Not many people know that coconut oil can help you burn unwanted fat. Several studies show that just by adding coconut oil to your diet, you can lose fat, especially the ‘dangerous’ fat in the abdominal cavity.
How coconut oil can help you lose weight
Some researchers have found associations between coconut oil and weight loss, mostly centered around the fact that it can keep you full, boost your metabolism, and blast belly fat. But experts say to proceed with caution.
It can boost your metabolism
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils like coconut oil can help you burn more calories in a day, which may aid with weight loss, according to research.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders found that the long-term consumption of MCT oil may help you burn more kilojoules than a diet that’s heavier in long-chain fatty acids, like olive oil, soybean oil, or avocado oil. When your cells use MCTs instead of glucose for fuel, your body’s metabolism is boosted for up to 24 hours.
Coconut oil keeps you full
In its oil form, coconut has been found to satiate hunger for longer periods of time compared to other fats. A small study published in Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine found that consuming virgin coconut oil every day can increase your high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) i.e. ‘good’ cholesterol to enhance that feeling of fullness.
It can blast belly fat
Some research has found that consuming coconut oil can burn fat, particularly belly fat, which is dangerous for your heart.
Choose the right type of coconut oil
Mostly recommend is organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil, which has been through the least amount of processing. However, if you can’t stand the strong coconut taste or smell of unrefined coconut oil, opt for a refined version – buying organic will ensure it was refined using steam, not chemicals.
Use it to cook
Introduce coconut oil into your diet by using it as a substitute for margarine, vegetable oil, and/ or olive oil when you’re cooking up delicious food.
Add it to salads
Liquid coconut oil can be added to salad recipes or homemade mayonnaise to help digestion and maximise nutrient uptake.
Try it with rice
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the boiling water for every half-cup of rice may reduce the number of kilojoules your body takes in by 50 to 60 per cent, according to research by the American Chemical Society. Let the coconut oil, water and rice simmer for 20 to 40 minutes, drain it, and then refrigerate it for 12 hours. The rice can be eaten cold, or reheated the following day, without affecting the number of kilojoules.
Source: Roodepoort Nothsider
