I would say from the research I've analyzed it's not exactly a health food. At the same time it's not toxic like high fructose corn syrup or trans fats. It's a good which can be consumed once in a while but not daily because it raises LDL cholesterol and most Americans have LDL which is too high.
Americans have a problem with being obese and with having clogged arteries so the American Heart Association is giving good advice for Americans in specific. Japanese, Chinese, people in the Caribbean, they may not be dying from heart and cardiovascular illnesses at the same rate and might not have the issue with clogged arteries. It all depends on the population the message is being tailored for I think.
In general though if a person were to consume it on a daily basis it wouldn't be good if the amounts are producing a rise in LDL which is measurable on blood testing to show that LDL is above 70.
Well articulated, I am not to sure about the data for Japan or China but I know Chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease are #1 cause of death and loss of mobility in the Caribbean. There is also research papers pointing at the ratio of HDL/LDL, probably ethnic background plays a role, I know for sure the data is also skewed for African Americans so lots to consider... On the lighter side of things, I still use my coconut oil in my cooking, nothing gets a pot going like coconut oil