Two mantled guereza monkey fighting in the grass. Source: Shutterstock
How much effort have you put into trying to teach someone to be nicer to you? To not take a dig at you?
When couples or family members are stuck in conflict, they often reply, “A lot.”
“My partner won’t stop taking digs at me,” is one of the most common complaints I hear from people in therapy. The dig-taking is seen as a character flaw in the other, rather than one part in a relationship pattern.
In couples therapy, people are taught how to use I-statements. “I felt hurt when you said X. I feel ashamed when you pointed out Y.”
Fair enough. But an I-statement is sometimes an attempt to manage the other. It is fusion in disguise. When people lead with their own thinking, and their own maturity, instead of trying to change the other, the mean comments will often fizzle out on their own.
Let me give you some examples. ...
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Coconut oil is a popular cooking oil that’s solid at room temperature and has a subtle coconutty taste. Personally, I love the hint of flavor that it brings to certain foods, especially pancakes.
It has grown in popularity in recent years and is often touted for its purported benefits. However, it’s also high in saturated fat, which has sparked much debate over how healthy it really is. Below, Kirsten Seele, a registered dietitian at Healthline, weighs in.
Let’s look into it,
Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Healthline
Written by Tim Snaith
July 30, 2026 • 3 min read
LET’S ASK THE DIETITIAN
Q:
What’s up with coconut oil? I’ve heard it’s high in saturated fat. I’ve also heard that it isn’t like other saturated fats.
A:
Coconut oil is one of the most common foods I’m asked about. It’s likely the most controversial, too, since there are mixed results on its healthfulness. Whether we should add coconut oil to our diets or remove it entirely is inconclusive — and that’s OK! This is science after all, and it is ever-evolving.
There’s probably room in your diet for some coconut oil; however, because it’s high in saturated fat, it’s best consumed in moderation.
Saturated fat increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (aka “bad” cholesterol), which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. (Pro tip: Saturated fats are solid at room temperature — think butter, lard, and coconut oil.) Most fat-containing foods have at least some saturated fat, but it’s generally highest in animal products. However, certain plant oils, like coconut and palm oil, are also high in saturated fat.
If you’re following a 2000-calorie-per-day diet, 6 to 10% of it would equal 120 to 200 calories. (Fun fact: All fats contain 9 calories in every 1 gram [g].) So, 120 to 200 calories divided by 9 g per calorie equals 13 to 22 g of saturated fats daily. For someone with heart disease or at risk for heart disease, I would recommend aiming for the lower end of the range.
Like any “budget,” you can choose what you want to spend your daily saturated fat allotment on, including coconut oil. That’s what moderation is all about! But it’s important to note that, generally, one tablespoon of coconut oil contains almost 12 g of saturated fats, which could use up the majority of your budget for the day.
One thing I often hear is, “But wait, isn’t coconut oil better for us than butter, since it’s not an animal product?!” In theory, coconut oil could be less harmful because it does not contain cholesterol and is composed of medium-chain triglycerides rather than long-chain triglycerides, as in animal products. Your body processes these triglycerides differently, and some studies suggest that medium-chain triglycerides may help you manage metabolic conditions such as diabetes. However, the evidence isn’t clear on this point.
Coconut oil is also often touted for its health benefits and antimicrobial properties. It’s said to help with weight loss, oral health, skin health, and more. However, studies show inconsistent results.
Moderation is often key for optimal health in the long term, and the answer for coconut oil right now is no different. If you want to add it to your diet for the potential benefits mentioned above, I want you to feel empowered to do so. Just keep moderation in mind!
Kirsten Seele, Registered Dietitian
RECIPE PICK Sausage, Mushroom, and Zucchini Frittata A keto-friendly, gluten-free classic with shredded veggies that works well for breakfast or brunch. GET THE RECIPE →
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Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
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The facts behind the headlines, how supply chains work, and what to ask your doctor if you fall ill
When headlines are buzzing about an “explosive diarrhea parasite” sweeping across multiple states, it is completely normal to feel a mix of alarm and confusion. Traceback investigations at the CDC and FDA have linked the Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak to contaminated iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms’ facility in Mexico to more than 4,000 confirmed cases across multiple states.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis — including watery diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue — could take about a week to appear. Because routine stool tests often miss this parasite, ask your doctor specifically for a Cyclospora test if you're ill.
As journalists, our priority isn't chasing dramatic headlines — it’s to provide actionable, science-backed guidance so you can protect yourself and your family without unnecessary panic.
That starts with understanding how produce packaging works. Taylor Farms produces roughly 40% of all U.S. salad kits and owns major labels like Earthbound Farm, meaning its supply chain extends far beyond its own name. In addition to Taylor Farms’ shredded iceberg lettuce supplied directly to Taco Bell locations, recalled products also include Marketside-brand Iceberg Salads and Shredded Lettuce sold at Walmart stores.
While health officials advise staying aware of recalls, experts emphasize there is no need to avoid fresh produce entirely. In this latest news article, we share verified food safety steps, exact product lot details, and guidance on when to seek care.
We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.
We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.