Not only is the flavor of the coconut unique, delightful, and tropical but the health benefits of coconut may come as a surprise.
Whether you use coconut oil, enjoy raw coconut, utilize desiccated coconut, coconut flakes, or eat fresh coconut meat, you’re in for a treat when you consume this nut. Coconuts are fruit from the coconut palm and they are the largest seed on earth.
And you’ll get a whopping 3.3 grams of protein for each 100 gram serving of coconut you eat which means it’s a pretty substantial source of protein as far as plant-based foods go. Moreover, coconut meat is rich in polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Though there is a good amount of saturated fat in the coconut as well. They are about 70 percent fat, which has given it a bad rap over the years, but recent studies have shown that it is actually fat that is good for you.
WHAT VITAMINS AND MINERALS ARE FOUND IN RAW COCONUT MEAT?
Believe it or not, this nut is chock full of some of the best vitamins and minerals. In fact, you’ll find all of the following vitamins and nutrients in raw coconut meat: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Niacin, Vitamin, Folate, Calcium.
Coconut milk is wonderfully delicious and can be a great non dairy alternative to cow’s milk. Try using it in smoothies or lattes. Coconut cream on the other hand is much thicker and richer. It’s also higher in healthy fats and lower in sugar than coconut milk. And the consistency of coconut cream is out of this world. Coconut cream is a miracle in curries or as a replacement for the cream in your morning coffee. You can also use it to make your very own lectin-free ice cream.
Coconut milk can be made from coconuts by pureeing the white meat with water. Many people compare coconut milk with breast milk because they both contain lauric acid, and in some parts of the world, if the mother's milk is not available, coconut milk is used as a substitute.
Coconut water is the liquid find in the center of a coconut. It can be drained by drilling a hole through the outer shell and meat of the coconut. This water is an abundant source of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. Studies have shown that coconut water is surprisingly similar to blood plasma in humans. It was even used intravenously by Japanese doctors during World War II. The liquid can also be used topically to treat skin conditions like rashes and it can be dropped into the eyes to help with cataracts.
But be careful with coconut water, it is the sugariest part of the nut. And without all of the aforementioned fiber in the meat to accompany that sugar, you’re just getting the sugar. Just one cup of coconut water yields over 6 grams of sugar.
Coconut oil may not be as good for you as other oils such as olive oil or mct oil, but when consumed in moderation cold-pressed virgin coconut oil (which should be solid at room temperature) can bring many health benefits and act as a great cooking oil. It’s also a truly solid substitute for butter if you’re making any baked goods, especially if you’re vegan.
Coconut oil is quickly metabolized and the lauric acid found in coconut oil is easily transported. In fact, studies show lauric acid in coconut oil is transported right to your liver where it is converted to energy instead of getting stored as fat. A great benefit for those who are trying to maintain a healthier weight.
Virgin coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (otherwise known as MCTs). And coconut oil MCTs turn into ketones. Ketones can actually be used by your brain cells for energy.
Generally, your brain uses glucose for fuel. But if you don’t have enough usable glucose your body will actually start to transform the fats it stores into ketones that get carried to your brain until your body has enough glucose to fuel your brain again.
So now that you know more about how coconut meat and coconut oil can help your health, the questions that remain are…
When you go to the store to buy a coconut you want to look out for the ones that have a lighter color, because that tells you that it is fresh. When you shake it you should clearly hear the water inside moving around. Once you've brought your coconut home, the easiest way to open it is with a screwdriver and a hammer. First you want to tap the screwdriver into one of the "eyes" of the coconut and drain the water. Then you can tap around the middle until it cracks open. You can cut out the meat with a small knife.
Sources
https://ezinearticles.com/?Add-Coconut-to-Your-Diet-For-Better-Health-and-Variety&id=3113590
https://gundrymd.com/health-benefits-of-coconut/
