Saturday, August 2, 2008

Eat Coconut Oil: Reduce Weight, Cholesterol, Metabolism, Thyroid Function,


COCONUT OIL

What is it?
Derived from coconuts, this saturated fat is usually sold in solid form and melts on the skin. It can be used in cooking and baking. Always buy virgin organic coconut oil, not processed, cheaper oils - which may lose benefits through processing.

It is supposedly the only Medium Density Lipid and is a healthy cooking oil, even at high temperatures. Does not break down into trans-fats and does not go rancid like all other oils.


What are the supposed benefits?
John Appleton, a coconut-oil distributor from Takapuna, says this former delinquent is back in favour with some scientists who say it is one of nature's richest sources of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs).
"MCTs are burned for energy instead of being stored as fat, so taking coconut oil can contribute to a weight management programme.

Said to increase thyroid function and metabolic rate to aid in weight loss.

"Virgin coconut oil also contains acids found in human breast milk (Lauric Acid) which are known to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties."

These properties of coconut oil have been linked to lowering bad cholesterol levels, to have an anti-ageing effect on the skin and be good for the hair.

Some studies have shown coconut oil to be beneficial in cases of colonic and breast cancer.

What's the best way to take it?
Many people take a couple of tablespoons a day straight from the jar. Or you can blend it into smoothies or porridge.

What's the medical opinion?
"We thought it was bad for us but it's a good plant fat, like nuts and avocado, and it's fantastic for helping people lose weight."

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Pic above links to recipe of fragrant coconut rice, but not the south Indian variety I make, with Chicken curry has all my American friends salivating, sweat-pouring and wanting more.

In India, specifically Kerala, where 80% of crop is coconuts, Coconut oil is used in cooking, and making delicacies, for skin and hair. Natives have generally smooth skin, long, thick and dark hair and there are very low obese people. Kerala also has the highest literacy rate of 96% in India.

3 comments:

  1. MeritVCO Extra virgin coconut oil for weight loss

    I have been using MeritVCO extra virgin coconut oil for weight loss
    check out www.excelcombine.com for details

    How Does Virgin Coconut Oil Promote Weight Loss?

    "I think the real key to coconut oil and weight loss is the fact that it decreases your appetite while you're eating the meal and afterwards," says Fife. "Studies show that when these fats are added, people are satisfied sooner and eat less, and at the next meal they don't make up for it by eating more."
    Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) while most other fats, such as vegetable oils and animal fat, are long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). "The length of the molecule determines how the fat is metabolized," says Fife. MCTs are rapidly broken down, and the body burns them much like carbohydrates for energy. LCTs, however, are deposited in fat cells. "With MCTs, you're eating fat calories, but you're eating fewer effective calories because metabolism rises, and you end up burning the calories, not storing them as fat. You can eat much more coconut oil than other fats before your body will convert it into fat."

    Fife says that the types of oils present in coconut oil stimulate metabolism. "It promotes thermogenesis [burning of calories to produce heat], and some people with low thyroid function tell me they feel warm and their body temperature rises one or two degrees after eating coconut oil." People with low thyroid function have a low metabolism and can have a decreased ability to lose weight.

    ReplyDelete
  2. We sell 100% virgin coconut oil in our health day spa. We love it even for moisturizing and massage.. the cosmetic grade is actually better than food grade which I find bazaar. We sell it in our salon and use it for all sorts of things.. losing weight, hair conditioner, body massage and moisturizing. www.californiastylessalon.com..

    We can't wait to start using Rose's and Esther's formulation as our new product line for turning back the clock on gray and thinning hair!
    Jessica Evrist,
    CEO of California Styles Salon,
    Health Day Spa & Boutique.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you Jessica,

    It is really nice to know of a "Going Green" Salon which is committed to therapeutic treatments with natural oils.

    I know it must take a great deal of effort to educate clients of the value of natural ingredients, as well as to make available to them natural & un-enhanced products like 100% virgin coconut oil with all their benefits.

    I believe you will love our "knock 10 years off" natural serums, just like we do.

    Cant wait to hear your feedback!

    Esther

    ReplyDelete

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