Health benefits of coconut oil inside and outside of the gym
Once dismissed by “health” professionals as being bad for you, coconut oil is now making a comeback in a big way as saturated fat is not evil as once made out. As India had a high rate of cardiovascular disease, media began to blame the oil. In actual fact, the health benefits of coconut are vast; for starters, it has been found to reduce the instance of heart disease.
This is because some saturated fat is actually good for you. Coconut oil is extracted from the ‘white part’ of the coconut which is the most nutrient dense. It contains vitamin E, a very powerful antioxidant, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iodine. This means it can help to fuel your general health and wellbeing. Another great addition to your super food cupboard is moringa powder; it contains all of these nutrients and more.
90% of the fatty acids within the coconut are saturated. These saturated fats aren’t your average sat fats either, they are medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are fatty acids that are metabolised quicker than most fats, which can boost our metabolism. They are sent straight to the liver where they are either converted into energy or turned into ketone bodies.
The oil can help us burn more calories and aid in your fat loss goals. ‘The American journal of clinical nutrition’ found that, in both lean and obese subjects, consuming MCTs significantly increases basic energy expenditure. Energy expenditure meaning more calories are burned which can work perfectly alongside your exercise regime.
It only takes 1-2 tablespoons to burn extra calories every day. The science
behind this comes from the fact that coconut oil is “thermogenic” which means that more fat is burnt in comparison to consuming the same amount of calories from other fats.
Medium chain triglycerides also help you stay fuller for longer, as they have been found to lead to an automatic reduction in caloric intake. The ketone bodies, which the liver produces when you eat coconut oil, can suppress your appetite.
Want to get rid of that abdominal fat? The health benefits of coconut oil can help with that too; Consistent consumption has been shown to reduce wait circumference.
Another example of good fats is in chia seeds; check out the health benefits of chia seeds.
The ketone bodies have anecdotal evidence of improving cognitive function in Alzheimer patients, so your brain can work more effectively.
The benefits seem to be limitless, as this superfood can help to lower your cholesterol levels. It has been found to increase your HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels and lower the harmful kind.
There are examples of this from across the globe. The Tokelauans, from the South Pacific, get over 60% of their calories from coconuts and are in excellent health with no evidence of heart disease. Thailand, another country which embrace the coconut at the heart of its culture, is one of the highest consumers of this fruit and also has one of the lowest rates of cancer. They have been appreciating the benefits for centuries and are one of healthiest cultures in the world. Coincidence? Maybe, but I think not!
Lauric acid is the most predominant MCT, and accounts for around 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil. When it is digested, the enzymes help to form Monolaurin, A strong disease fighter alongside Lauric acid. They can kill harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Aside from the all-important health benefits of coconut oil, most people have heard about how coconut oil can be used to maintain healthy hair and skin. It can improve the lipid content and moisture of the skin, protecting against harmful UV rays. It also protects against hair damage to help keep it fuller and healthier (it works on beards too!)
An ancient technique which still proves effective today is a method called “Oil Pulling”. This is where it is swished around the mouth for approximately 20 minutes before spitting out in a bin or a bottle (never in a sink as it can cause blockages), drawing the toxins out of the mouth, cleaning the teeth of plaque and freshening breath by removing bacteria from the tongue and gums due to its antibacterial effects.
So as we can see, a diet that includes coconut oil can actually reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, burn fat, fight infection and keep you fuller for longer. It’s also great to have pre-workout, check out what to eat before doing exercise for more information on what to mix it with (it’s a great replacement for any other oil to cook with).
Be sure to choose cold pressed, non GMO, organic and virgin to appreciate the full ranging health benefits of coconut oil.
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