Coconut, often referred to as “the other white meat,” is a powerful source of plant protein that can help maintain lean muscle mass. While many people turn to coconut oil for its healthy fat content, it is important to note that the oil is refined. The majority of the nutrients can be found in fresh or dried whole coconut meat. In fact, incorporating coconut into your regular diet has been linked to longer lifespans in certain cultures. For instance, the Tokelauans of the South Pacific consume more than 60% of their calories from coconuts and have remarkably low rates of heart disease.
Boosts Fat Burning
Obesity has become a widespread issue in the United States and various other parts of the world. Numerous weight loss programs and trendy diets focus on calorie counting as a means to combat this problem. However, they often overlook the significance of calorie sources, which play an equally crucial role. Different types of food can have varying effects on the body’s metabolism.
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been found to have a positive impact on fat burning. Compared to foods that contain longer chain fats but have the same calorie content, MCTs can enhance the number of calories burned. In fact, a study has shown that consuming 15 to 30 grams of MCTs daily can result in an increased energy expenditure of 5 percent over a 24-hour period. This increase is equivalent to burning approximately 120 calories each day.
Kills Harmful Microorganisms
Coconut oil contains approximately 50 percent lauric acid, which plays a crucial role in killing harmful microorganisms. When coconut oil is digested, it transforms into monolaurin, a powerful substance known for its antimicrobial properties. Both lauric acid and monolaurin have the ability to target and eliminate various types of microorganisms in the body, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Studies have shown that lauric acid and monolaurin can effectively combat Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium responsible for various infections, as well as Candida albicans, a prevalent yeast species often associated with yeast infections.