Introduction
Along with exercise, a perfect diet is also important if you are trying to lose weight. A few small changes in your diet can help you burn fat and shape your desired figure. Coconut oil can be a wise choice when you’re trying to shed kilos. Since ancient times, people have been using coconut oil as a cooking oil and skin care product. Recently this home remedy has noticed huge popularity as a fat burner. The fat-burning ability known as ketosis is the reason for the huge demand for coconut oil in the market. Many praise it for its health benefits, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, improved skin and oral health, and weight loss potential.
Benefits of weight management
The presence of vitamin E, antioxidants, and polyphenols in coconut oil helps maintain hormonal balance, while hormonal imbalances lead to weight gain. However, not all types of coconut oil will work properly for weight loss. Extra virgin coconut oil is best recommended for weight loss because it does not contain saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels and causes weight gain.
Also, coconut oil has become a staple for sports nutrition and athletes are using it both on and off the field. Let’s dive deeper into the topic.
Boosts fat burning
Coconut oil is very rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MTCs), known as a saturated fat. Basically, there are three classifications of this type of fat and each has a different effect on the body. These subgroups are long-chain, medium-chain, and short-chain.
Scientists are mainly testing medium-chain triglycerides (MTCs), which are commonly found in coconut oil. Some studies have shown that it can increase the number of calories your body burns, and because of this, it can promote weight loss.
Coconut oil contains 65% MTC, so it may have fat-burning properties. However, there is no proven evidence that consuming coconut oil increases calories. But always remember that coconut oil is rich in calories and can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.
Appetite Control
Virgin coconut oil has gained attention due to its potential benefits in appetite control and weight management. The presence of MCTs is quickly absorbed and metabolized and provides rapid energy. It is believed to have appetite-suppressing effects. Many studies suggest that MCTs can increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake. However, the MCTs in virgin coconut oil may contribute to appetite control by affecting hormones.
Additionally, virgin coconut oil’s effects on blood sugar levels may help control appetite. Although virgin coconut oil‘s involvement in appetite-controlling properties is still ongoing, moderate amounts of this oil in a balanced diet may offer potential benefits for appetite control as part of their overall weight management strategy.
Metabolic Support
Supporting the metabolic system is considered one of the best benefits of coconut oil because of its unique combination of fatty acids, especially medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Additionally, MCTs contain lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can positively affect metabolic health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with metabolic disorders. Thus, including coconut oil in a balanced diet may provide a potential avenue for metabolic support.
Use to reduce hunger
MTCs can help reduce food intake, which is very attractive for health. But still many are confused about whether is coconut oil healthy for weight loss. It is more helpful in reducing appetite than weight loss.
But it depends on how the body breaks them down. Broken ratios can create molecules called ketones when you consume them. Ketones can reduce appetite by acting directly on chemical messengers in the brain or alter appetite levels, including hormones.
People on the keto diet usually eat a lot of fat in place of carbohydrates, and because of this, their body uses ketones for fuel.
How to use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be added in many ways, be it cooking oil, for skin care purposes or in your morning tea or coffee like the famous Bulletproof Coffee. Let’s see how we can use it.
- If you are a new joiner to coconut oil, aim for one tablespoon per day as newbies may sometimes feel discomfort after taking it for the first time.
- Coconut oil can be added in a 1:1 ratio to cook and make brownies or cakes. It is an amazing alternative to olive oil for stir-fries, eggs, fish, or meat.
- Coconut oil supplements in capsule form are also beneficial depending on the dosage.
- A study found that consuming 2 tablespoons of coconut oil significantly reduced the waist circumference of male participants. For such results, add it to herbal infusions, hot water, or your favorite smoothie.
Conclusion
Be it for cosmetic purposes or for food, virgin coconut oil for weight loss has many emerging benefits for your health. However, moderation is key. Always consume it as per your capacity otherwise there may be a risk of heart disease.
