How Virgin Coconut Oil Helped Abhinav Increase His HDL from 28 to 45

As a doctor, I often see patients who are concerned about their cholesterol numbers, particularly those who have low HDL or “good” cholesterol. One such patient I had was Abhinav, a 32-year-old software engineer who recently got married.

Initial Lab Results and Recommendations

Shortly after Abhinav got married, he and his wife were reading the newspaper one morning when they came across a flyer for a nearby lab offering 50% off comprehensive blood tests. Since the tests were so inexpensive, they decided to get annual physicals including a full panel of labs. They went to their family physician, Dr. Ramesh, who had a practice close to their home in Jayanagar.

When Dr. Ramesh reviewed the results, he was afflicted to see Abhinav’s HDL was only 28 mg/dL, well below the recommended healthy range. Studies show low HDL significantly increases the risk of heart disease, so Dr. Ramesh advised that they needed to take action to improve this number. He first suggested niacin supplements, as research shows they can raise HDL levels. However, after trying it for 2 months, Abhinav saw no change in his HDL. Dr. Ramesh next recommended lifestyle changes – eating more walnuts high in healthy fats, adding white onions containing the antioxidant quercetin, and establishing an exercise routine. But after 2 more months, Abhinav’s HDL was still stuck at 28 mg/dL. Though Abhinav was fit and seemingly healthy, his family grew very anxious about potential long-term cardiovascular risks from the chronically low HDL.

Discovering the Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil  

Abhinav came to my clinic on the recommendation of Dr. Ramesh seeking an alternative solution. Upon discussing his family history, I learned two of Abhinav’s uncles had died of heart attacks before age 50, so his wife and mother were very concerned. They asked how long ayurvedic treatments would take, whether Abhinav would need to take medicines at his young age if they were palatable, and many other questions.

I explained there were some natural options we could try before pursuing intensive ayurvedic treatment or medications. I told them about emerging research on virgin coconut oil for heart health. Multiple studies have shown regular intake of virgin coconut oil seems to significantly raise HDL cholesterol for most people. Since coconut oil has a high concentration of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) that are metabolized differently than other fats, this may be the mechanism behind the increase in HDL.

I suggested Abhinav try virgin coconut oil for 2 months under my supervision rather than immediately starting medications or extensive ayurvedic treatments. This would likely be faster, easier to comply with, and void of adverse effects. Abhinav agreed it was worth trying before resorting to medications. I asked him to take 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil twice per day. I explained I would monitor his progress closely for the 2 months and that we could reconsider if his HDL did not increase.

HDL Finally Rises to Healthy Level

I advised Abhinav to take 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of virgin coconut oil twice per day and mix it into his normal meals. After just 2 months on this regimen, we retested his HDL and were thrilled to see it had increased to 45 mg/dL – now solidly in the recommended healthy range! Abhinav shared that both his wife and in-laws were highly relieved the virgin coconut oil had successfully raised his HDL. Even better, his LDL and triglyceride values also remained optimal, the same as before starting the coconut oil. He experienced no negative side effects and plans to continue including it long-term as part of his daily diet and a healthy lifestyle. Getting Abhinav’s HDL up to ideal levels should substantially lower his cardiac risk, especially given his family history. Regular virgin coconut oil consumption seems to have offered a simple, accessible solution to what had been a very concerning health issue.

In conclusion, I am now very optimistic about recommending virgin coconut oil to other patients like Abhinav who struggle with low HDL cholesterol. While more studies are still needed, the clinical and anecdotal evidence so far has convinced me it can be an effective treatment to improve HDL levels without negative side effects for most people. Of course, other medical factors need to be considered too, but when appropriate I now feel comfortable suggesting virgin coconut oil supplementation to boost beneficial cholesterol.