Can Coconut Oil Help You Lose Fat?

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The health benefits of coconut oil should be above controversy. But the ongoing misunderstanding that people have about fats and oils continues to cloud the truth about the value of coconut oil.

Coconut oil has been shown to increase metabolism and assist in burning unwanted fat off your body. In my book it qualifies as a wonder food. It’s been around for centuries and is a great addition to any fat burning meal plan.

Many people have a hard time believing that coconut oil is not “fattening” or “dangerous”. We have all been falsely led to believe that fat, especially saturated fat, is the cause of our weight gain and health problems. This is only half true. Some fats like hydrogenated oils and vegetable oils do contribute to heart disease and weight gain but good fats like coconut oil, butter and olive oil are actually great fats for our bodies.

Let’s put some of these MYTHS about coconut oil to rest right now.

Myth #1 – Coconut Oil contains a lot of fat so it must be fattening.

Truth – Not all fat makes you fat (I should get this tattooed on my forehead). Certain fats do cause weight gain but good fats, like those contained in coconut oil, will actually help burn unwanted fat off your body and accelerate your metabolism.

In other words, the positive benefits of coconut oil outweigh the negative press coconut oil receives just because it’s a fat.

Myth #2 – Coconut Oil contains almost all saturated fat so it must be bad for you.

Truth – Saturated fat is not the cause of heart disease, weight gain, and high cholesterol. Saturated fat is not the culprit, it’s SUGAR that’s bad for you. Sugar, not saturated fat, is Public Enemy Number One.

(To read more about how fats can be healthy, with a short history of dietary fats mixed in, read Does Butter Cause Heart Disease?)

Myth #3 – Coconut Oil should be avoided by those who are at risk for heart disease.

Truth – The fat in coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils you can consume (yes, even for those with heart disease). It is rich in lauric acid, which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal properties and contains no trans fat.

The saturated fat in coconut oil is different than many other oils in that it is of the medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) variety. The body digests MCFAs more easily and sends those fats directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy. Now isn’t that great? A fat that is used to make energy instead of storing it on our bodies. We can all use some of that.

What type of coconut oil do I recommend?

I highly recommend everyone use unrefined, organic coconut oil for all of their cooking needs. 1 – 2 tsps for most cooking is more than enough. You can even use it raw if you like because it tastes OH SO DELICIOUS! I usually have about 2-3 TBSPs per day which is a perfect amount for a fat burning eating plan. While coconut oil is very good for you, don’t go overboard with it.

If you have a hard time finding organic coconut oil in your local supermarket, I buy mine here: Wilderness Family Naturals

Now go ahead and enjoy your coconut oil and reap the fat burning effects it will provide your body right away.

About the Author:

De Los Rios is a certified nutritionist and exercise specialist who has already helped over 25,000 people all over the world lose incredible amounts of weight, regain their health and permanently change their lives.

She is the creator of The Diet Solutions Program and the Owner of New Body – Center for Fitness and Nutrition in New Jersey.

Isabel has become the #1 “go to girl” when it comes to Fat Burning Nutrition by several of the most popular fitness professionals around the globe. Isabel’s cutting edge and completely different approach to nutrition is what sets her apart from all the rest.

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