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Why You Need To Include Coconut Oil In Your Diet
Right now I’m in the middle of a self-experiment. I’m experimenting with a high fat/low carb diet to help me shed a few pounds. That’s right I said the “F” word…FAT. Don’t be scared of it.
You see, I fell off the wagon a few months back and as a result some extra pounds found me. So now it’s time (long overdue mind you) for me to get back on track with my health and I figured what better way than to try something different.
High Fat Diets and Their Health Benefits
Lately I’ve been studying the literature and reading up on high fat diets and their health benefits. And when I say high fat I mean as high as 70-80% of my daily calories coming from fat. The physiology behind consuming large amounts of healthy fat and how it impacts your blood markers and quality of health is astounding. It can help people with losing body fat, improving blood sugars, cholesterol profile, improved mental clarity, better sleep, more energy and the list of benefits goes on.
It’s putting the body into a state of ketosis, nutritional “starvation”, where instead of the body burning carbohydrates for fuel it is burning your own body fat and preserving lean muscle. By the way no GLUTEN on this program.
I’ll be sharing more on this later as I see how my self-experiment unfolds over the next several weeks.
This is also probably a good point to share that you should not start a program such as this without proper physician supervision. This isn’t a program that is for everyone and is also a program that needs to be closely monitored.
Fat???
Now if you’re like most people you’re probably thinking that O-M-G Dr. Mike you’re going to have a heart attack. All that fat can’t be good for you. And to that I would reply FAT is good for you and if you want to be healthy then you have to eat FAT!
Fat in your diet does not make you fat nor does it raise your cholesterol. In fact fat is needed for your cells to function properly, for hormone production, for proper functioning of your brain and nervous system and it can help expedite you losing FAT.
Just be sure that you are consuming high quality FATS such as those found in coconut, nuts/seeds, avocados, fish, and grass fed meats.
Today I Want to Focus on the Health Benefits of Coconut.
Coconuts are rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCT), a type of fat that has been shown to be extremely effective with improving overall health.
So, what are the health benefits of coconut and why should you include this super food in your diet?
1. It is rich in Lauric acid/monolaurin which has been shown to help your body fight off bad bacteria, viruses, candida, fungus and yeast. Increasing coconut consumption during flu season or when you have a cold can give you an added advantage!
2. MCT in coconut has been shown to help with improving different brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. Your brain loves fat.
3. It can help improve your cholesterol profile. It helps to boost HDL which is your “good” cholesterol. Despite being high in saturated fat, coconut is actually heart healthy!
4. Use of coconut oil topically has been demonstrated to improve skin and hair health. It can act as a mild sunscreen as well as a moisturizer.
5. It can help you lose weight. It has been shown to help naturally reduce your appetite and to increase the burning of fat especially around the belly area.
6. Coconut is rich in antioxidants which help reduce oxidative stress thus protecting your cells.
7. Improves thyroid function.
8. Improves type I and II diabetes
To obtain these benefits it would be best to try to consume 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil per day.
If you are not used to consuming coconut oil then start with a lesser amount and slowly begin to increase your intake. Too much coconut oil too soon may cause stomach/intestinal symptoms.
Tea Tricks
In a previous post, I shared that I have been drinking more tea. Well I still am and loving it. I’ve been drinking a variety of loose leaf teas such as Pu-erh, Oolong, Green tea, and ginger and turmeric. My favorite combo is Pu-erh w/ a mint green tea. Give it a try.
But my secret, to help my consumption of healthy fats high, is to add a tablespoon of coconut oil and/or grass fed butter to my tea. The heat of the tea dissolves the fat and it adds a nice texture and flavor. But more importantly it helps to provide all of the wonderful health benefits that I shared above.
As you can see there are many wonderful benefits to consuming coconut on a regular basis. It’s a healthy fat with numerous health benefits. If it’s not part of your dietary intake give it a try! It is one amazing super food!
As always I hope this information has served you and will take you one step closer to your desired health goals.
Did you like this information?
If so please be sure to let me know what you liked by sending me an email at DrKirk@PerformanceHealthandChiro.com or leave me a comment on Facebook. I would love to keep the conversation going.
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Jun 15, 2015 at 8:01 PM
Mike, I made homemade racotta pancakes with fresh blueberries this morning. I cooked them in coconut oil and Tom put some coconut oil on top of the pancakes. We do know the benefits of this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone.
Jun 16, 2015 at 5:07 AM
Sounds delicious Mrs. DiGangi! Keep using the coconut oil, so many fantastic health benefits. My pleasure sharing, I love the interaction :)!! Stay well!!