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.
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.
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.
