Now US scientists say: it's all nonsense. The study was published by the renowned American Heart Association. According to the study, coconut oil is as healthy or unhealthy as butter. The reason: the many saturated fatty acids. Coconut oil contains 82 percent.

Coconut oil suddenly controversial

Lard, on the other hand, has only 39 percent saturated fatty acids, beef tallow 50 percent and butter 63 percent. The researchers recommend reducing saturated fatty acids, as they are suspected of increasing cholesterol levels and causing cardiovascular disease. The recommendation: consume more unsaturated fatty acids from nuts, pulses or avocados.

The hype surrounding coconut oil

The German Nutrition Society also takes a rather critical view of coconut oil: the hype surrounding its miraculous health benefits has not yet been scientifically proven. However, coconut oil actually contains lauric acid. And this increases the concentration of vasoprotective "good" HDL cholesterol in the blood and thus prevents cardiovascular diseases.

Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut. The taste varies depending on the variety. Some oils taste sweet and mild with a hint of coconut - they are particularly suitable for cakes and desserts. They add an Asian touch to rice dishes or fried noodles. Other coconut oils simply taste like nothing at all.

Our tip: You don't have to do without the exotic oil - but you shouldn't use it exclusively.