A look at the health benefits of coconut oil, coconut milk,
coconut water, coconut flour, plus how to work coconut into your diet.
The popularity of coconut doesn't end with hot-right-now
coconut water.
A variety of coconut-derived ingredients—from coconut oil to
coconut flour and coconut milk—are increasingly being used in home kitchens,
restaurants and packaged foods. But can a food so rich in calories and laden
with saturated fat be healthy? Here are the health benefits and cons of coconut
oil, coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut water
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
Coconut water mostly
makes up the whole fruit itself. Although the water tastes sweet, or sometimes
bland depending on the variety, it is very rich with many important nutrients.
Hydrates the body
As the water content in the coconut water is quite high
along with the nutrients this coconut water is excellent way to boost the
hydration of the body. It can be taken throughout the day instead of water. Coconut
water also benefits in improving the overall functioning of the body.
Coconut water
benefits in blood pressure
Coconut water has sodium and potassium which helps to
maintain the electrolyte balance in the body thus helps to maintain the blood
pressure and is beneficial for those with high blood pressure.
Fatigue
As coconut water is enriched with the electrolytes it
instantly helps relive the tired and fatigued body. Everyday consumption of
coconut water is beneficial in making you feel fresh and livelier.
Treats Headaches
Most headaches, even migraines, are triggered by
dehydration. In such cases, coconut water can be of great help in supplying
electrolytes to the body and boosting hydration.
Prevents kidney
stones
Kidney stones are a
very painful ordeal. This occurs when you’re consistently dehydrated, combined
with eating wrong kinds of foods that calcify and form stones in the kidneys.
Based on scientific studies and research, coconut water reduces/ dissolves
harmful crystalization and could help prevent kidney stones formation.
Diabetes
Regular use of coconut water helps to regulate the blood
sugar levels mostly the rise in sugar levels in the blood after the meal.
Morning is the best time to drink coconut water.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has several health benefits, the most important
ones being its usefulness in hair care and skin care.
Coconut Oil for Hair
This nourishing oil
has been used for centuries in hair and its unique fat composition makes it
especially beneficial for certain hair types. Use it as a hair mask, hot oil
treatment, or in homemade hair products.
To Moisturize and
Nourish Skin
The same properties
make coconut oil great for skin as well. Many people like to use it as a
natural moisturizer. Its natural antioxidant properties make it great for
stopping wrinkles and skin irritation.
Weight loss
Coconut oil keeps you feeling full and with the help of
MCTs, increases 24-hour energy expenditure as much as 5%. This in turn will
result to increased weight loss over the long-term.
Great fat for cooking
Coconut oil is stable oil that doesn’t break down easily at
high temperatures like other oils do. It doesn’t go rancid easily and has
amazing nutritional properties. It is great for cooking eggs, stir fries, grain
free baked goods, and practically any other cooking use.
Dental Care
Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since
coconut oil facilitates the absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in
developing strong teeth. It also stops tooth decay. Recent research suggests
that it is also beneficial in reducing plaque formation and plaque-induced
gingivitis.
Keeping Organs
Healthy
The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids
in coconut oil helps in preventing liver diseases. This is because those
substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus
reducing its workload and also preventing accumulation of fat. It also helps in
preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases and helps dissolve kidney stones.
Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in keeping the pancreas healthy by
treating pancreatitis.
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is not exactly milk. It is extracted from
mature (old) coconut meat. From a young coconut, you can enjoy the benefits of
its coconut water. As the coconut matures and ages, the meat dries up and
hardens to become what you call coconut meat.
Coconut milk is used by health-conscious people as an
alternative to butter because it is proven to be healthy and nutritious. Apart
from using coconut milk in cooking, you may also add it to your coffee or other
hot beverages. Here are some of the health benefits of consuming coconut milk:
Prevents anemia
Anemia is an iron
deficiency. Coconut milk is rich in plant-based iron, and regular consumption
of coconut milk can help prevent this disease.
Prevents inflammation
and arthritis
Coconut milk’s MCT
helps lower inflammation and prevents joint pains and aches.
Promotes a healthy
heart
Contrary to what many
people think, coconut milk actually helps to reduce cholesterol oxidation and
strengthens heart health.
Improves Digestion
and Relieves Constipation
A well-hydrated digestive tract is important for preventing
or treating constipation. Coconut milk nourishes the digestive lining due to its
electrolytes and healthy fats, improving gut health and preventing conditions
like IBS.
Prevents Ulcers
Another benefit of coconut milk nutrition that may surprise
you? Researchers found that coconut milk can help reduce the occurrence of
ulcers even better than coconut water. When rats with ulcers were given coconut
milk, they experienced a reduction in the size of ulcers of about 56 percent.
Skin Cleanser
Coconut milk is has a light consistency and can easily be
used to cleanse skin. It can penetrate deep into skin pores and drive out
grime, dirt, pollution and germs. It dissolves excess dead cells and sebum
stuck deep within the pores. Use a clean cotton ball dipped in coconut milk to
wipe your face of dirt and grease.
Health Benefit of Coconut Flour
Coconut flour, made from dried, ground coconut meat, is no
longer only found on the back shelves of your local health-food store. Due to
its numerous health benefits, light coconut flavor and airy texture, coconut
flour is making its way into mainstream stores and recipes. Use coconut flour in
baked goods for a lower-carb, high-fiber and gluten-free alternative to wheat
flour.
High in Fiber
Coconut meat itself supplies an impressive 61% dietary
fiber! And because fiber essentially cannot be absorbed by the body, some of
the calories and carbohydrates found in coconut flour aren’t even absorbed and
used, but rather they move right through the digestive tract helping to take
toxins and waste along with them.
Helps Maintain a
Healthy Blood Sugar Level
Coconut flour is a low glycemic food and does not spike
blood sugar levels. In fact studies show that consuming products that contain
coconut flour can help to lower the overall glycemic impact of the food and to
support stable blood sugar levels. (2) This means that coconut flour nutrition
has health benefits for people with diabetes and those who are working towards
reaching a healthy weight too.
Helps Digestive
Health
Coconut flour also helps with healthy digestion, has a high
nutrient density, and can aid in heart health too. Studies have shown that
coconut flour has the ability to help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and
serum triglycerides in people who have raised cholesterol levels.
Aids in Metabolism
Some of the many health benefits of coconut flour nutrition
include its high levels of healthy saturated fats in the form of medium chain
fatty acids (MCFA).
Higher Protein and
Healthy Fats
Coconut flour also contains a significant amount of protein,
especially when compared to wheat flour. A 100-gram serving of coconut flour
has 19 grams of protein while wheat flour has just 10. Although this protein
doesn't contain all the essential amino acids, it does contribute to your total
daily protein intake to help with cell repair and growth.
SOURCES:
juicing-for-health
top10homeremedies
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