Coconut Oil

Those of you who have been training with me for a while will know that I am always investigating new things in terms of eating, supplementing, and of course training. I have been cooking with coconut oil recently and thought I should find out exactly why it is so effective in the fight against the flab.

Bodybuilders have always shown willingness to adopt a wide range of food items in search of bigger, cleaner gains. Recently, attention has fallen on coconut oil, and the medium chain fatty acids it contains. These unique fatty acids, so called because their carbon chain consists of between eight and 14 carbons, demonstrate a range of effects in the body that may help body composition.

Energy Production
The body handles medium chain fatty acids differently from other fats. Whereas most fats slowly diffuse through the intestinal wall into the lymphatic system, before becoming bound to cholesterol and then gradually reaching circulation, the medium chain fats take a shorter journey. They travel straight from the intestines to the liver, like carbohydrates, where the liver oxidizes them rapidly, like carbohydrates. This allows for an increase in energy production, which can fuel sustained workouts.

Increased Fat Burning
The way that the liver processes medium chain fats provides a number of effects beyond simply feeling more energetic. Increased fat-burning stands out as a beneficial side effect. This effect occurs because of the up-regulation of fat-burning enzymes caused by the medium chain fats. By providing coconut oil to one group and recording their response compared to controls, the coconut oil group lost 40 percent more weight than the controls.

Immune System Support
Intense training can act as a stressor on the body, depleting the immune system and opening the door for infections and colds. Coconut oil may help ward off such problems. This effect is, once again, down to the medium chain fats. The medium chain fats exert an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial effect, which can support a healthy immune system and ensure that regular training continues without interruptions or lay-offs.

Besides all of these awesome benefits, it adds an extra flavour to your food that smells like you are on a beach getting a tan! 

Push through the winter blues team.  Summer is on its way!