A recent claim by Harvard professor, Michel Karin, terming coconut oil as “pure poison” has attracted furore form all over the world. The professor was widely criticized by the Twitter community in India, mostly from the South.
And why not? Coconut oil is a staple in South India, where it has been consumed since ages. Most Indians are well versed with the several health benefits of coconut oil and have been using it since time immemorial for several purposes, including cooking.
In a scathing reply to the professor’s claim, A NHS Cardiologist – Dr. Aseem Malhotra – called on her to apologise for her ‘entirely false’ claim and to retract it.
A Harvard professor who claimed coconut oil is poison has today been slammed as talking ‘unscientific nonsense’ by a furious cardiologist.
She described the oil as ‘one of the worst foods you can eat’ – and said even lard is healthier, despite being abundant in saturated fat.
In a scathing video recorded for MailOnline, the NHS cardiologist, who used to work at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, called on her to apologise for her ‘entirely false’ claim and to retract it.
Dr Aseem Malhotra is an avid supporter of saturated fats, which he thinks have been wrongly demonised since the 1970s
‘Having reviewed the totality of the evidence, I can tell you categorically that this claim is entirely false… I would say it’s unscientific nonsense.
‘I call on Professor Michels, as a matter of urgency, to publicly retract her comments and make an apology.’
Raquel Britzke (pictured), a registered dietitian who runs a clinic on Harley Street in London, agreed with Dr Malhotra’s stance. She said: ‘Coconut oil is not a miracle food but it most certainly is not poison and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.’
And Sarah Ann Macklin (pictured), a registered nutritionist who also works on Harley Street, shared a similar view. She added: ‘A natural product, such as coconut oil, to be branded “pure poison”, to me, is absurd’
Dr Malhotra’s claims about coconut oil have been backed by fellow cardiologist Professor Luis Correia, of Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health in Brazil.
Coconut oil may not be the superfood that people think it is, butit does have several benefits. However, just because it is good for health, doesn’t mean you consume tons of it. Moderation is key.
Consuming any oil or fat, comes with it’s own share of risks. But, to call an oil “pure poison” is just taking things too far!
What do you think? Do share your thoughts in the comments section.
Kimberly.