Monday, September 29, 2014

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Benefits Weight Loss Programs

By Karina Frost


Not all diet plans are healthy. Some drastically restrict calories. Some prohibit certain categories of foods, like fats, sugars, carbohydrates, or anything cooked. However, extra virgin coconut oil benefits weight loss without compromising health or making things difficult, even when the plan is followed for an extended period of time.

Although conventional wisdom still preaches cutting fats from your diet while trying to reduce weight, research has shown that including healthy fats can actually help reach reducing goals. Ingesting unrefined - and therefore unaltered - fats like those from olives and coconuts can help burn stored fat while dieters experiencing a sense of fullness which makes it easier to stick to a limited-calorie intake.

Young coconuts have a jelly-like substance around the inner husk and a large quantity of 'water'. The pale green husk turns brown when the nut is mature, the jelly turns to firm, white meat, and the liquid diminishes. Both types of nut are nutritious. Coconut milk is made from the white meat of mature nuts. Oil is pressed from the meat in high-quality brands or extracted by chemical solvents in those of lesser quality.

This oil has other properties, as well. Research - as well as centuries of experience in Asian and island cultures - has shown that it is antibacterial and antiviral and boosts the immune system in general. The meat contains both protein and fiber in significant quantities. Although the oil contains neither, it is made up of medium-chain triglycerides, which are valuable and hard to find in other foods.

These triglycerides don't need to be stored as fat before they can be burned (metabolized) for energy. This means that dieters who consume a few spoonfuls a day experience quick and sustained energy, without the carbohydrate crash that can trigger food cravings. Being more energetic means that dieters are more likely to include exercise in their daily routine, which tones muscles, speeds up metabolism, and enhances deep breathing and circulation.

When you want to lose weight, you need to cut calories from refined foods and high-carbohydrate foods like sweets. All of these cause a release of insulin, which tells the body to store calories as fat rather than burn them for energy. Eating good fats keeps up your energy and makes you feel satisfied, so the urge to snack won't make you forget your program or just feel miserable while keeping to it.

Some oils are derived from coconuts but extracted by solvents, deodorized (to disguise rancidity), bleached, and preserved with additives. All of this is harmful to the nutritional value. Choose a good brand that is extra-virgin and organic to ensure you get the maximum benefits. Many find their skin looks better as chronic problems like eczema and psoriasis diminish, their digestion is improved, and their hair is glossier and more abundant. Cholesterol levels often go down and thyroid function is improved.

A good product comes from a reputable company, is naturally white, and smells life real coconuts. It tastes great, too, melting in your mouth so it's pleasant to take by the spoonful. It's also great for cooking and baking.




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