Coconut: #The Super Food

 Coconuts grow on palm trees with the scientific name Cocos Nucifera. 

You might wonder, is a coconut truly a nut? The reality is, a coconut may be classified as a nut, a fruit, or a seed, depending on the criteria you use. In the culinary world, coconuts are generally viewed as fruits.

 Coconut, the fruit-nut-seed comes in various forms, like oil, milk, and water. Coconut is a potential health-promoting food.

“Superfood” and "coconut" are two words that are frequently said together in the health lexicon, but scientific evidence is still lacking.

Coconut milk is also lactose free and suitable for consumers allergic to dairy products.

Nutrition Information

Coconut is generally regarded as a source of healthy fat. The meat contains protein and fiber, as well as some essential minerals such as:

• Iron
• Manganese
• Copper
• Magnesium

Two tablespoons of fresh, shredded coconut contain the following nutrients:

• 35 calories
• Less than 1 gram of protein
• 3 grams of fat
• 2 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of fiber
• 1 gram of sugar

Coconut Contains Powerful Antioxidants

As per reports, coconut meat contains phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that may help protect cells from oxidative damage. The main phenolic compounds identified include.

• gallic acid
• caffeic acid
• salicylic acid
• p-coumaric acid

Antioxidant properties and health benefits

– Lower cholesterol
– Improve digestion
– Ward off wrinkles
– Stabilize glucose levels
– Fight off viruses

– Build cells
– Regulate hormones
– Increase thyroid production
– Lose weight
– Increase metabolism
– Fight infections
– Stave off memory loss
– Kill bacteria

– Enhance Memory

It Contains Trace Minerals

Coconuts contain more than fats—they are also an excellent source of some trace minerals. These include:

·         Magnesium

·         Potassium

·         Iron

·         Zinc

·         Copper

·         Selenium

One of the benefits of coconut is it has zinc and selenium, which are essential nutrients for maintaining thyroid function. You need iron in producing red blood cells.

Magnesium is a nutrient necessary for electrolyte balance. Potassium takes care of your nerve function, while copper reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become brittle.

Coconut Benefits

Coconut water is often used to prevent and relieve health problems such as dehydration, constipation, digestive problems, fatigue, heatstroke, boils, diarrhoea, kidney stones, urinary tract infections and even sterility.

Coconut water is a rich source of cytokinin, anti-aging compounds which help to prevent ageing an age-related disease.

Prevents Dehydration

Young coconuts are more health-enhancing of the two. The water in the young coconut is one of the highest sources of electrolytes.

Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately.

Therefore, it is more beneficial to drink the water from a young coconut after an intense workout rather than the commercial sports drinks we see advertised.

Coconut ranked #3 food choice for men

The health benefits of coconut are almost countless. But why is this food particularly good for men’s sexual health?

Coconut is a great energy source. It’s particularly noted for boosting endurance. It’s revered for its ability to aid and strengthen the digestive system. (A high fiber food, coconut meat is considered a good food for keeping your bowl regular and digestive system healthy.)

Loaded with carotene, vitamin E, selenium as well as a good source of fiber, coconut meat may combat heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol. And it contains antioxidants to fight free radicals.

These benefits of coconut are obviously great for both sexes. But of note for men, coconut is a good source of manganese. And manganese is important for men’s sexual health. Among other negative effects, a lack of manganese in your diet will diminish your reproductive system.

Coconut is Good for Heart Health

As per reports, consuming virgin coconut oil, which is extracted from dried coconut meat, may reduce belly fat. This is especially beneficial because excess belly fat increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Coconut Promotes Blood Sugar Control

As coconut is low in carbs and high in fiber and fat, so it may help stabilize your blood sugar. The report says that the high fiber content of coconut meat can also help slow digestion and improve insulin resistance which can help regulate blood sugar levels as well.

Enhance Your Skin and Hair Health

It’s not a new thing to tell. Coconut water helps you to get healthy hair and skin. Coconut oil is power packed with vitamins D, E and K, the miracle worker can transform your skin, face and hair in minutes.

“The greatest thing about coconut oil is it’s a natural anti-humectant,” or anti-humidity product.

“When it comes to your body, where the concentration of oil glands is less intense compared to your face, coconut oil is better suited as a body moisturizer,”.

“Rubbing coconut oil all over the body serves not only to hydrate and restore the lipid layer with omega-3 fatty acids, it also increases the metabolism at the cellular level so you will be detoxed and hydrated,”.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Coconut

Apart from the benefits mentioned above, here are ten more to take advantage of:

1.   Supports immune system health: it is anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasite.

2.   Provides a natural source of quick energy and enhances physical and athletic performance

3.   Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals

4.   Improves insulin secretion and symptoms associated with diabetes

5.   Helps protect the body from cancers through insulin reduction and removal of free radicals that cause premature aging and degenerative disease

6.   Reduces the risk of heart disease and improves good cholesterol (HDL)

7.   Restores and supports thyroid function

8.   Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infection

9.   Promotes weight loss

10.   Helps keep hair and skin healthy and youthful-looking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and provides sun protection

The Many Faces of Coconut

Raw coconut is wonderfully delicious and satisfying when mixed in with oatmeal, sprinkled over pancakes, or integrated in an ultra-healthy muesli mix. But the benefits of coconut “meat” is just the beginning. There are also unique aspects of coconut milk, coconut oil, and coconut water.

The wonders of coconuts never cease to amaze. They can add flavor, variety, and healthy nutrients to our diet.

Considered one of the most treasured foods of all time, coconut products including coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut cream each deliver superb health benefits.

Fans of coconuts these days are raving about the health and beauty powers that range from consuming coconuts both externally and internally. Coconuts are finally getting the respect they deserve.