Many athletes are conditioned to think of fat as a bad thing. However, the fact is your body needs fat for energy, vitamin absorption, and to maintain overall health. Not all fats are created equal, though, some oils such as raw coconut oil have particular benefits for athletes, and should form a regular part of your diet during training. Choosing good fats, like coconut oil, can help keep you strong and fit as you follow your training regime.
Energy
Raw coconut oil is different from most other oils because it has a high content of medium chain triglycerides – MCTs – which are also sometimes called medium chain fatty acids. These fats are formed of six to 10 carbons, which means that your body processes them as if they were a carbohydrate, according to Paul Insel ,R. Elaine Turner and Don Ross, authors of “Discovering Nutrition.” This means your body uses them for fuel immediately, unlike other types of fat. As a result products with coconut oil are popular with endurance athletes who need high-energy food.
Digestion
Another benefit of coconut oil’s medium chain triglycerides is that they are easy to digest. In “Coconut Oil: For Health And Beauty” the authors, led by Cynthia Holzapfel, note that coconut oil is recommended to ease digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease and can ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This makes it beneficial for athletes who suffer exercise-related digestive upsets. It has also been shown to increase nutrient absorption.
Immune System
According to “The Coconut Oil Miracle,” by Bruce Fife, raw coconut oil can help boost your immune system, and fight cellular damage from free radicals. This is important for athletes because vigorous exercise promotes oxidation and can lead to suppressed immunity. Coconut oil functions as an immune enhancer because the saturated fat in it is extremely stable and resists oxidation. Also, its medium chain triglycerides are antimicrobial and antiviral, so it supports your body's fighting off infections.
Skin Conditions
Most athletes suffer skin problems from time to time – whether chafing from training, heat rash, or athlete’s foot. Raw coconut oil is an effective treatment for many skin conditions, notes Siegfried Gursche in his 2008 book “Coconut Oil: Discover the Key to Vibrant Health.” He say it soothes chafing, rashes, and burns, and can be used topically to treat fungal nail infections, cracked heels, and athlete’s foot. Eating coconut oil also supports your skin by preventing free-radical damage.
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