What are the health benefits of coconut oil?

Previously shunned by the health and wellness community for high saturated fat content, coconut oil has experienced a huge increase in sales and taken the media by storm in recent years. Coconut oil can be found not only in specialty health food stores, but at most local grocers as well.

Formerly unheard of, coconut oil is becoming more of a staple cooking oil in many households. Manufacturers are using coconut oil in favor of other oils in packaged products, and there are claims that coconut oil can do everything from supporting weight loss to slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, many organizations such as the American Heart Association and the USDA continue to caution consumers against all tropical oils, including coconut oil.

Read on to find out more about the controversy surrounding coconut oil and if you should make coconut oil a staple in your diet.