How Does Coconut Oil Help With Weight Loss?

Discovering Coconut Oil Benefits

The many people that use coconut oil on a daily basis, ingesting 2 to 3 tablespoons per day, report reaping several benefits from it. Increased energy levels, softer skin, healthier hair and a decrease in sugar and carb cravings. While there are several products on the market that can make these same claims, what is it that sets coconut oil apart from them?

The Coconut Oil Difference

All oils have chains of fatty acids. While most have what is called LCTs, or long chained triglycerides, coconut oil has MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides. So how does this translate into weight loss? LCTs are not as easily digested, but instead are stored in the cells as fat. MCTs, which are in coconut oil, are digested before they go deep within the digestive tract. As they burn up fast, they can not be stored as fat. Even though coconut oil has a high caloric content, they are calories that are used quickly as energy and are not stored. Eating fats throughout the day (2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil) results in a feeling of fullness, which is of a major advantage to one dieting or controlling weight. According to Bruce Fife, naturopathic doctor, and author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle" (2004), coconut oil has also been shown in studies to raise thermogenesis of the body, which increases the body's metabolic rate, burning more calories.

Not All Alike

The weight loss benefit of coconut oil does not simply come with ingesting it. Its intake needs to be combined with a proper diet that cuts down on processed foods and sugar. There is a difference in coconut oils, also, and if you choose to begin taking it daily be sure to use virgin coconut oil, as it has not been processed. The processing takes away many of the nutritional benefits.

Additional Benefits

While increased energy and weight control are often enough to convince people to begin a coconut oil regimen, there are added benefits that have been reported from ingesting it. Skin issues, such as rashes, scrapes and burns, that have not responded to other forms of treatment, heal and fade with repeated intake of coconut oil. Cracked lips, toothaches, and sore throats have also benefited from direct contact with coconut oil. What in coconut oil is attributed to these benefits? The primary MCT in coconut oil is called lauric acid. Lauric acid is also found in mother's milk, and according to Dr. Mary Enig, a PhD and nutritionist who has participated in and reviewed many studies on coconut oil, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties and contributes a great deal to health and wellness (see Resources). Coconut oil is the one natural substance that contains the highest amount of lauric acid, next to mother's milk.

Resources

• Dr. Enig's research on benefits of coconut oil
• Make your own coconut oil