THE SCIENTIFIC TRUTH ABOUT A SUPER FUNCTIONAL FOOD DENOMINATED COCONUT OIL.

Data available in numerous books and scientific studies recognized worldwide - some of them presented and discussed in this article - include coconut oil in the category today classified as super functional food. Despite its benefits, it is a food still underutilized due to the lack of consumer knowledge, including, in this case, medical professionals, who, for the most part, do not receive training focused on the nutritional area. It is also in this context that Brazilian medical associations - considered as references in the specialties they represent - that, instead of having a deep knowledge about the subject in question, publish information without foundation, capable of leaving the general population confused and insecure about the use of this food. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to highlight, in a didactic way and with maximum depth, the real benefits of Cocos nucifera, based on scientific evidence to prove this fact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]