Who Should Not Drink Coconut Oil? Understanding the Risks

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, the majority of the fat in coconut oil (80-90%) is saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. This makes it clear why understanding who should not drink coconut oil is vital for maintaining good health.

Quick Summary

People with existing high cholesterol, heart disease, or coconut allergies should avoid drinking coconut oil. It is also not recommended for those with certain digestive sensitivities or individuals on very low-fat diets, as it is extremely high in saturated fat and calories.

Key Points

High Saturated Fat: Drinking coconut oil is not recommended for those with high cholesterol or a history of cardiovascular disease due to its very high saturated fat content.
Digestive Distress: Large quantities of coconut oil can cause side effects like nausea, bloating, and diarrhea, particularly on an empty stomach or in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Coconut Allergies: Anyone with a known coconut allergy must avoid consuming coconut oil, as it can trigger reactions ranging from skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
High Calorie Count: For those managing their weight, drinking coconut oil can add a significant amount of calories without substantial nutritional benefit, potentially hindering weight loss goals.
Misinterpreted Health Benefits: Many claims of coconut oil's benefits are derived from studies on pure MCT oil, not regular coconut oil, and should not be applied universally.
Consult a Doctor: It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially regarding the consumption of concentrated fats like coconut oil.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Coconut Oil?

While coconut oil has been promoted for various health benefits, its high saturated fat content makes it unsuitable for certain individuals, especially when consumed in large, undiluted amounts. It is crucial to understand the potential risks and contraindications before incorporating it into your daily routine. For some, the potential for elevated 'bad' cholesterol and other side effects can outweigh any perceived advantages.

Cardiovascular Health Concerns

One of the most significant reasons certain individuals should avoid drinking coconut oil is its impact on heart health. The high saturated fat content, which is higher than butter, can negatively affect blood lipid profiles.

High Cholesterol: People with existing hypercholesterolemia should exercise extreme caution or avoid coconut oil. Research has shown that while coconut oil can increase HDL ('good') cholesterol, it also significantly raises LDL ('bad') cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Heart Disease History: Individuals with a personal or family history of heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes should avoid drinking coconut oil. The high saturated fat intake can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
Diets Focused on Heart Health: Those advised by a doctor to follow a low-saturated-fat diet should steer clear of drinking coconut oil. Health authorities like the American Heart Association recommend limiting saturated fat to reduce heart disease risk.

Digestive Sensitivities and Conditions

For some, drinking coconut oil can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.

Nausea and Bloating: Large amounts of coconut oil, particularly if consumed quickly, can cause feelings of nausea, bloating, and stomach upset.
Diarrhea: The high fat content can have a mild laxative effect. Excessive intake can lead to diarrhea, especially in those with fat malabsorption issues or those who have had their gallbladder removed.
IBS and Sensitive Stomachs: Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other sensitive digestive systems may find that a high dose of fat, such as that from drinking coconut oil, triggers uncomfortable symptoms.

Allergies to Coconut

Though relatively rare, a coconut allergy is a serious and definitive reason to avoid coconut oil. This includes both consumption and topical use.

Allergic Reactions: Symptoms can range from mild skin reactions like hives or eczema to severe and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Cross-Reactivity: While coconuts are technically fruits, some individuals with tree nut allergies may also have a cross-reaction to coconut. Medical advice from an allergist is essential if you have known tree nut allergies.

Weight Management and Calorie Intake

Despite some anecdotal claims, drinking coconut oil is not a magic bullet for weight loss and can, in fact, hinder weight management efforts.

High Calorie Density: Coconut oil is extremely calorie-dense, with one tablespoon containing around 120 calories and 13-14 grams of fat. Drinking it adds a significant number of calories without providing much nutritional value beyond fat.
Misapplication of MCT Research: Many weight loss claims for coconut oil are based on studies of pure medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently. The lauric acid that makes up a large portion of coconut oil is processed more slowly, meaning results from pure MCT oil cannot be directly applied.

Potential Health Risks: Comparison of Coconut Oil vs. Other Fats

To better illustrate the potential issues, here is a comparison of coconut oil with healthier fat alternatives, focusing on cardiovascular health.


Feature	Coconut Oil	Olive Oil	Avocado Oil
Saturated Fat Content	High (Approx. 80-90%)	Low (Approx. 14%)	Low (Approx. 12%)
Effect on LDL ('Bad') Cholesterol	Can significantly raise levels	Can lower levels	Can lower levels
Heart Health Recommendation	Limit intake due to saturated fat	Recommended as a healthier choice	Recommended as a healthier choice
Primary Fat Type	Saturated fat (Lauric Acid)	Monounsaturated fat (Oleic Acid)	Monounsaturated fat (Oleic Acid)
Calorie Density per tbsp	~120 calories	~120 calories	~120 calories

Why Expert Guidance is Essential

For those considering drinking coconut oil for health reasons, consulting a healthcare professional is non-negotiable. A nutritionist or doctor can evaluate your personal health history, risk factors, and dietary needs to determine if it is a suitable option for you. They can also provide guidance on safe dosages, as consuming too much can lead to negative side effects. Blindly following trends without professional advice can lead to unintended health consequences.

Conclusion: Prioritize Heart Health and Moderation

While coconut oil has been widely celebrated as a superfood, its high saturated fat content presents significant health concerns for specific groups of people. Individuals with high cholesterol, existing cardiovascular disease, coconut allergies, or sensitive digestive systems should avoid drinking coconut oil. For a heart-healthy diet, experts recommend limiting all saturated fat intake, including from coconut oil, and favoring unsaturated fat sources like olive or avocado oil. Anyone considering a change to their diet should seek professional medical advice to ensure safety and effectiveness. The key takeaway is that moderation and personal health considerations are paramount when it comes to dietary fats.

Final Thoughts on Coconut Oil Consumption

Before making any changes to your diet, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Coconut oil, while having certain antimicrobial properties and being a quick source of energy via MCTs for some, is not suitable for everyone. Always prioritize proven heart-healthy fats and ensure any new supplement or food is aligned with your overall health goals. For many, simply limiting its use to small amounts for specific culinary purposes is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking coconut oil can increase both HDL ('good') and LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels due to its high saturated fat content. For individuals with high cholesterol, this poses a significant risk.

Yes, consuming large amounts of coconut oil can cause digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

No, coconuts are botanically fruits, not tree nuts. However, some people with tree nut allergies may have a cross-reaction to coconut, so consultation with an allergist is advised if you have tree nut allergies.

It is generally not recommended to drink coconut oil for weight loss. It is extremely high in calories, and many weight loss claims are based on studies of concentrated MCT oil, not regular coconut oil.

For culinary purposes, healthier fat alternatives include olive oil, avocado oil, and canola oil, which are lower in saturated fat and higher in beneficial unsaturated fats.

In moderation, and for individuals without contraindications, coconut oil can be part of a healthy diet, used for cooking or baking to add flavor. Some research indicates benefits from its MCT content, but these benefits are often exaggerated and not applicable to everyone.

Health organizations like the American Heart Association advise limiting or avoiding coconut oil due to its high saturated fat content and its proven ability to raise harmful LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.