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| - Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
In a social media video a man claims that diabetes can be cured with extra virgin coconut oil, presenting it as a magical solution. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An Instagram post by @spoonfullshorts shares a video that claims diabetes can be cured, with extra virgin coconut oil being presented as the magical solution.
Fact Check
Is diabetes curable?
No. We have fact checked many claims earlier that talk about curing diabetes. And the answer is NO. There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be effectively managed with a comprehensive approach that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and weight control. While diabetes can go into remission—where blood sugar levels return to normal—this often requires long-term commitment and may not last indefinitely. Although research is exploring potential ways to reverse or cure Type 2 diabetes, definitive evidence is still lacking. Nevertheless, managing the condition through the right medications, diet, and lifestyle adjustments remains crucial for controlling it.
Read similar claims here: Is Vijaysar bark a miracle cure for diabetes? Can spices cure diabetes?
Can virgin coconut oil control blood sugar?
Yes, several studies have shown that Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) can potentially control blood sugar levels. Active compounds in VCO, particularly medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) such as lauric acid, significantly contribute to lowering blood glucose levels.
Research done on animals, including rats and mice, show that VCO can lower blood glucose in diabetic animals. For example, in experiments in which diabetes was chemically induced using alloxan or streptozotocin, treatment with VCO caused considerable decreases in blood glucose levels within weeks. In some experiments, blood glucose decreased from values over 300 mg/dL to normal ranges, showing the effectiveness of VCO in treating hyperglycemia.
The mechanisms involved in these effects include the following:
- Insulin Secretion: Lauric acid in VCO is known to stimulate the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. This increase in insulin lowers blood glucose levels by enhancing the uptake of glucose into cells.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Lauric acid can also activate insulin signaling pathways, which may decrease the production of glucose by the liver (gluconeogenesis) and increase glucose storage (glycogenesis), further lowering blood sugar.
- Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidant properties of VCO may decrease oxidative stress, which is generally increased in diabetes, and enhance the function of pancreatic beta cells, thereby enhancing insulin production.
Overall, VCO’s combination of effects, such as insulin stimulation and antioxidant action, indicates its potential benefits for blood sugar control, especially in the case of diabetes. More research, particularly in human studies, is therefore, required to support these findings and fully understand the full potential of VCO in the control of blood sugar.
Dr. Sukrit Kumar, Medical Director at Rainbow Children’s Hospitals, explains, “Extra virgin coconut oil is not a cure for diabetes, but it can be a beneficial addition to both diabetic and non-diabetic diets. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and could support the reversal of insulin resistance to some extent, making it a valuable part of a conventional healthy diet for managing diabetes.”
Dr. Shalin Nagori, a Consultant Pathologist and Industrial Physician, says, “Many studies are still in the early stages, and we cannot make definitive conclusions about the effects of coconut oil on insulin resistance. It’s best to rely on established treatments, along with lifestyle changes.”
If you’re hoping for coconut oil to fix insulin resistance, you’d be better off focusing on proven methods like a low-carb diet and regular physical activity.
Can virgin coconut oil cure diabetes?
No, virgin coconut oil cannot cure diabetes. Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar. There is no known cure for diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Virgin coconut oil is often promoted in the media as a ‘miracle’ remedy, but this is far from the truth.
Dr. Ayush Chandra, a diabetes expert and founder of Nivaran Health in Delhi NCR, shares, “Effective diabetes care involves more than just one aspect. It includes the proper use of medications and insulin when necessary, under a doctor’s supervision. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet with essential nutrients, stay physically active, stay hydrated, prioritize mental well-being, and consistently monitor blood sugar levels.”
Dr Ashirwad Pawar, Diabetologist at Sai Aashirwad Hospital in Mumbai, adds, ”Virgin coconut oil is not a cure for diabetes. While it may have certain health benefits, such as supporting healthy fats in the diet, there is no scientific evidence to suggest it can reverse or cure diabetes. Claims like these can mislead people and delay proper care. Always rely on evidence-based approaches and consult healthcare professionals for managing diabetes.”
While coconut oil has health benefits like improving cholesterol and offering antioxidant properties, these benefits are not enough to cure or replace diabetes treatment.
Should you add virgin coconut oil to your diet?
Yes, but with caution. If you enjoy coconut oil, there’s no harm in adding it to your diet in moderation. It’s a good source of healthy fats, but it’s also high in calories. Over-consuming it could contribute to weight gain, which may worsen insulin resistance.
Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, suggests, “A little coconut oil here and there in your diet can be fine, but it should be part of an overall healthy eating plan. For diabetes, focus on foods that support stable blood sugar levels, like whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.”
When it comes to diabetes management, your diet should be diverse and rich in nutrients. Virgin coconut oil is just one small part of the puzzle. Keep in mind that no single food, no matter how ‘natural’ or ‘miraculous’ it seems, can cure or control diabetes on its own.
Conclusion
Virgin coconut oil may offer some health benefits, but it is not a miracle cure for diabetes. While it has antioxidant properties and contains MCTs, there is no solid scientific evidence to suggest that it can directly regulate blood sugar levels or improve insulin sensitivity in a meaningful way. People with diabetes should continue to follow evidence-based treatment plans, including medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical advice, rather than relying on coconut oil as a sole cure.
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