Does coconut oil promote weight loss? I read it today on a few forums?

Before looking at the specific properties of coconut oil, it is helpful to understand that modern nutrition counsel has made a huge mistake in teaching that low-fat diets are healthy and lead to weight loss. For decades now we have been told to cut back on fat in our diet if we want to lose weight. Marketers of low-fat foods have championed this concept. So what has been the result? According to the US Center for Disease Control:





In 1999–2000, an estimated 30% of U.S adults aged 20 years and older — nearly 59 million people — were obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.





Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000





In 1999–2000, an estimated 64% of U.S adults aged 20 years and older were either overweight or obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.





Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000





Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson states: “We’ve seen virtually a doubling in the number of obese persons over the past two decades and this has profound health implications. Obesity increases a person’s risk for a number of serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.”





Obviously, low-fat diets have not helped Americans lose weight, as today nearly two thirds of all adults in the US are classified as overweight. We’ve been told for years that we should avoid fat as much as possible. Some people have been on a torturous low-fat regimen, trying to avoid all fat in their diet.





Scientific Studies on the Weight-Loss Effects of Coconut Oil's MCTs





Scientific studies have reported that the fatty acids from MCTs in coconut oil are not easily converted into stored triglycerides, and that MCTs cannot be readily used by the body to make larger fat molecules. One animal feeding study evaluated body weight and fat storage for three different diets--low-fat diet, high-fat diet containing long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), and a high-fat diet containing MCTs. All animals were fed the selected diets for a period of 44 days. At the end of that time, the low-fat diet group had stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day; the LCT group stored 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day, a 60% reduction in the amount of fat stored. The authors conclude that ';the change from a low-fat diet to a MCT-diet is attended by a decrease in the body weight gain.”10





This study points out two important facts: First, when MCTs are substituted for LCTs in the diet, the body is much less inclined to store fat. Second, when we eat sensibly, a diet containing MCTs is more effective than a low-fat diet at decreasing stored fat.





In a human study, researchers compared the metabolic effects of 400-calorie meals of MCTs and LCTs by measuring metabolic rates prior to and six hours following the test meals. The results showed that the MCT-containing meals caused an average 12 percent increase in basal metabolic rate as compared with a 4 percent increase with the LCT-containing meal. The authors concluded that replacing dietary fats with MCTs could ';over long periods of time produce weight loss even in the absence of reduced [caloric] intake.';11





Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of MCTs. Not only do MCTs raise the body’s metabolism leading to weight loss, but they have special health-giving properties as well. The most predominant MCT in coconut oil, for example, is lauric acid. Lipid researcher Dr. Jon Kabara states “Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have similar nutriceutical effects. These health effects were recognized centuries ago in Ayurvedic medicine. Modern research has now found a common link between these two natural health products----their fat or lipid content. The medium chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found primarily in coconut oil and mother’s milk have miraculous healing power.”12 Outside of a human mother’s breast milk, coconut oil is nature’s most abundant source of lauric acid and medium chain fatty acids.Does coconut oil promote weight loss? I read it today on a few forums?
It can help if you use natural coconut oil without the preservatives and other additives. It is healthier than Crisco type oils and shorteningsDoes coconut oil promote weight loss? I read it today on a few forums?
weight loss--I mean serious weight loss should start with a doctor doing a check up--and then simply changing the entire diet and eating habits---You have to have nutrients for all of you organs and brain to work PROPERLY. Minerals and vitamins are NECESSARY for everyday body functions. FAT is from the wrong foods---it is eating junk and sugar and all the wrong things for many years--it will take a long time to lose the weight but it will be done PROPERLY and you will stay healthy. Coconut oil and pills work for the company making the claims--or they would never sell anything and make money. THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT. Eat healthy--get out of the house and move around--and save your money---don't buy stupid stuff that does not work or can be dangerous and only offer false hope to people. So relax and smile and decide to eat healthy--take your time and be happy with who you are. Good luck to you.
yes, in fact, if i could i would give you a very informative brochure about virgin non-hydrogenated coconut oil (make sure you get that stuff..it's the healthy one!). well the brochure basically says that alot of scientists are interested about the obesity rates in many Asian cultures. for those who were still quite uncivilized (no European contact) there were rare or no obesity cases. for the others..well..you know. just replace all your veggie oils with coconut oil (and you should use other nut oils as well...). but if you strictly use coconut oil, in moderation, as the oil of your choice, i'm sure you'll see changes in your health for the better, even if it's not a dramatic bout of weight loss.
Well if you read it it must be true.