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The healthy saturated fats in coconut oil have been linked to many health benefits. The fats are best known to boost fat burning and provide our body and brain with quick energy. They are also linked to reduced heart diseases and in raising the good HDL cholesterol in our blood.
style=”font-weight: 400;”>When it comes to weight loss, the high presence of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which also boost our body energy levels may help you burn more fat. MCTs have also shown to reduce the dangerous visceral fat or belly fat.
Other health benefits of coconut oil
- Boost thyroid health and reduces inflammation.
- Help your body fight infections.
- Commonly used in cosmetics to protect hair and act as a great moisturiser.
- Help you get into ketosis.
- Data has shown people who eat plenty of coconuts are the healthiest people in the world.
Why Coconut Oil in Your Keto Diet?
As mentioned above, coconut oil helps you get into ketosis. The rich MCTs in coconut oil plays a significant role in boosting the number of ketones needed by your body as fuel instead of glycogen. And the fact, MCTs are thermogenic makes them an excellent fat burner.
If fact, if you exercise and don’t want to increase your carb intake, a simple coconut-based snack will ensure you have enough energy levels without extra carbs.
Note, MCTs are also crucial if following a keto diet for therapeutical purposes. For example, when managing epilepsy.
Coconut Oil vs MCT Oil
MCTs, which are saturated fats, are extracted from coconut oil. They are easily digestible and behave differently when ingested. Once consumed, they go directly to the liver where there are turned to ketones. MCTs are also present in palm and butter oil in small quantities.
Often, MCTs are used by athletes to improve and enhance performance as well as in cutting weight.
Is Coconut Good for You?
There are cases where people following a very low-carb keto diet have shown an extremely high level of cholesterol levels. Although most studies have failed to demonstrate the correlation between cholesterol and heart disease, they are claims by some experts that high cholesterol may increase the risk of heart disease. With that in mind, it is good to watch the amount of saturated fat you take to be on the safe side. This is very crucial, especially if suffering from hypercholesterolemia. For more information why coconut oil is not a good option if you have high levels of cholesterol in the blood, consider going through Franziska Spritzler article.
Uses of Coconut Oil in Recipes
You can use it fat bombs, protein bars and for roasting and baking, especially in Asian inspired recipes.