Coconut oil is making a comeback. Food Network chefs are talking about it, clients are asking questions and the internet has pages of references praising all its many healthy properties. So is it time to throw out the olive, canola or peanut oil and start using coconut oil? Please read on before making a decision. Before covering the health consequences of using coconut oil lets discuss a little nutrition history. With more than 20 years of research, the American Dietetic Association and the USDA determined that 20 – 35% of our total calories should come from fat, while limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 7 – 10% of our total daily calories. Research showed that saturated fats were found to raise LDL (lousy) cholesterol, increasing the risk for heart disease. These recommendations are supported by the American Medical Association and the American Heart Association.Coconut oil, along with palm oil and palm kernel oil are plant-based tropical oils high in saturated fat. At 92%, coconut oil is one of the highest sources of saturated fat. Many years of research indicate that coconut oil, just like other sources of saturated fat increase the risk for heart disease.So, if the health risks of coconut oil were discovered years ago, why is it being promoted? Part of the reason may be due to the ban on trans fats. Restaurants needed to find a fat source that could be used to fry foods at a high heat. When restaurants and restaurant chefs start using something it doesn't take long for it to work its way down to the 'foodies' and finally the general public.There are also those that believe the saturated fat content of coconut oil doesn't cause a negative impact on our heart health because it's a medium-chained triglyceride that is easily metabolized, as opposed to other saturated fats comprised of long-chained triglycerides. They have been a few studies that resulted in findings that may suggest their theory. Advocates also argue that populations where coconut oil is used abundantly (tropical regions) don't suffer from high rates of heart disease.The research supports the current dietary recommendations for fats and saturated fats. A few studies that may show positive health benefits for coconut oil should not be the reason for ignoring the recommendations based on decades of studies. As with all saturated fats (including coconut oil), limit the amount to the recommended percentage and keep using your olive, canola and peanut oil to help maintain optimal health..