Is Coconut Oil on the HCG Diet Okay or Should I Use MCT Oil?
Some people think that coconut oil and MCT oil are the same things, but they are not, nor will they react the same while you are on the HCG Diet.
Can you use coconut oil on the HCG Diet while you are losing weight?
Although some websites from other companies say that you can, Weight Loss Medical Center does not recommend the use of coconut oil while you are losing weight with the HCG Diet.
The use of coconut oil and HCG Diet success do not go well together, for reasons we will explain below. MCT is the better option for those who feel as if they must use some form of fat in their meal preparation.
Here are the differences between using coconut oil on the HCG Diet and MCT oil that everyone should know:
- MCTs are medium-chain triglycerides and are also called MCFAs – medium-chain fatty acids
- Coconut oil typically contains between 62 and 65 percent MCTs, and often only one kind of MCT – lauric acid – with the other percent being made up of long-chain fatty acids
- 100 percent MCT oil is highly concentrated and made up of all four types of MCT:
- Caproic acid (C6) 6 carbons
- Caprylic acid (C8) 8 carbons
- Capric acid (C10) 10 carbons
- Lauric acid (C12) 12 carbons
- The shorter the carbon chain, the better it will convert into ketones in the body – a superior energy source to glucose.
Are there benefits to using MCT oil on the HCG Diet?
MCT oil has the following benefits for the body:
- Increases fat burning and weight loss
- Can help prevent metabolic syndrome for heart health
- Improves mood
- Increases energy
- Aids nutrient absorption
- Improved cognitive and neurological functions
- Improves digestion
- Contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
Can You Use Coconut Oil for Cooking on the HCG Diet?
During Phase 2 (P2) of the HCG Diet, you are extremely restricted to what you can and cannot have.
The use of coconut oil on HCG Diet P2 is forbidden, but you can instead use MCT oil in your cooking if necessary.
It is crucial to remember that the use of MCT will add calories to your meals. It is recommended that you limit use to between ¼ and ½ teaspoon at the most for cooking or sautéing purposes.
Of course, when it comes time for you to stabilize your weight on Phase 3 of the HCG Diet, you can add many forms of healthy fat back into your diet.
In addition to coconut oil on HCG Diet Phase 3, you may continue with MCT oil use, as well as add extra virgin olive oil, and heart healthy fats such as avocados and nuts.
Can You Put Coconut Oil on Your Skin While on the HCG Diet?
Many of the typical lotions, creams, and oils that you buy at the store are not allowed on the HCG Diet because they will absorb into the skin and then into the bloodstream where they will derail your weight loss efforts.
The use of coconut oil on the HCG Diet is not included in our protocol; however, MCT Oil can be used both topically on the skin and on the hair as a conditioner. It is even available with a pump to make using it easier. One other thing to note about coconut oil use on the skin is that it is never recommended for use on the face as it can clog pores and increase acne.
Instead of using coconut oil during HCG Diet for moisturizing purposes, you may also use mineral oil since it does not absorb into the skin but instead, serves as a barrier.
Another option in place of coconut oil while on HCG Diet is Neutrogena’s oil free lotion.
As you can see, you do have viable options for the care of skin and hair while losing weight on the HCG Diet.
Always speak with your clinical advisor to get answers to any questions you have about the HCG Diet. At Weight Loss Medical Center, your weight loss is our ultimate goal.