When it comes to losing weight, slimmers can choose from a series of diet plans. Some may opt for a more structured regime, like the low-carb keto diet, or others may choose to stick to a protein-rich diet like Strictly Come Dancing star Catherine Tyldesley – who slimmed down from a size 22 to a 10. Alongside diet and exercise, there are other things which have been proven to aid weight loss. Swapping your usual cooking oil for coconut oil has been proven to help speed up weight loss and burn belly fat.
How does it work?
Coconut oil is high in fatty acids of a medium length, called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
According to Healthline.com, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase how many calories you burn compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats.
One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5 per cent, totalling about 120 calories per day.
Therefore, these fatty acids boost satiety better than other fats and increase the number of calories burned.
Two studies — one in women and the other in men — published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health showed that coconut oil reduced amounts of belly fat.
The study in the 14 healthy men discovered that those who ate the most MCTs at breakfast ate fewer calories at lunch
How should it be eaten?
Coconut oil still contains calories, so it’s important for dieters to take this into consideration when adding it to their diet.
Adding it on top of what they’re eating is probably not a good idea, however, swapping current cooking fats for coconut oil can be beneficial.
Coconut oil is ideal for cooking because almost 90 per cent of its fatty acids are saturated, making it extremely stable at high temperatures.
Slimmers will be surprised to know that by consuming just a small amount of coconut oil, they could see improvements to their weight.
Studies have found that 2 tablespoons seems to be an effective dose.
This has been shown to benefit weight, reduce belly fat and improve other health issues.
Eating a protein-rich diet has also been proven to aid weight loss, with slimmers known to lose over 100 calories a day on this type of diet.
A study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health found that eating a high protein diet can make slimmers burn between 80 to 100 calories per day.
According to Healthline.com, meat in particular is a weight-loss friendly food as it contains a lot of protein.
If dieters are on a moderate to high carbohydrate diet, they could benefit from eating lean meats, which provide protein but are low in carbs.