Is there anything coconut oil can’t do? Not only does it lower cholesterol, improve skin and ward off viruses, it’s also been applauded for its fat-reducing properties.
A study published in the Lipids journal found that having just 30 millilitres of coconut oil each day could help ‘cure’ obesity. This puts a new spin on our understanding of saturated fats. For many years, we’ve been told saturated fats make us fat. But new research – such as this study – backs up reams of evidence that it’s in fact sugar that makes us fat. While saturated fat can actually help manage weight.
What Did the Study Measure?
The research involved 40 women being studies over a 12-week period. They were given 30 mL of coconut oil or soybean oil each day. They were asked to eat (that is, to not change their existing habits) and walk for just 50 minutes each day.
What Did the Study Find?
The study found that the women who ate the coconut oil had a lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waist measurements. Their HDL cholesterol (or ‘good’ cholesterol) was also improved.
Interestingly, the women who had the soybean oil didn’t experience these results – despite doing the same amount of exercise.
That being said, the researchers weren’t entirely conclusive in their research. They simply said coconut oil appears to reduce abdominal obesity. Of course, a much bigger sample would be required, and more in-depth studies undertaken, to make a more conclusive claim.
How is Coconut Oil Healthy?
We used to think all saturated fats were ‘bad’ for us and made us fat. But science has since discovered that it’s actually down to long-chain triglycerides (found in meat and dairy), and medium-chain triglycerides (found in coconut oil).
What’s the difference? MCTs are digested super fast, passing by the fat cells and are used as instant energy. LCTs, on the other hand, take a long time to break down and may be stored as fat.
So strong evidence points to coconut oil being a great addition to any diet. You can add a dollop to smoothies, use it in a stir fry or even eat it on its own.
