Coconut Oil Benefits

For more than four decades, coconut oil has had a bad reputation because of its high content in saturated fat. Yet, for thousands of years coconut has been a main part of the islanders' diet in the Tropics and still remains so today. Studies also show lower levels of heart disease and obesity among these populations as well. So why was coconut oil shunned for all of these years?

In the 70's and 80's inaccurate studies were done that led to the conclusion that coconut oil was way too high in saturated fat and should be avoided. What their mistake was, is that they did these studies on partially hydrogenated coconut oil, not organic. When a natural oil is hydrogenated, its whole composition changes and turns it into a trans fat. Trans fats are extremely unhealthy for you and should be avoided at all costs because they raise cholesterol levels and can lead to heart disease.

Though it is high in saturated fat, what people fail to …show more content…
Since it is an MCT, it is quickly turned into energy promoting a higher metabolism, thus giving you more energy. MCTs are quickly burned off and can even convert stored fat in your body into energy, leading to weight loss and a leaner body. Some people who have thyroid problems find it very hard to lose weight, but coconut oil can help boost thyroid activity. It can also curb your appetite and make you feel fuller faster, thus enabling you to eat less and still feel satisfied.

There has not been enough research or tests done to prove how effective coconut oil can contribute to weight loss, nor how much to actually take everyday. Though, a nutrition researcher named Sally Fallon of the Weston A. Price foundation recommends taking one tablespoon with every meal daily. Keep in mind that it is still a fat and high in calories, so you still want to use it in moderation. You definitely still want to maintain a well balanced diet and exercise