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The Coconut Oil Craze – Should I Get On Board?

Yes, you should jump on board with coconut oil (end of post).

But what exactly is it about coconut oil that makes it so healthy? And which type is best?

How does coconut oil stack up against other fats you may be using?

Let’s dive into some of the fascinating research and find out.

Coconut oil is a special kind of fat

Coconut oil is fat and contains the same 9 calories per gram, same as any other fats.

It is extracted from the “meat” of the coconut. Coconut oil is a white solid at room temperature and easily melts into a clear liquid on a hot day.

The idea of adding coconut oil to your diet is NOT to add on to what you already eat but to substitute it for some of the (possibly) less healthy fats you may be eating now.

And here’s why – Because not all calories or fats are created equal.

Coconut oil contains a unique type of fat known as “Medium Chain Triglycerides” (MCTs). In fact, 65% of the fats in coconut oil are these MCTs.

What makes MCTs unique is how your body metabolizes them; they’re easily absorbed into the bloodstream by your gut, where they go straight to the liver, and they’re burned for fuel or converted into “ketones.”

This metabolic process, unique to MCTs, is what sets coconut oil apart from other fats.

Coconut oil MCTs may help with fat loss

Coconut oil’s MCTs have been shown to have a few different fat loss benefits.

First, it can help to increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to a natural reduction in the amount of food you eat.

Second, because of their unique metabolic route, MCTs can also increase the number of calories you burn; this happens when you compare the calories burned after eating the same amount of other fats.

In fact, a few studies show that coconut oil may increase the number of calories you burn by as much as 5%.

Third, some studies show that eating coconut oil can help reduce belly fat (a.k.a. “waist circumference”).

Just remember not to add coconut oil to your diet without reducing other fats and oils!

How much coconut oil should I eat?

Many of the studies that showed increased fullness, increased metabolism, and reduced belly fat only used about 2 tablespoons per day.

You probably don’t need any more than that.

What kind of coconut oil is the best?

There are so many coconut oil options available in grocery stores these days that it can make it difficult to know which is best.

I recommend you stay away from “refined” ones and opt for “virgin” coconut oil. That is because it is processed at lower temperatures and avoids some of the chemical solvents used in the refining process; this helps to preserve more of the oil’s natural health-promoting antioxidants.

Pro Tip: Always (and I mean ALWAYS) avoid “hydrogenated” coconut oil. It can be a health nightmare because it contains the infamous “trans fats.” Avoid any kind of hydrogenated fats, period.

One thing you should also consider is that each oil has a specific high temperature that you should avoid surpassing (e.g. its “smoke point”). For virgin coconut oil, that temperature is 350F. That means you can safely use it on the stovetop on a low-medium setting, as well as in most baking.

Conclusion

Substitute some of the fat you eat with virgin coconut oil; this may help you to lose weight and belly fat by naturally helping you to eat less, as well as slightly increasing your metabolism.

Use oils that are virgin and cold-pressed, store in a cool dark place and use sparingly. Fats are still 9 calories a gram, about 120 calories per Tablespoon. Even a good thing can be overdone, so stay aware and choose wisely.


Are you interested in giving coconut oil a try but not sure about how to add it or what to replace? Click here for my calendar so you can schedule a time for us to talk and I will help get you started.


Oh, and coconut oil tastes great too! I especially love it when making a curry dish.

References

https://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/
https://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-oil-and-weight-loss/
https://authoritynutrition.com/20-most-weight-loss-friendly-foods/
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/encyclopedia/food/coconut-oil/
http://neurotrition.ca/blog/your-brain-coconut-oil

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