Secret to extreme weight loss

Dr. Josh Axe on the surprise ingredient that helps us melt excess fat 10x faster-so we drop up to 30 lbs in 3 weeks*

- Allison Nemetz

Can a grocery item that costs a mere 21¢ per serving at superstores really work weight-loss magic? To find out, scientists recently began sorting and analyzing a mountain of studies on coconut oil. Their final determination: "Compared to other oils and fats, coconut oil substantially decreases body weight, BMI and percentage of fat." Which is exactly what natural health expert Josh Axe, DC, DNM, has seen among his patients time and again. "Coconut oil is one my top foods for fast weight loss," he says. "Add it to a healthy diet and, regardless of your age, you'll lose about 10 times more weight than you otherwise would." Read on to find out the exciting reasons why-and to get inspired by coconut-oil fans Fran Bronski, 60, and Sandee Jordan, 73, who each sped off around 30 pounds in 3 weeks

Dr. Axe recommends extra-virgin coconut oil, which has a mild coconut flavor and is solid at room temperature. Use it like butteras a spread, to sauté or fry food and in healthy baked goods. "It's also tasty in smoothies and hot drinks," he says. Start adding it and "you'll feel a difference right away."

Here's why: Unlike 95% of other fats, coconut oil is mostly made up of medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs. "That's the big reason it's so powerful," notes Dr. Axe, bestselling author of Keto Diet and Ancient Remedies. "Your body goes through 17 steps to break down other fats. But it only takes three steps for MCTs." (He notes that you can also opt for pure MCT oil, a flavorless liquid that makes great salad dressing and can be swirled into everything from drinks and soups to sauces and dips.) The quick breakdown of MCTs causes a biochemical surge that makes magic happen, improving memory by 62% and boosting energy by 88%. And that's just for starters...

Your body on coconut oil

Here's what to expect from the oil: