Coconut Oil
While it may sound counterintuitive, not all fats are created equal, and coconut oil is a prime example of this. Although it may not be the most appetizing ingredient to consume straight from the jar, it’s possible to do so without packing on the pounds. The active component in coconut oil is a type of fatty acid that boosts metabolism, allowing your body to burn fat more efficiently. Specifically, coconut oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fatty acid with a medium length chain. Studies have shown that these MCTs can increase satiety better than other fats and increase the number of calories burned by the body.
In addition to its metabolism-boosting properties, coconut oil has been shown to be effective in reducing belly fat retention in both men and women. However, incorporating coconut oil into your diet isn’t about adding it to your meals on top of everything else. Instead, it’s about replacing some of your other cooking fats, such as vegetable oil or butter, with coconut oil. By doing so, you can take advantage of the many health benefits associated with coconut oil while enjoying a variety of delicious meals.