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Three Reasons Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Weight
Three Reasons Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Weight
Source: Natural News October 12, 2009 Author: Elizabeth Walling
Sorting through fact and fiction when it comes to weight loss is a tough order, especially when fad
diets spring to life and wither away all in the same season. Many claims have been made about
coconut oil and weight loss, but a number of whole food enthusiasts know this one is the real deal.
And that's because coconut oil is more than a weight loss aid: it's a well-documented health food.
Take it from experts like Dr. Bruce Fife and Dr. Mary Enig, both of whom speak volumes about the
merits of coconut oil, when they vouch for its credibility. Coconut oil really can help you lost weight,
and here's three reasons why:
#1 Get a Metabolism Boost
Coconut oil is one of the most abundant sources of medium-chain fatty acids, and these nifty little
triglycerides can work wonders for a sluggish metabolism. In a study that looked at the effect of
medium-chain fatty acids on metabolism, it was found that these fats could increase the metabolic
rate by up to 48 percent and for up to 24 hours. If your metabolism has been damaged by dieting
or stress, a daily dose of coconut oil can do wonders for getting it back on the right track.
#2 Balance Your Blood Sugar
The profound effect coconut oil seems to have on the metabolism extends to insulin function as
well. This may be because coconut oil can supply the body with energy similar to blood glucose, but
without having a negative impact on blood sugar and insulin levels. Including coconut oil before or
during a meal also lowers the glycemic impact of what you're eating, which prevents those dreaded
blood sugar highs and lows.
#3 Cure Candida and Yeast Overgrowth
The beneficial fatty acids in coconut oil do more than speed up a lagging metabolism. Lauric acid
and caprylic acid in coconut oil also protect against one of the hidden causes behind weight gain:
candida and yeast. When an overgrowth of candida is present, weight loss can be almost
impossible. Candida causes symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, recurring infections related
to yeast, excessive sinus infections, and much more. But the side effect that really hinders weight
loss is cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. This is because yeast feeds off sugar (carbohydrates
break down into sugar once in the body), so it causes cravings in order to support its own life.
Taking coconut oil to counteract yeast overgrowth is highly effective, but it should be done with
care. Coconut oil is such a powerful remedy for candida that it can cause strong symptoms of
headaches, chills, and foggy thinking as the yeast dies off. This can be reduced by slowly
incorporating coconut oil into your diet, starting with as little as one teaspoon daily.
More Than Just a Fad
Coconut oil didn't spring to life in the last few years, although it may seem that way. The truth is that
coconut has been a healing superfood for centuries in tropical cultures. These people value
coconut and its derivatives for their tremendous medicinal power - and they are remarkably healthy
as a result. Even in Western society, coconut oil found widely popular uses until the middle of the
20th century, when coconut oil's reputation took a bashing from researchers who examined the
health impact of hydrogenated coconut oil - basically the evil twin of the real thing. But thanks to
experts who are willing to give a genuine look into coconut oil's benefits, we now can be assured
that this oil is a bonafide health food.
Tips for Taking Coconut Oil:
- Don't settle for the cheap brands found next to shortening on grocery store shelves. Much of this
coconut oil is hydrogenated, which negates all of its benefits. In addition, this is
commercially-processed coconut oil that has been stripped of its natural properties. The best type
of coconut oil is the extra-virgin unrefined variety, which will retain its light aroma and taste in
addition to its amazing health benefits.
- Even if you don't suspect candida, it's still wise to introduce coconut oil into your diet slowly. The
body can react strangely when it's unfamiliar with such a nutritious food. Start with about one
teaspoon once per day, and gradually increase to at least three tablespoons daily. This amount will
help you reap the maximum benefits from this incredible tropical superfood.
For More Information:
http://www.naturalnews.com/026808_c...
http://www.naturalnews.com/025199.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/026694_c...
http://www.naturalnews.com/026529_c...
http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyou...
Fife. Bruce. Coconut Cures. (2004) Published by Piccadilly Books.
Enig, Mary and Fallon, Sally. Eat Fat, Lose Fat: Lose Weight And Feel Great With The Delicious,
Science-based Coconut Diet (2004) Published by Hudson Street Press.
About the author
Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer, specializing in articles about health and family nutrition. She
is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent common illnesses.