When attempting to lose weight, oil is usually the last thing that one would want to increase the consumption of. However, coconut oil is a definite exception to this weight loss rule. Extracted from none other than the coconut seed, coconut oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for an array of ailments and to promote the overall health of the body.
Fat Loss
Rather than sluggishly meandering its way into your body’s fat posits, this oil is actually very easily burned by the body and it also helps to burn other fatty tissues in the body. This is due to the fact that it is made up of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s) instead of long chain fatty acids (LCFA’s) as most oils are. This means that coconut oil is easily absorbed into the liver and used for fuel. Furthermore, this also helps to burn off the stubborn LCFA’s as, when the liver is overworked due to toxins, trans fats, sugars, alcohol, drugs, etc. it becomes sluggish and thus, cannot metabolize fat properly. Once it gets your liver running more efficiently, it literally jump starts your metabolism and thus, increases your fat loss. This is especially affective in problem areas such as the belly, where un-metabolized fats are known to dwell. What’s more, it is also said to stabilize glucose levels which also promotes weight loss because a stable glucose level makes it easier to make healthy food choices instead of going for that quick fix of junk food with high sugar and fat content.
Boosts Thermogenesis – Coconut oil can also boost thermogenesis, or, the amount of heat, or calories, that your body burns during digestion. This definitely helps the body to lose belly fat faster, and also fat in other areas of the body. It is even actually said to be more thermogenic than protein, the opposite of which is usually true for edible oils.
Other Benefits
Fights Aging – Due to the fact that it’s chock full of antioxidants, coconut oil is also said to have some anti-aging benefits.
Strengthens Immune System – Due to the high levels of capric, lauric, and caprylic acids, as well as antimicrobial lipids, it has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.
Hair and Skin- Since coconut oil contains some essential proteins, it can be used as a natural moisturizer for the hair and skin. If massaged into the scalp regularly, it can help to prevent dandruff as well as lice. It can also an affective treatment against damaged and shedding hair.
The Coconut Oil Diet
Interestingly enough, although it’s commonly referred to as the “coconut oil diet”, it really isn’t a diet, (in the customary sense of the word) at all. The basis of the coconut oil diet involves swapping fats such as vegetable oil, lard, etc. for this oil. That is to say, you will use coconut oil as your primary oil for cooking, frying, and baking. You can even add it to your morning smoothie or shake if you don’t use oils for cooking very often, or just want to add it as an additional supplement. This diet had been known to help many lose pounds and pounds of belly fat fairly quickly.
Overall
Remember that there is no such thing as a miracle worker in terms of losing weight, and especially stubborn belly fat. If you choose to implement the coconut diet remember to consult with your physician or health adviser as, although there are very few known side effects, your physician may have some key elements to your personal health.
Furthermore, coconut oil is not a miracle worker, it is much more effective when used in conjunction with an overall balanced diet, as well as exercise plan.
