If you like pina coladas …

If you like pina coladas, you’re in luck. Last week, I had asked everyone to name some foods that you are interested in learning more about. I had a great response, therefore lots to cover in the coming weeks. One food that I received a request for was coconut oil. I thought that was interesting as is, but they wanted to know more about hearing that it aided in weight loss.

Here’s what I found:

I was pleasantly surprised at the many benefits that coconut oil brought to the table. Coconut oil aids in the health and adds benefit to: hair and skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, cancer, dental care, and bone strength, and YES, weight loss. Who knew right?

Coconut Oil is approximately 90% Saturated fat BUT REMEMBER our body NEEDS FAT. We need fat for Fat Soluble Vitamin digestion, Organ protection, Temperature regulation but most importantly, we need fat for Brain Function. The 90% Saturated fat was where I thought that it was interesting that someone had ask about coconut oil aiding in weight loss. Turns out that Coconut oil is quite useful in weight loss. The Fatty acids in Coconut Oil increase the body’s metabolism by relieving stress on the pancreas. Coconut oil has few calories, per serving than other oils, and is digested more easily, therefore it’s quickly used for energy and therefore less is fat stored.

A 1 tsp serving contains:

39 Calories

5g of Fat (4g Saturated Fat)

0 Carbohydrates

0 Protein

All being said; If you think about it, have you ever seen an obese person on a tropical island, that wasn’t a tourist? Could have more to do with fresh fish and fruits being a major part of their diets BUT hey if one wants to enjoy a pina colada or two with some grilled fish with mango salsa, I say have at it.