Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil For Weight Loss

Diets high in coconut oil claim to improve weight loss. These diets recommend replacing other dietary fats or cooking oils with coconut oil, or simply supplementing an otherwise healthy diet with several tablespoons of coconut oil. While studies have shown that coconut oil does have many cosmetic and health benefits, there is little evidence to support the claim that coconut oil improves weight loss.

Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is pressed from dried coconuts and is very high in saturated fatty acids. A study in the "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition" states that unrefined virgin coconut oil is produced through chilling and fermentation. Virgin coconut oil is not bleached or filtered during production and shows a better antioxidant capacity than refined coconut oil. MayoClinic.com states that 1 tbsp. of coconut oil contains 117 calories and 13.6 g of fat.

The Claim

Proponents of the coconut oil diet state that coconut oil, "boosts your metabolism, gives you energy, makes you feel more full and improves thyroid function," according to MayoClinic.com. While some of these diets recommend modest measures, like replacing other oils and fats used in cooking and baking with coconut oil, some diets are more extreme; they may suggest a diet low in carbohydrates, colon cleansing or eating up to 3 tbsp. of coconut oil a day.

The Reality

There is little scientific evidence to support claims of coconut oil improving weight loss. Eating coconut oil in moderation is not likely to be harmful, but it isn't likely to help you reach your diet goals. Coconut oil also has more saturated fat than butter or lard. Despite its high calorie and saturated fat content, its other benefits may motivate you to introduce coconut into your diet -- if this is the case, do so in moderation and consult your physician.

Coconut Oil's Other Benefits

While it may not improve weight loss, evidence supports many other health and cosmetic claims. According to "Medical News Today," coconut oil has been found to help heal cuts, scratches and sunburns -- it is also popular for facial massages and as a treatment for the hair and scalp. A study published in "Clinical Biochemistry" demonstrated that virgin coconut oil may be effective in lowering fat levels in the blood and tissue and oxidizing LDL, or bad cholesterol, within the body. The researchers concluded that this quality was likely a result of coconut oil's biologically active polyphenol components.

Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil for Weight Loss