Last Updated on May 20, 2022 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A social media post claims coconut oil can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. We fact-checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims, “Coconut Oil Remedies – Take 1 tbsp daily to support brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s as part of ketogenic diet”.
Fact Check
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that degrades thinking and reasoning skills to affect memory. The condition makes it difficult for people to strike up a conversation.
As the condition worsens, people often find themselves unable to coordinate their five senses to think, reason and remember better. Such a situation can withdraw people from their social life. An isolated person may experience loneliness or low self-esteem that further aggravates the condition making it tough to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Can diet prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
Not exactly. There are no studies that can confirm diet prevents Alzheimer’s disease. The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) media has discussed whether the diet is effective against Alzheimer’s disease here.
While searching more about the role of diet against Alzheimer’s disease, we found a statement by the U.S. Alzheimer’s Association that says, “There is a growing body of evidence that suggests eating a healthy diet may contribute to decreasing one’s risk for cognitive decline and dementia. However, there isn’t a single food, ingredient or supplement that – through rigorous scientific research – has been shown to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer’s or other dementia” on page number one.
Nutritionist Dt. Priyanka, says “Fat may help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or any other mental problems but not much awareness is around Coconut oil. Omega 3 may have a beneficial effect on brain functioning. So, you can consume oil and fat rich in omega 3 like flaxseeds oil or fish oil to improve your memory, if recommended by your doctor”.
Can coconut oil prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
Not Exactly. Although coconut oil seems promising, there is no evidence that confirms the protective role of coconut oil against Alzheimer’s disease. But the available research papers only speculate about the promising role of coconut oil in reducing Alzheimer’s disease.
But these papers do not discuss if coconut oil has any effect on the already formed plaque in and around the brain cells – a hallmark condition of Alzheimer’s disease.
Besides this, the Alzheimer’s Research UK website states, “sadly these claims can’t be verified, and need to be treated with caution. In fact, it’s best to be wary about any claims around coconut oil or other foods or supplements: as well as no proven benefits, there are potential harms”.
Also, a document by the World Health Organization (page number 32) suggests limiting the use of coconut oil in the diet because it is high in saturated fat and cholesterol that may put people at risk of cardiac issues.
Conclusively, Dr Manik Mathur, Consultant Neurologist (Stroke & MS), wraps up the claim by stating, “Alzheimer’s disease has a diverse kind of aetiology which is still under process to be further evaluated. In terms of prevention, any role of side products is still not explored completely. Having said that, coconut oil is not known as a prominent solution”.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
