coconut benefits
Benefits of coconut:Coconut is a tropical fruit and a nutritional treasure who is having a good time. It seems that the coconut is everywhere again, and it is that so many beneficial products for health are obtained from few fruits. From the coconut you can drink the Water that it keeps inside or you can eat the fresh pulp and, you can get oil, butter, milk and flour. That is why this time we bring you the benefits of coconut, keep reading.
With a thick and hairy shell, the coconut meat is white and has an unmistakable aroma. 100 grams of pulp give us 342 calories yes, it is one of the most caloric fruits but with endless nutritional properties.
If you like coconut, you are in luck because, in addition to being refreshing and perfect for fighting the heat, it is very beneficial for your health. The first thing to note is that coconut contains a large amount of essential nutrients for the body and is considered a good option for people who need an extra dose of energy. Its high mineral content, especially potassium, iron and calcium justify it.
Another important fact that must be taken into account is that coconut is not only consumed for its «meat», but also coconut water and coconut oil are very popular for their numerous properties.
Coconut water, for example, is perfect for proper hydration, helps replenish minerals, is effective in relieving heartburn and stomach discomfort thanks to its high fiber content, among other things.
For its part, coconut oil is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, both for facial creams, for its properties to moisturize and repair the skin, and for hair products, since it is common to find shampoos with coconut oil thanks to the hydration and softness it brings to the hair.
In tropical countries, where this coconut palm abounds, fresh water is consumed, freshly cut from the tree. There are also places where they sell it in bottles.
coconut benefits
Drinking coconut water would help reduce blood pressure and lower triglycerides in those who suffer from cholesterol. It would also have antidiabetic and hypoglycemic properties. More research on this would be necessary.
coconut oil
Another of its presentations is as essential oil. In this way, it would be a source of fatty acids that would serve to improve the immune system and help our body fight against diseases, bacteria, infections and viruses.
There is not much information about coconut oil yet. However, some benefits are attributed to it that we will mention below, although it is worth noting that there are no conclusive data in this regard:
- It would improve health and help lower cholesterol.
- It would speed up our metabolism.
- It would help us lose weight.
- It would avoid secondary problems of thyroid disorders.
- It would protect the cells of the heart.
- It would improve the symptoms of menopause.
- It would improve premenstrual syndrome.
Benefits of coconut in pregnant women
Ayurvedic medicine usually advises women who are pregnant to consume coconut, both its pulp and its milk or water, due to:
Its amount of nutrients and properties.
Being a natural isotonic drink, it would serve to replenish fluids and prevent swelling.
It would have no cholesterol, so it would allow you to maintain a healthy weight.
It would strengthen the immune system avoiding diseases and reinforcing the defenses of the fetus.
It would prevent and treat heartburn and vomiting.
It would help in cases of constipation.
We emphasize that these supposed properties have not been proven in pregnant women. For this reason, we recommend consulting with your obstetrician.
For the skin
its oil It has very beneficial properties for the skin, since it moisturizes it and makes it look softer and more luminous.
diuretic and laxative
Coconut is a good ally to combat fluid retention, since it has diuretic properties. Also has laxative effect due to its high fiber content.
Moisturizing
It has a high percentage of water and minerals that would prevent dehydration. For this reason, it would be a good ally in training and after the competition. Being low in fat and sugar, it would not provide large doses of calories. It is the favorite drink in places where it is very hot because it quenches thirst instantly.
Remineralizing
It is believed that it would help regulate the tone of the muscles and improve the functions of the heart. According to different studies, regular consumption of coconut oil would help increase good cholesterol. Low good and high bad cholesterol levels are associated with cardiovascular problems.
antioxidant
Some of the minerals with which coconut is composed (selenium and zinc) offer antioxidant functions. That is also why it is widely used in beauty treatments, creams and sunscreens. Remember that antioxidants act by fighting free radicals and combating premature aging.
Energetic
It would be advisable to consume after a hectic day, a lot of physical activity or in places where it is very hot. Coconut can be added to smoothies or fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, banana, etc).
blood pressure regulator
This is because its saturated fats would provide a reserve of quality energy for the body. These are found in the pulp and in coconut milk,
How to integrate coconut into our diet?
Coconut is a food that should not be missing from our diet and, although it may seem difficult, it can be integrated into various recipes for main dishes (soups, rice dishes and sauces) and desserts (cakes, cookies or ice cream). From A.Vogel we propose a very summery recipe, a raspberry and blueberry smoothie with coconut milk.
Raspberry and blueberry smoothie with coconut milk
To make this drink we need: 150 ml of organic coconut milk, 50 g of raspberries, 50 g of blueberries, 250 ml of natural yogurt, a handful of spinach and a tablespoon of Molkosan Fruit.
Once we have all the ingredients, better if they are very cold, just mix them and grind them in a blender until you get a drink with a uniform consistency and color. Once obtained, you can serve it in a tall glass decorating it with blueberries, raspberries and grated coconut.
This recipe contains vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and is also low in cholesterol and sodium. It’s also full of antioxidants from blueberries and raspberries. Dare to try it and include coconut in your daily diet!