Benefits of Coconut Oil
The high fat content of the coconut make it a natural fit for any ketogenic dieter. Coconut oil is filled with healthy medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) fats. Coconut oil consists of about two-thirds MCFA, also known as, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which are the key to healthy ketogenic eating.
Coconut oil differs from animal fat because it doesn’t raise cholesterol levels. MCFA/MCT is quickly used for energy by the human body.
Coconut oil also has hundreds of other uses and a myriad of health benefits.
A History of the Coconut
Since ancient times, in Ayurvedic, Mayan, Egyptian and Indian culture the coconut was used for medicinal and religious purposes. Actually it has hundreds of uses including producing material goods like ropes, fishing nets and brushes.
Coconuts (copra) are grown in the coconut palm trees. These trees have been revered and used in many civilizations. In ancient Sanskrit, they were known as the “provider of all necessities of life’. In Malaysia, they are called “trees of a thousand uses.” And in the Philippines, they are called the “tree of life”.
It’s not clear exactly where the coconut originated. Some researchers suggest Malaysia, while others believe it came from South America. But we do know that it spread quickly around the world.
The copra fruit is a source of nutrition and water that was easy to store. It was taken with them on ships by early seafarers. It was consumed by the ships crews and also traded by merchants. Coconuts played a vital role in the establishment of trade routes, and the exploration and colonization throughout the coasts of India, Africa, South America and the Pacific Rim.
Coconuts are very light and water resistant. They can float on the surface of water through the ocean’s current. This is another way that this amazing fruit spread throughout islands and coasts in the ancient world.
Coconuts are grown in tropical and subtropical climates, where the natural habitat of heat and humidity encourages their growth.
Today the coconut is grown in at least 70 countries worldwide. This includes India, the Maldives, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In the US they are mainly grown in Hawaii, Florida and Puerto Rico.
Inside the Coconut
Botanists term the fruit a drupe. It includes three distinct layers. The exocarp, mesocarp (or husk), and the endocarp. Every part of the coconut is used. The coconut contains both water and milk.
The fruit also contains one single large seed.
An estimated 92% of coconut oil contains saturated fat. When compared to other oils and fats, coconut oil has a higher saturation content. For instance meat fat is about 50% saturated and soybean and olive oils are even less (15%).
Due to its saturated nature coconut oil takes on a solid state until exposed to temperatures below 24 C / 76 F, which is its melting point.
Coconut oil and weight loss
Coconut oil is great for weight loss and should be a part of every low-carb, ketogenic diet. It increases energy and helps you quickly burn body fat before it accumulates. It helps with weight loss, in general. It specifically targets the most dangerous body fat (known as visceral fat) in the stomach area.
Coconut oil improves the function of the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism. The key to weight loss is a boost in the metabolism.
The MCFAs in coconut oil create a rapid thermogenic calorie burning action allowing faster fat burning.
Coconuts for Health
Coconuts have been a staple for people who live in tropical cultures. Nutritional and health studies of those peoples make a good case for coconuts in the diet.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) terms coconut oil as a “safe” food. Over the last 50 years there have been a number of clinical trials, META studies and medical research.
Through extensive research it has been discovered that coconut oil can reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, skin infection, cancer, and liver and kidney problems.
It also fights illnesses like ulcers, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, constipation, psoriasis and skin conditions.
Hospitals have been known to treat critical cases with Intravenous (IV) coconut oil therapy.Today medications made with coconut oil are being introduced into mainstream medicine.
Once coconut oil boosts an active metabolism it aids weight loss. An active metabolism also promotes healing of injuries.
Three other health benefits of coconut oil:
- Coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
- It boosts and repairs the thyroid.
- It improves cholesterol levels and lowers heart disease risk.
Why coconut oil is great for use in the Ketogenic Diet
A primary goal of keto is to achieve ketosis. When you commit to eating very little carbohydrates consistently you get ketone production kick-started. A high fat keto diet ensures you have plenty of available energy during keto-adaptation.
There is no better source of healthy fat than coconut oil. A daily consumption of coconut oil helps stimulate ketosis. Since it contains MCT/MCFA, it boosts ketone levels. Many people that follow the keto diet have a low intake of carbs. The coconut oil provides an immediate energy source through healthy fats.
Keto dieters who consume coconut oil find it easier and quicker to get the ketosis health effects.
Portland, Oregon’s National College of Natural Medicine recently studied the effects of the ketogenic diet on Parkinson’s patients.They concluded that a low carb high in fat diet will prove to be beneficial.
In a similar study, ONCNM concluded that Parkinson’s patients that consume a lot of coconut oil have ongoing relief from their symptoms.
It’s not just with Parkinson’s. All the health and wellness benefits of coconut oil are complementary to the ketogenic diet. Basically, with coconut oil on the menu the keto diet goes into high gear.
Uses of coconut oil in keto cooking
Coconut oil has high smoke point and can be used for roasting and baking. It is great in protein snacks and candies.
Candy makers, may put it into chocolate bars, desserts and yogurt. Many vegans who don’t eat meat, fish, dairy or eggs use the coconut oil as a butter substitute. Coconut flour and coconut sugar are a natural alternative to refined flour and sugar with chemical additives.