After a strenuous workout, you already know how delicious, revitalizing, and hydrating coconut water can be. What you might not know is that coconut, in most of its forms, can improve your health in a variety of unexpected ways. You can take advantage of this delicious fruit on a daily basis with ease.
100 grams of raw coconut contains 3.33 grams of protein, 15.2 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fiber, and numerous other vitamins and minerals, according to USDA data.
According to Laura Iu, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counselor in New York City, “different parts of the coconut offer different health benefits.” The white, fleshy portion of the coconut, known as coconut meat, is full of nutrients.
“Various parts of the coconut offer different health benefits,” says Laura Iu, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counselor in New York City. “Coconut meat, the white fleshy part of the coconut, is rich in nutrients like fiber, B vitamins and minerals like copper, manganese and iron, while the water is rich in electrolytes.”
According to some experts, the benefits of coconut oil are surpassed by that of the fruit’s meat. T.H. Chan School of Public Health data from Harvard University states that coconut oil is 100% fat, with 80–90% of that fat being saturated, which is bad for the heart. According to recent Brazilian research, many people are unaware that using coconut oil for cooking can raise cholesterol levels, despite the fact that its use has recently become more popular. This is because coconut oil contains lauric acid. In a similar vein, a recent German study discovered that substituting unsaturated fat for coconut oil can lower LDL and total cholesterol.
For this reason, you may want to restrict the amount of pure coconut oil in your diet. You can try MCT oil instead, though – it’s a supplement sourced from coconut oil, minus the lauric acid. “MCT oil has a high smoke point, which means it’s suitable for higher cooking temperatures and can be used for stir-fry, baking, or sautéing,” says Iu.
benefits of coconut oil for health
Let’s examine in more detail the six main ways that coconut can improve your body’s operations and elevate your mood.
1. Coconut is a fantastic source of energy
“Coconut meat is rich in medium chain triglycerides, which is a type of saturated fat that’s metabolized for quick energy,” says Iu. “Athletes may find it beneficial.” What’s the simplest way to use coconut to increase your stamina? Consume some prior to, during, and following your workout.
2. Coconut oil is excellent for bones
“Coconut is rich in manganese, which is essential for bone health,” says Moore. “A 1.5 oz portion of fresh coconut meat provides 30% of the daily recommended value.” A 100-gram serving of coconut also contains 113 mg of phosphorus, which is an essential mineral for strong bones, so eat coconut as a snack frequently.
3. Coconuts have a lot of fiber
Fiber is necessary for your body to properly regulate the sugar in your system, which in turn controls your hunger and maintains healthy blood sugar levels. The good news is that coconut has a ton of it. Remember this: According to Iu, “the part of the coconut, the product, and the preparation all affect how much fiber is in it.” “One cup of coconut water contains less than one gram of dietary fiber, whereas a cup of raw coconut meat provides approximately seven grams.” What would be the ideal way to include it in your diet? Moore says that fresh coconut is a high-fiber way to give smoothies a tropical twist, as it contains 4g of fiber in a 1.5 oz piece.
4. Coconut may provide defense against Alzheimer’s
The medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) in coconuts, according to Central Michigan University researchers, converts into ketones, which are substances that break down fats. It is believed that these ketones compensate for brain glucose hypometabolism, a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. As evidence for their claim that further research is necessary, the researchers cited a small pilot study in which patients who followed a Mediterranean diet high in coconut showed improvements in certain cognitive functions when compared to those who followed a similar diet lacking coconut.
5. Coconut oil can make you smile better
Do you want to improve your oral health? Pulling coconut oil can help stop tooth decay, reduce bleeding gums, and eliminate bad breath by killing bacteria in the mouth, according to Penn Medicine. 2020 research confirms that. Swish 1-2 tsp of coconut oil around your mouth for 20 minutes to achieve the effect. (Yes, that is a long time to continue doing this!) The idea is that the toxins the oil pulled out of your mouth will be released when you spit. Naturally, the Cleveland Clinic stresses the importance of continuing to brush and floss, but adding coconut oil to your regular dental care regimen may help you effectively remove plaque and Naturally, flossing is also advised by Cleveland Clinic; however, adding coconut oil to your regular dental care regimen may help you effectively remove plaque and prevent gingivitis!
6. Coconuts may be able to combat yeast infections
Over 24 million Tik Tokkers have viewed content on the platform that promotes coconut as a remedy for unpleasant yeast issues as of the most recent count. Well, don’t take this too seriously just yet. It is true that studies in the lab have demonstrated the antifungal effects of coconut oil. However, we advise holding off on getting anything inserted into your vagina until further research is available to support this claim, as doing so could upset the pH balance or worse.
