Having been a health and fitness expert for over 13 years, it is critical to attain and share the real facts on foods that can enhance your health.
One tropical trooper that can assist you tremendously is coconut oil. It boasts a vast range of health benefits, inclusive of beating sugar cravings to aiding weight loss. There are so many nourishing properties contained in coconut oil than most of us may realise and here are my top 8 reasons to love coconut oil:
1. Great fat properties
Coconut oil contains short-term, medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a “healthy” form saturated fat compared to trans fat. Trans fatty acid consumption is linked with heart problems, depression and increased cholesterol levels. What does consuming MCFA fats in coconut oil mean for your body? It means that your body metabolises these fats in the liver, immediately converting this into energy that fuels your brain and making the most of muscle function, rather than it being stored as fat.
2. Controls weight
One 2010 study looked at the weight loss link between women’s consumption of coconut oil and found that it reduces abdominal obesity. Researchers discovered coconut oil is easy to digest and also protects the body from insulin resistance. To try coconut oil for weight loss start by adding one teaspoon to your diet and gradually work up to four teaspoons per day.
3. Eases digestion
If you suffer from poor digestion or tummy bloating try adding coconut oil to your diet. Coconut oil has been found to benefit digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome and microbial related tummy bugs. Fatty acids in coconut oil contain anti microbial properties, which have a soothing affect on bacteria, candida, or parasites that cause poor digestion.
4. Manages type 2 diabetes
A recent study by the ‘Garvan Institute of Medical Research’ found that coconut oil protects against insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. MCFA fats are small enough to be absorbed into the cells where they’re quickly converted to energy. It is this process that not only reduces the amount of fat we pack into storage, but improves insulin sensitivity.
5. Supports immunity
Coconut oil is made up of healthy fats lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid, which contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral prosperities to boost the immune system. Lauric acid contains the highest concentration of MCFA fatty acids, approximately 75 per cent. The body turns this fat into monolaurin, which is claimed to help heal viruses such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, helicobacter pylori and candida.
6. Boosts metabolism
A study reported in the ‘Journal of Nutrition’ found that coconut oil boosts metabolism. Researchers found that participants who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil per day burned more kilojoules than those who consumed less. A speedy metabolism helps boost the body’s immune system and keep weight off!
7. Cooks in high temperatures
Because coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, it gives it a higher smoking temperature than most polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils. If you’re preparing recipes that require high temperatures you should consider coconut oil for this type of cooking. Unlike olive oil, which will oxidise at high temperatures, creating free radicals.
8. Stops sugar cravings
Instead of reaching for the lolly jar for an afternoon sweet hit, try eating a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil to beat sugar cravings. This is because good quality fat is more satiating than carbs, so if you cut down on sugar you will feel less ‘ravenous’. Most of us do not realize but constant hunger is a major clue that your body is not being fed correctly. With the proper amounts of fats and protein, you can fuel your energy reserves properly, and come off the sugar roller coaster that many of us are on.
Simple to cook with
Here is a super simple recipe for a nutritious high protein, gluten and dairy free coconut treat!
- 1 teaspoon of ‘Organics Coconut Oil’ (available from health food stores)
- 1 cup of almonds or walnuts
- 1 cup of organic dates
- 3-4 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder
- Shredded coconut (check it contains no preservatives)
- 1 Scoop of Rawrrr Nutrition Super food protein ( All vegan Plant basted
- Place all ingredients in a food processor
- Roll into small bite size balls and roll into shredded coconut
- Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set
To get in touch with me on any fitness or nutritional queries, I will be speaking at the ‘Australian Fitness & Health Expo’ at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre between the 4th and 6th of April, 2014. For more info visit http://www.fitnessexpo.com.au
Alternatively, get in touch with me at www.wendylaroche.com, or check out my ‘BootyFit’ training programs at www.bootyfit.com.au
Reblogged this on Keitochan Says: and commented:
Did you know, cooking with coconut helps to stop those sugar cravings? The Food Life shares the benefits of coconut. Take a look.>
Thanks for sharing with your readers, little simple changes in a diet can make so much change. I now only use olive oil for salad dressings and coconut oil for everything that needs to be cooked like my curry last night :)
Dani xx
I also use coconut oil for “Oil Pulling” An Ayurvedic treatment that assists healing the body ranging from toothache to coronary heart illness. It is notably beneficial for acquiring rid of dental issues and maintaining satisfactory oral cleanliness. (A piece I’m working on.)
Sounds interesting im looking forward to seeing your post on Oil Pulling. Ive actually never heard of that before.
Dani x
Pingback: Cook with coconut and stop those sugar cravings « Keitochan Says:
Thanks For Sharing!!!! This Came Right On Time :)
So glad it was useful for you :) Thank you for visiting my page!
Dani x
Such a brilliant idea, I will definitely be trying out the recipe!
Thanks for visiting Claire :) If you have any questions for Wendy or myself feel free to email either of us
Dani
xx
I just recently started cooking with coconut oil and I’m loving it!
Me too and im so glad ive made the switch after Wendy Laroche’s expert advice :)
Thanks for stopping by :)
Dani x
I love this post, I’m going to start cooking with coconut oil! Thanks for the information!
No problems :) and thanks for stopping by my page
Dani x
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