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The Benefits of Using Coconut Oil in the Bodybuilding Diet

By: Dane Fletcher

When we speak about fatty acids that are derived from foods we should know that these are divided into three categories i.e. polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fats. Coconut oil is categorized under the saturated oil category. An important characteristic of saturated fats is that at room temperature they usually harden i.e. they are not in the liquid state. Saturated fats are usually sourced from animals and these may include butter and beef fats.

Coconut oil as a saturated fat is also hardened at room temperature. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature. They are usually gotten from seeds, nuts and vegetables. Some good sources of polyunsaturated fats are corn oil, safflower oil, pumpkin oil and flaxseed oils. Polyunsaturated fats remain in liquid form even when they are refrigerated and frozen. On the other hand monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature but upon freezing they solidify. Some good sources of monounsaturated fats include avocado oil, canola oil, olive oil, almond oil, and peanut oil. There are also excellent animal sources for the same including fish types like halibut, salmon and mackerel.

There is a fundamental difference in the all the types of oils that are available in that no two fats are equally created. This is evident when you compare the structural part of each type of oil. In every type of oil that you consider you will realize that they are composed of different fat groups. One important point that all bodybuilders should accept is that fat is not a negative part of the diet; it is indeed helpful in maintaining a number of bodily functions. What makes fat such a negative aspect of the diet is the imbalance that usually results in weight gain.

This point has been made specifically with respect to hydrogenated fats. With this introduction we can now consider the benefits that accrue from using coconut oil:

Coconut oil is composed of medium-chained fatty acids- The fact that coconut oil is made of medium-chained fatty acids means that it is easier to ingest and digest. It does not require the use of bile salts for digestion. As such it is easily converted into energy once digested and this makes it suitable for weight loss.

The thermogenic properties of coconut oil- The benefits accrued from thermogenic substances i.e. those that bring an increase in the body temperature are such that the rate of metabolism is heightened and also the body energy levels are increased. Such properties are effective in bodybuilding and weight loss.
Coconut oil contains abundant levels of lauric acid. Lauric acid has been known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties that are beneficial in the fight against disease. The body immune system is boosted by the use of coconut oil. Lauric acd is converted into monolaurin and it is this compound that has the health benefits we are talking about.

Coconut oil is beneficial to the renal system since it contains myristic acid; this is an important ingredient in the biochemistry of the kidney functions.

Article Source: http://www.bluearticles.com


Dane Fletcher is the world-wide authority on bodybuilding and steroids. He has coached countless athletes all over the world. To read more of his work, please visit either http://www.BodybuildingToday.com or http://www.SteroidsToday.com

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