Coconut oil is a plant-based oil that has long been used as a health and beauty product. It’s a nutrient-rich cooking ingredient that may help to support good digestive health and have protective effects on the heart and brain. It’s also been used for centuries as a deeply nourishing treatment for dry skin and hair.
Coconut oil is also available in powdered form, which is a highly concentrated formula and retains all of the essential properties of coconut oil. It can be added to tea and coffee, or smoothies, shakes and protein drinks. It can also be used as a thickening agent to create a creamy texture for soups, stews, and sauces.
Here are the main benefits of coconut oil powder.
- Supporting the keto diet
The keto diet involves eating a low carb, medium protein and high fat diet, which means that coconut oil powder is an ideal food supplement for those following this regimen. It contains MCT (medium chain triglycerides) which are thought to play a role in burning body fat, which is beneficial when the body is in a state of nutritional ketosis.
Over time, following the keto diet can help to detox your system, reduce sugar cravings and boost your energy levels.
- May help with weight loss and weight management
Coconut oil powder contains C12 (lauric acid), which is a fatty acid that the body metabolises more slowly than other types of fat. This can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer, potentially helping you to lose weight and help to maintain a healthy weight going forward. MCTs are not stored as fat, but used by the body as an energy source.
It may also have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the gut lining, and the fatty acids may help to create a healthy gut microbiome.
- May boost energy and endurance levels
MCTs are known to be a rapid source of energy for the body. Unlike long-chain fatty acids that are stored in the body as fat, MCTs can be quickly absorbed by the body and converted into energy.
- May improve mental performance
Some studies have shown that MCT oil could enhance memory and concentration. This may be because MCTs promote the production of ketones, which provide a source of glucose that can be readily used by the brain.
- Quick and simple to use
Finally, coconut oil powder is popular with many people not just because of its perceived health benefits, but because it’s so quick and convenient to use. Preparing nutrient-rich meals and snacks that support your diet goals and lifestyle can be time consuming and labour intensive.
Coconut oil powder can simply be sprinkled onto food such as stews and soups, stirred into hot drinks or smoothies, or used in dry mixes when making baked goods. This makes it ideal for people with a busy lifestyle who don’t want to compromise on their diet choices.