The saturated fat in coconut and palm oil is predominantly a medium chain triglyceride (64% MCT), which has been shown to increase fat burning and metabolism. This is more than likely because of its ability to produce heat (it’s thermogenic) and provide immediate fuel, so more fat is oxidized and less stored away as body fat.
A 2001 study from The American Society of Nutritional Sciences, found that those with a higher body mass index, lost MORE fat (specifically in the midsection) by consuming coconut oil daily.
This ability to provide ‘immediate fuel’ is especially useful for the brain. And fortunately, unlike glucose, MCTs don’t play favorites. Meaning, similar to ketones, they can provide brain fuel (via MCTs) despite an overall glucose resistance from cells.
MCT oils (like coconut and palm) have shown to be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s in a handful of case studies (notably Dr. Mary Newport’s from 2008).
This not only provides hope for those that have already done some serious damage to their metabolic health, but it further debunks the misconception that the brain requires a consistent flow of dietary carbohydrate for fuel.
Coconut, and palm kernel oil also appear to be helpful in preventing and treating other degenerative diseases because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature – containing high amounts of:
- lauric acid – antiviral and antimicrobial
- capric acid – antimicrobial
- caprylic acid – yeast fighter
But also because the oil from coconuts is highly saturated (90%), meaning any chance of oxidation (and corresponding free radical damage) is minimized.
The Tokelauan and Pukapukan Islanders of Polynesia – that rely heavily on heavily on coconuts (at nearly 50% of total calories) – are virtually disease free.
The same can be said with respect to palm kernel oil, which comes from the kernel of the mesocarp fruit and is more than 80% saturated. Similar to coconut, it’s also high in natural antioxidants (like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10), and appears to improve the utilization of nutrients.
In both cases, it’s ESSENTIAL that you look for extra virgin, unrefined, (or unhydrogenated) and cold-pressed varieties, as a lot of commercial coconut and palm kernel oil will have had all the beneficial healing properties removed during hydrogenation. For instance:
When coconut oil first began gaining popularity in North America, they tested animals using the ‘commercial hydrogenated’ variety, and it led to disrupted blood cholesterol and a deficiency in essential fatty acids.
So, do yourself a favor and spend a few extra bucks on the good stuff…
Stay Lean!
Coach Mike
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