Coconut Diet
From LoveToKnow Diet
The rationale behind The Coconut Diet is based on research that compares the coconut-rich diets from the South Pacific cultures to the standard diets eaten in the western world. The Coconut Diet claims that the addition of coconut oil to an eating regime similar to the Atkins Diet will speed weight loss and even enhance thyroid function.
Coconut Diet Similar to Atkins
Like the Atkins Diet, the Coconut Diet takes dieters through four phases of a low-carb eating plan. The one major difference is the daily addition of 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil to your caloric intake. Just like the Atkins Diet, phase one of the Coconut Diet is the strictest in the amount of carbs allowed. Phase 2 centers on detoxification of the colon and other vital organs over a four week period. Phases 3 and 4 reintroduce carb intake and teach the dieter how to maintain weight loss.
Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
In the first three weeks on the Coconut Diet, the plan allows for eating foods like chicken, turkey, fish and other lean meats along with similar protein-rich foods like eggs, cheese and nuts. Along with the 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil, the diet also promotes drinking up to ten glasses of water each day. Specifics for Phase 3 will depend on personal detox goals.
Something to consider before trying the Coconut Diet is the fact that coconut oil is rich in saturated fat. In fact, most of the Coconut Diet’s food recommendations are sources of saturated fats which are found in food products derived from animals. Saturated fats, along with trans fat, are proven to raise cholesterol. High cholesterol is listed among the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, “Saturated fat intake should not exceed 7 percent of total calories each day.”
Healthy or Not
Losing weight and living thin does not always equal good health. Our bodies are designed to live and grow on a diet of balanced nutrition. Focusing a diet around one single food raises red flags when it comes to good health, even if that one food is a healthy choice. The types of dietary fat incorporated in your daily diet along with your level of physical activity affects your overall health including blood cholesterol levels.
Dietary fat obtained from food sources, mainly vegetable sources, is an essential part of a balanced diet. It promotes growth and development. But before considering the Coconut Diet, remember the Heart Associations recommended 7 percent when it comes to saturated fats.
Fats and Good Health
Not all fat is bad for you. For sources of healthy dietary fat, consider foods high in monounsaturated fats which are considered the most heart healthy type of fat. Monounsaturated fats decrease bad cholesterol and increase healthy cholesterol. As an important part of your daily calories, the right dietary fats provide the following benefits:
- Feel full after meals
- Sustained energy
- Regulates body temperature
- Conducts vitamins through the body
- Provides essential fatty acids
Don’t Forget to Exercise
Before starting a diet, check with your health care provider and discuss their recommendations. It is best to avoid getting caught up in a fad diet that can hurt your long-term health. And no matter which diet you use, incorporate regular exercise as part of your routine. Aerobic exercise keeps your heart strong and helps keep cholesterol levels in a healthier range. Choose something you like to do like walking, jogging or riding a bike. If none of these interest you, be creative and try something like line dancing.
Comments
Hi J.J.,
You're right. Studies done on native diets high in coconut consumption do reveal that these people are generally in good health. They don't suffer as much as us from many of what I'll call modern-day diseases which are prevalent in western nations. The problem is, that often people want to ADD coconut oil to their diet without eliminating the other bad sources of fat from their diet. This practice is unhealthy.
However, coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as another tool to be used against immune diseases. Several studies have shown it to be effective, but research continues to learn more about the nutritional value of pure coconut oil.
-- Contributed by: Donna SundbladDarlene, my answer to your question and to all people who are considering taking coconut oil or coconut products is: YES YES YES please do!!!! Why? Because coconut has been the mainstay in the diets of islanders and tropical people since the dawning of time. If it were so bad for you why is this class of people not extinct? It is when they start eating like we do in the western world that they get all our diseases and afflictions. I myself, would take coconut oil anytime over all the other so-called "good-for-you" oils that all the doctors and nutritionists recommend. Give me a good ol' chunk of raw coconut for a snack over just about anything in the world and I am a happy (and healthier) camper.
-- Contributed by: J JIt seems that there is no clear cut answer to your question Donna. A cup of coconut milk has more than twice the saturated fat that anyone should have. Since saturated fat is know to contribute to high cholesterol it would seem that it would not be a good food for someone who is watching their cholesterol.
Claims of coconut lowering cholesterol have not been proven to my knowledge. From what I can tell, there are other factors that need to be considered before jumping to such a conclusion.
Some studies have found that tropical oils may help prevent chronic heart disease. Coconut also contains lauric acid which can also be found in mother's milk. It is believed to be converted into an antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotazoal componant called monolaurin.
So as you can see, there are many pros and cons. My personal opinion (and I am not a doctor) is that, like anything else, in moderation coconut is fine. Don't get carried away with it though.
As always, your best bet is to discuss it with your doctor.
-- Contributed by: Kathleen RobertsThis page has been accessed 2,113 times. This page was last modified 00:08, 20 February 2007.
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