Weight loss is a common goal for many people, but there are no quick fixes. Healthy eating can also be a very confusing issue with a sea of advice out there, but not all of it necessarily helpful or easy to follow.
One product that many people find beneficial and straightforward to use on their weight loss journey is coconut oil powder. Here’s a look at what it is and how it may help you.
What is coconut oil powder?
Coconut oil powder is derived from coconut oil, which is a naturally occurring source of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils. These are metabolised differently to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are commonly found in foods rich in unsaturated fats. Coconut oil has an unusually high proportion of MCTs (around 50 per cent).
Research has shown that MCTs are more likely to be quickly absorbed and transported directly to the liver, where they are used as energy rather than stored as fat. This not only provides an immediate source of energy, but may help the body to continue burning calories even when it is at rest.
The role in appetite regulation
Research suggests that the MCTs found in coconut oil can help to control appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness after eating. This may be because MCTs trigger the release of hormones such as peptide YY and leptin, which tell the brain that the stomach is full.
This is a natural way of suppressing the appetite, and reduces the likelihood of you reaching for an unhealthy snack with your morning coffee, or to get you out of a mid-afternoon energy slump. Many people understandably buy foods that are labelled as ‘low fat’ or ‘low calorie’ in an effort to lose weight, but often this can be counterproductive.
These foods may be full of artificial flavourings and emulsifiers to give them an appealing taste and texture, but they aren’t very filling and can lead to food cravings a couple of hours later. This can cause you to consume more calories than you intended, and make unhealthy high-fat or high-sugar choices in order to try and find a fast energy boost.
Why coconut oil powder is a great choice for weight loss diets
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to healthy eating can be complicated rules and recipes, or the need to eat foods that are time consuming and difficult to prepare well. Coconut oil powder is a versatile ingredient that can simply be stirred into your morning coffee, sprinkled on cereal, or mixed with yoghurt and eaten with fruit.
The product can also be used to make smoothies and protein shakes, or added to soups and stews.