Coconut oil is everywhere these days but not many
people actually know what it does or how you can use it, so our Health and
Fitness expert Cerise Burgess did some exploring to find out what all the fuss
is about. Here’s what she found...
Coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty
acids. In the past coconut oil has been demonised because it contains saturated
fat, however studies show the fat in coconut oil might not be as bad for you as you may think.
Recent scientific research shows that the medium-chain triglycerides
(MCTs) that make up coconut oil may have wide-range of health benefits.
Coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, which
therefore means it can also help you to lose weight.
Coconut oil appears to be especially effective in reducing abdominal fat, which
often lodges in the abdominal cavity and around organs.
Dr Mehmet Oz host of The Dr. Oz Show says coconut oil
is a “heart-healthy food”. Studies show that coconut oil reduces
triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, increases HDL and improves blood
coagulation factors and antioxidant status.
A
recent study in 40
women with abdominal obesity, supplementing with 30 mL (1 ounce) of coconut oil
per day led to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference in
a period of 12 weeks , while in
another study
in 20 obese males, they noted a reduction in waist circumference of 2.86 cm (1.1
inches) after 4 weeks of 30 mL (1 ounce) of coconut oil per day.
Coconut oil is great to use in cooking
instead of other oils or just as a healthy, additional ingredient and can be added
stir-fry’s, smoothies, protein balls and more!
It also serves various other purposes that
have nothing to do with eating. It can be used for cosmetic purposes and to
improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair as well as a bug
deterrent or bug bite soother.
For more ideas on how you can use coconut oil
click here.
Labels: BMI, coconut oil, cooking, cosmetic, fat burning, health, health and fitness, health benefits, healthy fats, heart, obesity, saturated fat, skin and hair
