It may sound strange to say that a fat will help you lose weight, but it makes more sense than you think. Although much of the current medical establishment is pushing “low-fat” and ”no-fat” diets for cholesterol control and weight loss, our bodies require a certain amount of fat intake to maintain optimum health. Dietary fats are necessary for the transportation of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, E and D; the transportation of cholesterol to the brain (the brain requires some cholesterol to function properly) as well as to keep the skin supple and the hair healthy.
The use of a healthy, natural fat such as coconut oil, in moderation, actually promotes healthy weight and a healthy body in general. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, which are more easily assimilated by the body than the long-chain fatty acids found in most of the fats in our diets, and thus are less likely to be stored as fat. Additional benefits of coconut oil for weight loss include:
1. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported a study that showed medium-chain fatty acids were three times more effective at raising the metabolism than long-chain fatty acids. Replacing long-chain fatty acids with medium-chain fatty acids was an effective method for weight loss, according to the research. Another study reported in this journal supported this conclusion, indicating that medium-chain fatty acids increase metabolism and help burn off stored fat.
2. Coconut oil slows down the digestive process, making you feel fuller for longer and minimizing snacking.
2. It also reduces blood sugar fluctuations. The more slowly carbohydrates are digested, the more slowly the resulting glucose enters the bloodstream. This results in the glucose being released over a longer period, reducing the chance of blood sugar spikes. (When large amounts of glucose enter the bloodstream, it triggers the release of insulin, which processes the glucose, and can cause a “crash”, which requires you to eat more to bring your glucose levels back up. This cycle encourages weight gain.)
3. Candida (the fungus responsible for “yeast” infections) overgrowth in the digestive tract can cause symptoms such as sugar cravings, fatigue, and weight gain; among many others. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are converted into the anti-fungal agents monocaprin and monolaurin when acted on by digestive enzymes. This kills candida and supports both weight-loss and maintenance of the new, lower weight.
Replacing your usual cooking oils (and/or supplementing your diet) with healthier coconut oil will not only help you lose weight, but also become healthier overall.
