I understand that coconut oil is a very healthy substance with it's saturated fats, ketogenic properties and antimicrobial properties. I'm really interested in beginning to get a couple of tablespoons of it throughout the day, however, I have a concern. The only thing keeping me from consuming any is a study I read a while back discussing the inhibitory properties of lauric acid (from coconut oil) on 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into the more active Dihydrotestosterone. I'm 16 so I know my hormonal system is quite different from the majority of the people on this forum. I don't want to mess with my hormonal levels at this age as I'm concerned about permanent effects resulting from hormonal imbalances. I'm hesitant to consume a substance which may lower my dht levels. Does anyone have any knowledge on this topic? Will taking coconut oil decrease the dht by a significant amount, or do the positive effects outweigh the slight hormonal effects? Thanks!
I don't think that adding 2tablespoons of coconut oil per day to a diet that isn't deficient in animal proteins and fats would have any negative effect on your hormonal profile. A glance at epidemiological studies is enough to discern this, I think.