Coconut milk is rich in certain types of saturated fats. Photo CreditJupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Coconut milk is derived from mature coconuts that are harvested from palm trees bearing the fruit. Coconut milk and oil are commonly used in the cuisine of many Southeast Asian people, especially those of Thailand. Coconut milk contains saturated fat called medium-chain fatty acids, which are processed by your body in a unique way. Some research shows that consuming these types of fatty acids can stimulate your metabolism, which might or might not lead to weight loss. Losing weight is dependent on a variety of other factors too, including the amount of exercise you get. Consult with a nutritionist before consuming significant amounts of coconut milk.
Coconut milk is the liquid derived from grating and pressing the meat of a coconut. Coconut milk is classified as either thick or thin. Thick coconut milk is prepared by pressing the grated coconut through cheesecloth or a similar filter. Thin coconut milk is the thick variety diluted with warm water and pressed a second or third time. The thick milk is primarily used to make desserts and rich toppings. In contrast, the thin variety is used for broth and cooking. Fresh coconut milk is not commonly sold in the United States; instead, it’s mainly available in cans. Canned coconut milk is diluted, but it’s still fairly rich in medium-chain saturated fats, particularly lauric and capric acids.
Saturated fat is generally regarded as unhealthy because of medical claims linking its consumption to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases. But not all saturated fat is processed and used by your body in the same way. Unlike other saturated fats, medium-chain varieties are absorbed quickly and metabolized for energy instead of being stored in adipose tissue. Consequently, medium-chain fatty acids produce energy instead of using it, which leads to heat production and metabolic stimulation. European research indicates that consumption of medium-chain fatty acids can increase metabolism by roughly 5 percent, according to a 2010 article published in the “Los Angeles Times.”
Metabolism is stimulated by thermogenesis, which is the slight increase in body temperature that occurs from eating certain foods, among other factors. Increasing metabolism increases the rate by which your cells work and burn calories. Burning more calories might lead to weight loss if the rate exceeds the amount you consume each day. In a study published in a 2008 edition of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” men and women who ate meals rich in medium-chain fatty acids for 16 weeks lost an average of almost seven pounds.
Replacing saturated fat from animal sources with medium-chain fatty acids from coconut milk and similar products might be an effective method for increasing metabolism, but it's not clear that higher metabolic rates always translate into weight loss. Reducing overall caloric intake, consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, increasing daily water consumption and being physically active are all important factors in losing weight and keeping it off. Consult with your doctor about safe and effective strategies for losing weight.
