why it’s so effective at moisturizing and strengthening strands.