Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Do All Fats, Plant Or Animal, Create Deposits In The Arteries?
Question: Do all fats, plant or animal, create deposits in your arteries? Like coconut oil vs. butter from European, pasture-raised cows?
Brief Answer:
I explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Regarding your concern, I would explain that the deposition in the arteries of fat (also called atherosclerotic process) is related to high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels or dyslipidemia could be related to an unhealthy diet (increased fat intake or sugar) and other causes (genetic disorders, diabetes, lack of physical activity etc).
All plants, oils or cow meat can lead to high cholesterol levels if taken in high quantity and in an imbalanced diet. Coconut oil contains a lot of saturated fatty acids (like butter) and it can lead to high cholesterol levels and thus the progression of fat deposit in the arteries if taken daily in high amounts. The same is for sugar and sweets, butter, cow meat, palm oil etc.
There are also some more healthier oils like fish oil and olive oil which do not contain the same amount of saturated fat like palm or coconut oil.
In this regard, white meat (chicken and fish) is superior to red meat. But when taken in small amounts there is nothing to worry.
The most healthy diet is a Mediterranean diet. I would also recommend being active (aerobics, walking, recreational sports, etc.) and periodically check your blood lipid profile every 6 months, in order to be sure that everything is okay.
Hope you will find this answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka
Cardiologist
I explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Regarding your concern, I would explain that the deposition in the arteries of fat (also called atherosclerotic process) is related to high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels or dyslipidemia could be related to an unhealthy diet (increased fat intake or sugar) and other causes (genetic disorders, diabetes, lack of physical activity etc).
All plants, oils or cow meat can lead to high cholesterol levels if taken in high quantity and in an imbalanced diet. Coconut oil contains a lot of saturated fatty acids (like butter) and it can lead to high cholesterol levels and thus the progression of fat deposit in the arteries if taken daily in high amounts. The same is for sugar and sweets, butter, cow meat, palm oil etc.
There are also some more healthier oils like fish oil and olive oil which do not contain the same amount of saturated fat like palm or coconut oil.
In this regard, white meat (chicken and fish) is superior to red meat. But when taken in small amounts there is nothing to worry.
The most healthy diet is a Mediterranean diet. I would also recommend being active (aerobics, walking, recreational sports, etc.) and periodically check your blood lipid profile every 6 months, in order to be sure that everything is okay.
Hope you will find this answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka
Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much, Dr. Llir,
Just one more Q. as follow up: Is a tea soon of something like butter or cocnut oil a large or small amount for a 195 lbs fairly athletic male?
Thanx again!
Just one more Q. as follow up: Is a tea soon of something like butter or cocnut oil a large or small amount for a 195 lbs fairly athletic male?
Thanx again!
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
No, a tea spoon of butter or coconut oil per day is a low amount. If you take it several times everyday, it can lead to dyslipidemia.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health.
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka
Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
No, a tea spoon of butter or coconut oil per day is a low amount. If you take it several times everyday, it can lead to dyslipidemia.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health.
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka
Cardiologist
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
