Coconut Oil Health BenefitsCoconut oil is derived from the flesh of coconuts as opposed to the milk and is classed as a saturated fat. Historically saturated fats have been labelled as the "bad guys" being linked to increased incidents of obesity and cardiovascular disease. As fats are becoming better understood it has been revealed that oil from coconuts is not like other saturated fats and as a result there are numerous health benefits that set it aside from other oils and fats.
So Why is it Unique?Well it comes down to its structure.
Most vegetable based oils are comprised of Long Chain Triglycerides (LCT's), making them slow burning and easily stored as fat when calories are consumed in excess of the bodies requirements. Interestingly oil from coconuts, despite is saturated fat classification, has a large percentage of its make up from Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT's). MCT's are unique in that they are used more readily by the muscles for energy when compared to their long chain counterpart. Coconut Oil for Weight LossThere have been several studies looking at the effect of certain fats and how they could affect weight loss.Research comparing the effect of MCT's/LCT's on metabolic rate has indicated that consuming MCT's has a greater effect on metabolic rate than that of LCT's. In addition, further research indicated that consuming a diet that derives a greater percentage of fat in the form of MCT's can reduce body fat accrual when compared to those who consume more LCT's. It is thought that MCT's increase metabolic rate due to stimulation of the thyroid gland which is the gland that regulates body weight. So is it worth using oil from coconuts for weight loss? I think so, however, it must be remembered that for ANY weight loss to occur a calorie deficit must be achieved. The metabolic rate increasing effect of this form of oil will serve as a welcome addition to any healthy fat loss program, potentially increasing ones ability to lose fat. Remember though, that ultimate fat loss success depends on a well planned out program of sensible diet and exercise. Other Health Benefits of Coconut OilYou may of course be wondering that if coconut oil is a saturated fat, will consumption increase the likelihood of suffering with coronary heart disease.At this point is must be said that when looking at causes of coronary heart disease, the diet as a whole should be considered as consuming refined sugars and cereals can also lead to increased risk. Indeed a study was conducted in 1981 that looked at 2 populations whose diet included relatively large amounts of coconut and established that incidents of vascular disease were uncommon within the populations. Notably the remainder of their diets were healthy with avoidance of refined sugars and cereals. Further health benefits include being good for the skin and hair when rubbed in while also being useful for massage. There is some evidence to suggest that one of the fatty acid types in coconuts, Lauric Oil, has anti bacterial and anti viral properties but more research is needed into this. When researching the health benefits of coconut oil, there are a lot of anecdotal reports of it posessing miraculous healing qualities. This type of information is best taken with a pinch of salt due to a severe lack of supporting evidence. Finally, one of the key benefits of coconut oil is in its application as cooking oil. Due to the low monounsaturated & polyunsaturated fat content, it is an ideal choice for cooking due to its ability to remain stable at high temperatures making the likelihood of Tran’s Fatty acid formation less likely. The taste of the oil when heated is subtle and slightly sweet and is ideal for use in stir fry's! If you are thinking about buying coconut oil, ensure you avoid cheap products and stick to organic virgin oils which are readily available from good health stores. ReferencesHill JO, Peters JC, Yang D, Sharp T, Kaler M, Abumrad NN, Greene HL “Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium-chain triglycerides.” Metabolism. July.1989;38(7):641-8.St-Onge MP, Ross R, Parsons WD, Jones PJ “Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men.” Obes Res. 2003 Mar;11(3):395-402. T. B. Seaton, S. L. Welles, M. K. Warenko, et al. “Thermic effects of medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides in man.” Am J Clin Nutr, 1986;44:630-634 Prior et al, "Cholesterol, coconuts, and diet on Polynesian atolls: a natural experiment: the Pukapuka and Tokelau Island Studies" The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1981
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