Shocking Myths And Truths About Coconut Oil

Myth: Saturated Fats Are Bad For Cholesterol Numbers

Most have heard the warnings against consuming too many saturated fats because they have a bad reputation for increasing LDL (or bad) cholesterol, and otherwise leading to less healthy lipid numbers. However, not all saturated fats have this negative effect on the body. The saturated fats found in coconut oil seem to have the opposite effect, reducing negative lipids such as LDL and triglycerides while increasing the good cholesterol, HDL. The results include, a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Coconut oil is one saturated fat that can be enjoyed without the guilt of possible adverse health effects.

Fact: Eating Coconut Oil Can Increase Your Metabolism

The fact that coconut is highly caloric is often presented as an argument against consuming it. With obesity being one of the fasting growing health threats in the world, it is easy to see why many are concerned. However, cutting calories is not as effective in weight loss aid as actually increasing one's metabolism. Since not all calories are equal, they burn differently depending on their origin. Consuming just fifteen to thirty grams a day of medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil can increase metabolism by up to five percent, or about one hundred and twenty calories a day. This translates to a pound or more a month of weight loss, even without any other lifestyle or dietary changes, if ones caloric intake is otherwise the same.