If you’ve just begun a ketogenic diet or maybe you are considering one, you’ve probably run into a single question repeatedly: What fats should you consume? When you’re on keto, the fats, too, are very important as they are your principal fuel sources. Coconut oil, as a fat source, has become a popular choice among the keto community, specifically virgin coconut oil.
This guide will explain the science behind using coconut oil on a keto diet, why virgin coconut oil is different to refined coconut oil, and why it is a great choice for everyday keto cooking.
What is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a diet with a very low carbohydrate content and high fat content. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, the body is pushed into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat, rather than glucose, for energy. The liver produces ketone bodies, which are used by the brain and muscles as fuel, in a state of ketosis.
Fat is the bulk of calories in a keto diet, so the kind of fat that you use is important. Fats that are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are ideal for keto, as they do not get stored as body fat and enter the liver directly to be converted into ketones, which are the fuel used by the brain.
Why Coconut Oil Works on Keto
The fatty acids in coconut oil are about 70% MCTs, including lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid. Because of these MCTs, coconut oil is a great way to promote ketosis.
Lauric acid has been found to enhance HDL (good) cholesterol/TC (total cholesterol) ratio and is metabolised in the body to monolaurin, which is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. MCTs have also been associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity, brain function and healthy weight management.
Virgin vs Refined Coconut Oil: What Should You Get?
There are different types of coconut oil, with different ways of processing and varied benefits on the body. For example, there is a significant nutritional difference between virgin and refined forms of coconut oil:
- Cold pressed virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut milk without undergoing any refining, bleaching or deodorising. Virgin coconut oil benefits include high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamins.
- Refined coconut oil is where the coconut oil is processed through heat and chemicals, which results in the removal of beneficial nutrients.
When it comes to keto, unrefined virgin coconut oil is the ideal option. It’s minimally processed, and it’s still laced with all the MCTs and micronutrients that the body benefits from. Search for labels that say virgin, cold-pressed, or unrefined.
Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil by QNET India
Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil is cold pressed virgin oil, grown organically from coconuts in Kerala, the land of high-quality coconut production. It is devoid of any chemical procedures like chemical refining, bleaching or deodorising. Every tablespoon provides the full nutritional value of fresh coconut.
Key Qualities:
- Mechanical cold extraction of fresh coconut milk.
- High in MCTs and lauric acid, which directly supports ketone production.
- The ability to fight against bacteria, combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Appropriate to use in cooking, baking, caring for hair and skin.
On the keto diet, you can use it as a cooking oil for sautéing at medium heat, add to keto coffee or smoothies, add to fat as butter in baking, or ingest it by the spoonful as a daily fat.
How to Use Virgin Coconut Oil on a Keto Diet
The first step towards using Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil is to use it as a substitute for the cooking oil you are already using, one-to-one. It is a natural tasting oil with a mild sweet flavour, making it ideal for Indian cooking, baking and stir-frying at medium heat. If you are new to MCTs, you should begin by taking a small amount (1 teaspoon per day) and then gradually increase the amount.
To make keto coffee: Add 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil to freshly brewed black coffee or tea, stir until combined and drink it in the morning before eating anything to help sustain your energy levels without carbohydrates.
Enhance Your Weight Loss Journey With the Right Oils
The quality of your fat source also weighs in on specific weight loss diets like the keto diet. Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil delivers the MCTs, antioxidants, and clean nutritional profile that a ketogenic diet demands, without the compromise of chemical processing. It is a straightforward, reliable addition to any low-carb kitchen.
Also read: 7 Clever Uses of Virgin Coconut Oil
