Lose Weight with Coconut Oil

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It’s estimated that over one-third of United States adults are obese, an often preventable issue that’s linked to some serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke. Many of these adults — maybe even you — are attempting to lose their excess weight; even those who fall into the “overweight” category or have a mere 5 pounds to lose are no stranger to trying to shed pounds.

Enter coconut oil. Sure, it’s been the center of debate; some argue that it increases the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels, while others maintain that it doesn’t cause these levels to spike at all. From much of the information that exists, more seems to favor the latter point. In fact, coconut oil is comprised of approximately 50% lauric acid, something that helps prevent heart problems, high cholesterol and hypertension — all things that can be experienced especially when you’re carrying excess weight.

Furthermore, the oil has been found to help people lose weight.

For example, one study published in the journal, Lipids, found that women who consumed coconut oil supplements (compared to those taking soy bean oil supplements) not only had a reduction in their body mass index (BMI), but lost inches around their waist. The soy bean oil group did not lose any circumference around their waist in this particular finding.

What Makes Coconut Oil Unique

So, how exactly does coconut oil help people lose weight? Its unique properties, which include Medium Chain Fatty Acids (most contain long-chain fatty acids), are metabolized in a manner that helps to remove pancreatic stress. This in turn boosts the body’s metabolic rate, which makes it possible to burn more energy. Of course energy expenditure is known to be a significant aspect of losing weight.

Those who have had successful weight loss or weight loss maintenance experiences, as well as many health experts, have noted that using coconut oil in regular cooking and eating routines is beneficial. Now of course, as with any food, this isn’t to say people should overindulge with thoughts that there can’t be too much of a good thing; overdoing it means consuming extra calories, which defeats the entire purpose of weight loss. Eat within your personal calorie guidelines and serving size portions, enjoying coconut oil in the amount appropriate for your goals.

Additional Benefits of Coconut Oil

Not only does coconut oil add a pleasing, subtle flavor to various foods, but it can play a role in weight loss and improving overall health. Tip: make sure you chose your coconut oil wisely. Opt for cold pressed oil, which is made at a temperature that maintains its health benefits.

Beyond weight, the oil also has beauty benefits, improves digestion, and boosts immunity, to name just a few extra body bonuses.

Love Coconuts? You’ll Want to Try This Recipe

Love coconut and want to try a change from the oil? Consider making this cacao powder, banana & coconut smoothie which is just as waist-friendly as it is tasty — and good for you beyond just weight loss reasons!

Enjoy!

Sources for this article include:

(1) www.cdc.gov
(2) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(3) authoritynutrition.com

Jennifer