Is Coconut Oil For Weight Loss Effective?
By: Elena Mauceri
Yes, research proves that there is a strong connection between coconut oil and weight loss. But before we discuss coconut oil more, let's talk about "good fats" vs. "bad fats".
Good Fats vs. Bad Fats
You've probably heard of "trans fats" and "hydrogenated fats". This isn't just media hype: these are REALLY bad fats. They contribute to a whole host of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Trans-fats are formed when vegetable oils are "hydrogenated", which means that the oil was chemically altered so that it is more stable at room temperature. Read labels, and you'll see that these types of fats appear in many products.
The second category of bad fats include vegetable oils such as canola, corn, and safflower. The reason they are "bad" is because they are high in Omega 6 fatty acids, which are ok in moderation, but when consumed in excess (which most of America does), it throws off the all-important balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Most people in the U.S. consume WAY too many of the Omega-6 fatty acids. Look at the ingredients list in all the packaged products, and you'll see them filled with vegetable oils.
GOOD fats are those with Omega-3 fatty acids (from whole flax seeds, walnuts, and fish oils), monounsaturated fats (from olive and macadamia nut oils), and medium chain triglycerides/MCTs (from coconut oil). These oils are all proven to help you lose weight.
So you want to increase your intake of oils with Omega-3 fatty acids and decrease your intake of Omega-6 fatty acids. There are a few vegetable oils that have low levels of Omega 6 fatty acids, and those include extra virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and macadamia nut oil.
Let's get back to our discussion of coconut oil for weight loss...
Extra virgin coconut oil
Be sure you are buying a certain type of coconut oil: extra virgin coconut oil. Look for a brand that says it uses no chemical or heat to extract the oil.
Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, it contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. You can take up to 3-4 tablespoons a day. Any fat makes you feel more satisfied, and promotes weight loss through satiety.
Coconut oil has a high smoke point, so it is safe for sauteing and frying. Use it in place of butter and other vegetable oils. It can also be used in baking recipes as a replacement for butter. It has even more saturated fats than butter, though, so that can change some recipes.
Summary
Coconut oil is a great help for weight loss, and is a very healthy oil to cook with. It's vital to eat oils that promote health, rather than harm it. With that in mind, I want you to go through your kitchen and throw out all of the following oils, and any product with these oils in the ingredients list:
o margarine
o Crisco
o canola oil
o corn oil
o anything with the word "hydrogenated" (even "partially hydrogenated")
You may end up tossing a lot of things in your kitchen, but don't fret. Your health (and weight) will improve! It's just not worth the bad health effects for anyone in your house to eat these dangerous fats.
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