Is coconut oil healthy?

According to WebMD, there is no definitive clinical evidence of the health benefits of coconut oil. The effect of coconut oil in the prevention or treatment of illness has not been studied extensively enough to make a medical recommendation.

While it does not have the negative effects of trans fats, animal fats or butter, coconut oil is not as healthy as liquid vegetable oil. WebMD explains that although coconut oil is free of cholesterol, it contains 12 grams of saturated fat per serving. Foods containing saturated fat can cause heart disease and should be limited to no more than 10 percent of a daily diet.