Blog

2

I've read a few places that coconut oil increases metabolism and helps with hypothyroid symptoms.

So far, I can't find coconut oil here that doesn't taste like plastic. Does coconut cream have the same impact on metabolism that coconut oil does?

Has anyone else noticed a difference in fat loss between paleo with lots of coconut oil vs paleo without coconut oil, using other allowed oils/fats instead? I'm wondering if differences in fat loss in my own body is partially due to a complete lack of coconut oil in my diet. (I know that there are tons of factors impacting fat loss)

flag

6 Answers

4

Yes, I would imagine that coconut cream would have a similar effect (if there is a measurable effect of course). Have you considered buying coconut oil online?

Regarding the amount of fat loss with / without CO, I don't think relying on something like CO is a good idea. I can't honestly say for sure that I've noticed a difference in terms of fat loss between the months I've spent without using CO and then the months where I included it heavily. It does give me a rush of energy and I always get a wonderful feeling in my stomach (kind of what I imagine 'nourishment' to feel like!). However, a rather good anecdote that I once heard goes something like this ~

Farmers used to try and fatten their pigs up with copious amounts of coconut oil. Unfortunately they just got very lean so they farmers resorted to using grains.

I don't know if this is true but metabolically speaking, and if you look at how CO should function, I can see a definite advantage to including it in our diets. It definitely can't hurt to give it a go.

link|flag
1

Be sure to get coconut oil that is virgin, raw, and unrefined. The difference in flavor is remarkable!

link|flag
yeah, I know. Usually in the states this is easy. Here, the virgin, raw and unrefined coconut oil is packaged in plastic! It looks beautiful just like the stuff I buy in the states, but the flavor has been tainted by the plastic packaging. It really sucks. – WayfinderAli Mar 1 2011 at 9:44
1

You can order coconut oil online - Amazon has a bunch, I usually get the Spectrum brand from a local Whole Foods. I also agree with another person who suggested getting the unrefined kind, tastes way better. Sometimes I'll eat it straight!

link|flag
I'm only here for two months, I don't know if I ordered it online if it would get here before I left? I've never had anything shipped here before. I love eating it strait, nice and creamy. Sometimes I use it as a lip moisturizer. – WayfinderAli Mar 1 2011 at 9:45
1

I have tried 3 brands of unrefined virgin coconut oil, and all 3 have a wonderful flavor.

  • Tropical Traditions

  • Nutiva

  • Jarrow

Tropical Traditions is only available through their own website, and they run great specials all the time. But Nutiva and Jarrow are available all over the internet.

As for coconut cream (or some brands call it coconut butter), it is mostly coconut oil anyway. Tropical Traditions claims that their cream is approx 70% virgin coconut oil, so if you take it by the spoon or add it to a food/drink, you are indeed getting a fair amount of coconut oil. But remember that you cannot cook with coconut cream like you can with pure coconut oil. Coconut cream contains part of the fiber and pulp content of the coconut and does not work at all as an oil. On the shelf, it has more of a dry peanut butter consistency, and must be warmed up a bit to get it to be 'creamy'.

I think you can lose weight by using either, but if your problem is a 'plastic' taste, then try another brand than the brand you are using. It should taste/smell like pure coconut and nothing else at all.

Cheers,

Jack Kronk

link|flag
You can bake with coconut cream though, or use it in smoothies. Just soften it first. Makes a great frosting for things, as it's pretty naturally sweet. – valkyrie Feb 28 2011 at 16:34
bake it into recipes --> absolutely. but you can't use it as a 'cooking oil' even though it's mostly coconut oil. – Jack Kronk Feb 28 2011 at 18:14
Just a random thought, I had this idea after putting it in my coffee. I wonder if you can steam it like you can steam milk/soy milk/almond milk and make lattes and things with it. I don't have a machine here but I think I'm going to experiment when I get back. – WayfinderAli Mar 1 2011 at 9:46
1 
 i have doubts, since coconut cream is not like a 'cream'. that's like trying to steam almond butter. let us know how it works out. – Jack Kronk Mar 1 2011 at 15:06
0

For those downunder/nz; about $2.50 AUD a tin.

http://www.ayam.com/coconut-quality.html

link|flag
-1

I get young coconuts and eat all of them. I've eaten 4 so far today, and I might have another. I don't like coconut oil for anything but cooking and cosmetic

link|flag

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.