FabFitFun Recommends Coconut Oil

FabFitFun is a blog that “gives readers everything a woman needs to feel good from the inside out. In partnership with E! News host, reality star and author Giuliana Rancic, FFF provides readers with smart, simple steps to becoming your most fabulous self.”

FFF and Giuliana Rancic are recommending adding coconut oil to your diet.  Here’s what they had to say:

“Spring is here! OK, so that is sort of a lie. But there is nothing quite like trying on a cute spring sundress and looking anything but cute in it to make us realize that bikini season (gulp) will be here before we can say, “Yup, I’ve got a case of the muffin top.”

But we here at FFF are always looking out for you and to help kickstart your weight loss (and overall health). So we have an out of the box tip for you: Start cooking with coconut oil!

We know what you’re thinking: “Oil for weight loss?! It’s official, FFF has gone crazy!” But coconut oil (available at any health food store) is actually known to help with weight loss.

Dr. David Brownstein from the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, MI said, “Studies have found an increased metabolic rate with coconut oil. I have used it as part of a weight loss program; it works.”

Here’s how: Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids. MCFAs, unlike other fats, are digested and used differently. They do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy, just like a carbohydrate. So when you eat coconut oil, your body uses it immediately to make energy rather than store it as body fat. And as if that’s not enough, Dr. Brownstein said the MCFAs found in this miracle oil have three “A”s we all want to get on board with: “It has antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.”

It also has healthy saturated fats that help our cell walls remain strong and it helps improve insulin sensitivity and can help lower blood sugar. And did we mention that it actually helps your body’s metabolism? We did? OK, good.

Dr. Brownstein suggested that we use 1-2 tablespoons of this oil daily. He said to “Avoid partially hydrogenated vegetable oils at all costs. They are toxic to the cells. Use coconut or palm oil for high heat cooking and olive oil for low heat cooking.”

So try it out! Coconut oil is also great for boosting your immune system and helping your skin. Dr. Brownstein said he uses it on patients with eczema and touts its benefits for cracked heels and dry skin (for topical use, use only virgin coconut oil).

We’re sorry to say this to you, Hanukkah…your eight days of burning oil was great and all, but we think you’ve been replaced by a brand-new miracle oil.

Try these easy suggestions to incorporate coconut oil into your diet:

– Use it to fry, stir fry, or sauté veggies, eggs, poultry, or fish (Dr. Brownstein suggests using it with shrimp).

– Toss some coconut oil into your smoothies or juiced drinks for a burst of lauric acid.

– Try it on popcorn instead of butter. “If you haven’t had it, it is awesome,” Dr. Brownstein said.

– Make chocolate bark: take one cup of coconut oil, one cup of cocoa powder, eight packets of Truvia (or another natural sweetener), and a few tablespoons of agave. Mix in a bowl and pour into an ice cube tray or cupcake holder and freeze. Add nuts or shredded coconut and you’ve got yourself a healthy chocolate.”

FabFitFun, February 15, 2012

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