Monday, January 14, 2008

Advantages of Coconut Oil Dieting

People who use coconut oil products know of it's many benefits, especially when it comes to dieting. Even though it's a fat, it's not an unhealthy fat. Research has shown that it can assist you in losing weight rather than gaining it.

Nutritional evaluations of coconut oil that were performed over 25 years ago were on hydrogenated coconut oil instead of the organic product. This is how the confusion about saturated fats was started. Extra virgin organic coconut oil is completely pure, and will improve any diet. Coconut oil is beneficial because it has medium-chain fatty acids instead of long-chain fatty acids found in most other oils.

Because medium-chain fatty acids have smaller molecules, they are digested a lot quicker and not stored in the body as fat. Therefore, this form is thought to increase metabolism and burn fat, if ingested at the recommended amounts. Over half of the fatty acids that are in Coconut Oil diet are in the form of lauric acid. The body turns this fatty acid into a chemical called monolaurin, which is found in human breast milk and is a potent virus-fighting agent. It's been shown to fight bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections.

Another benefit of coconut oil is it's ability to regulate thyroid function. Nutrition expert Bruce Fife, ND has said that intake of about three tablespoons per day of extra virgin coconut oil can help reverse hypothyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. He also cites a study by the University of Colorado that says that coconut oil dramatically increases the rate of calorie burning. This means that coconut oil can be beneficial whether your thyroid is sluggish or normal.

Despite their reputation, some fats are always necessary...even in weight loss diets. So, extra virgin coconut oil is a delicious and healthy way to get healthy fats in your body. It can be used as an addition to smoothies and shakes, or for cooking and baking. Since it tolerates heat without oxidizing, it can be used in frying. Furthermore, it comes from completely organic sources.

Coconut oil can also promote healthier looking skin. Studies show that the right kinds of fat can decrease the chance of wrinkles in the skin, which is wonderfully appealing to anyone, especially younger people attempting to maintain their current looks. Users have reported that it also lowers sugar cravings and eases some digestive problems. Supplement your diet with extra virgin organic coconut oil, and get the advantages of coconut oil dieting.