Just when I just published a new article about coconut oil’s possible benefits in degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, now comes a new report this week that sales of the oil has plummeted last year. According to new data from market research firm SPINS, which tracks the health and wellness sector, its retail sales have dropped last year $52 million or 24.3 percent.
Why the sudden drop? Reports say that nutritionists and researchers began to question the science behind some of coconut oil’s claims such as accelerating weight loss by boosting metabolism. The American Heart Association officially denounced coconut oil in June 2017 because of its saturated fat content. Its popularity as a “superfood” of the moment from 2011-2015 was a bit short-lived.
But that doesn’t spell the end for nature’s elixir. Experts are predicting that sales could potentially go back up once researchers learn more about saturated fats. Until then, should you continue buying coconut oil? I say that choice is up to you. Every food has its positives and negatives. For more information on this story, visit www.chicagotribune.com.
