Coconut oil has been suggested as a potential aid for weight loss due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) content. MCTs are metabolized differently than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), the type of fat found in most other foods, which means they are more likely to be used as a source of energy rather than being stored as fat in the body. While studies have suggested that coconut oil may help with weight loss, more research is needed to fully understand its further benefits. 

One study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2002 found that a diet high in MCTs led to greater weight loss than a diet high in LCTs in overweight women. The study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial involving 49 overweight women who were assigned to follow either a high-MCT or high-LCT diet for 16 weeks. The researchers found that the participants who consumed the high-MCT diet lost more weight and had a greater reduction in body fat than those who consumed the high-LCT diet.

Another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2018 found that coconut oil supplementation had no significant effect on weight loss in overweight adults. The study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial involving 113 overweight adults who were assigned to take either coconut oil or soybean oil supplements for 12 weeks. The researchers found no significant differences in weight loss between the two groups.

 While scientific evidence for the weight loss benefits of coconut oil is forthcoming, people have reported experiencing weight loss or other health benefits after incorporating coconut oil into their diet. For instance, some people put coconut oil in their morning coffee for a great vegan bullet coffee. These people report that they feel full for longer and don’t get hungry as quickly. Others put coconut oil as their main cooking oil. While still others use coconut oil in smoothies and a substitute for butter. These people report losing a few pounds without really changing anything else in their diet. If you are thinking of trying coconut oil, try our highest quality coconut oil.

References:

1. St-Onge, M.P. et al. (2002). Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Journal of Nutrition, 132(3), 329-332.
2. Liau, K.M. et al. (2018). An open-label pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of virgin coconut oil in reducing visceral adiposity. International Journal of Obesity, 42(4), 794-800.
3. Eyres, L. et al. (2016). Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Nutrition Reviews, 74(4), 267-280.
4. Liska, D.J. et al. (2015). Coconut oil: are the health benefits real? Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 115(8), 1298-1301.
5. Valente, F.X. et al. (2020). Coconut oil: what do we really know about it so far? Food Quality and Safety, 4(3), 123-138.