Coconut has countless health benefits, which are more beneficial for overall health. It is known as a useful fruit. It is used by human beings in different way. Like in a form of raw, dried and coconut water etc. Coconut is also used as oil. It helps to keep the hair strong. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, which helps to boost the immunity power of the body. Let’s find out more about miraculous properties of coconut.
Coconut has a high amount of saturated fat but these fats are harmless. It contains medium chain triglycerides which are medium-length fatty acids. These fatty acids are absorbed by the body in different ways. It go directly from the digestive tract to the liver and further turn into ketone bodies. It contributes to therapeutic effects on brain disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
Health Benefits of Coconut.
Following are some effective health benefits of coconut which make effective impact on our day to day life;
Fiber.
Coconut is high in dietary fiber and offers a very large amount (61%) of fiber. It slows down the release of glucose and transforms the cell and converted into energy. It helps to relieve stress on the pancreas and enzyme system, which reduces the risk of diabetes and other health issues.
Control Diabetes.
Coconut regulates insulin secretion and blood glucose. It control diabetes by positively affecting hormones and slows down the blood sugar levels and helps to reduce glycemic load. Coconuts assist in quick digestion and other symptoms associated with digestive and bowel disorders. It supports absorption of nutrients and minerals while providing dietary fiber and also reduces vomiting and nausea.
Anti-aging.
Cytokinin, kinetin and Trans-whiten present in coconut have thrombotic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-aging effects on the body.
Increases Immunity.
Coconut is excellent for the immune system. It has antiviral, antifungal, anti-bacteria and anti-parasitic effect. Coconut oil resist the body from both viruses and bacteria. Its raw form can help to treat throat infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, tapeworms and some of the worst and most flexible diseases, as well as other diseases caused by microbes.
Treats Stomach Fats.
Coconut is also effective to treat hazardous fats in the abdominal cavity. Belly fat is the most dangerous of all fats and is associated with various diseases. Only 200 grams of coconut daily can cause significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference in just 12 weeks.
Overall Health.
Research has proven that people who consume coconut in regular basis are became healthier, than those who do not consume.
Increases Energy.
Coconut helps to increase energy by burning fat. The triglycerides found in coconut oil increase the energy expenditure of 24 hours by 5%, leading to long-term weight loss. It is also beneficial to reduce appetite pain. It is directly related to fatty acids in the body that are metabolized in the form of ketone as the effect of reducing appetite. People who constantly use coconut products have a strong ability without eating for several hours after having no effect of hypoglycemia. It promotes healthy thyroid function and helps to relieve symptoms of chronic exhaustion.
Treats Epilepsy.
A ketogenic diet is a low-carb diet that is used to treat various disorders. It effective to treat epilepsy among children. The diet which includes low carbs and large amounts of fatty food that can increase the concentration of ketone bodies in the bloodstream. This diet can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures among children of epilepsy.
Fight Against Cancer.
Coconut has also contain anti-cancer properties. It is particularly beneficial to treat colon and breast cancer.
Keeps Hydrated.
Coconut water contains important electrolytes, that keeps you hydrate. People involved in exercise and other strenuous activities should consume coconut water. It replaces electrolytes, provides hydration and enhances the immune response. It is a better choice of water, as it is more delicious than plain water loaded with nutrition.
Nutritious and Healthy.
Coconut water is considered to be more nutritious and healthy than whole milk. It contains lauric acid which is considered to be equal to breast milk. It is naturally sterile as it pervades through filtering husk. Coconut is also a natural isotonic drink in a similar level which occurs in the blood.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections.
The natural diuretic property of coconut helps to treat urinary tract infections. It naturally improves the flow of urine to get rid of infection.
Increases Blood Cholesterol.
Coconut helps to improve blood cholesterol levels in the body and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Saturated fats in coconut increase good cholesterol in the body and control LDL. This reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Control Acidity and Heart Burn.
Coconut water is effective to reduce acidity and heart irritation problems.
Pregnancy.
Coconut water is sterile and very good for pregnant women. It improves the immunity and health of the mother and child, thus prevents infections and other diseases. It can also increase the level of amniotic fluid to improve the overall health of the fetus.
Fight Against Bacteria.
Coconut has a high content of monolaurin and lauric acid that helps to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi and keeps infection at bay.
Good for Oral Hygiene.
Coconut water can also be used as a rinse to kill mouth bacteria, reduce bad breath and improve overall dental health.
Healthy Bones and Teeth.
Coconut supports the development of healthy bones and teeth. It improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium and manganese that aid bone growth. It also prevents osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones thin and fragile and loses its density. Thus, it is a healthy alternative to lactose intolerance.
Benefits of Coconut Milk for Skin.
Coconut oil or coconut milk is often used in the cosmetic industry to improve the health and appearance of skin and hair.
Effective on Dry Hands.
Extra virgin coconut oil can also be used to treat dry and thin hands. Regular dish washing often dries out the skin and makes them crappy, instead of the use of expensive chemical laden cosmetics apply virgin coconut oil on the hands which helps to get beautiful and smooth hands.
Prevents Skin Cancer.
It is one of the major health benefits of coconut, because it improves moisture and lipid content in the skin and prevents skin cancer by blocking 20% harsh ultra violet rays. It can be used as a body and skin neurones, as it hydrate the skin by filling natural oil. Coconut oil can also be used to clean the face by rubbing in circular motion.
Young Skin.
Coconut oil is excellent for keeping the skin young and beautiful by its antioxidant property which slows down the aging process by protecting the body from harmful free radicals. Massaging a few drops of coconut oil every day will make it healthier and smoother.
Fights the Dries.
If coconut oil is used on the skin, it prevents dryness and imbalance and keeps it moisturized and soft. It supports the skin and works to improve the damage achieved over time. It eases a normal skin condition called neurosis, characterized by dry, thick and flaky skin and also reduces the severity of atopic dermatitis which is prone to infections such as staphylococcus aureus.
Coconut helps in cleansing and neutralizing toxins, fungi and bacteria on the outer layers of the skin that not only detoxifies but also creates the skin’s natural immune system and protection.
Clean Skin.
Coconut hydrates by scrubbing the skin and makes it young and gentle. Take a spoon of raw coconut oil and massage the skin with it. It will reduce the infestation of skin, rashes and troubles and beautify the skin from the inside when taken internally.
Promotes Blood Circulation.
Consumption of coconut on regular basis increase oxygen level in the skin and also promotes blood circulation. Our cells need a sufficient amount of oxygen that can be possible by proper blood circulation. It allows proper breathing of the skin and promotes healthy and flawless color.
Reverses the Effects of Tanning.
Coconut water can also help to prevent tanning. Mix the clay with coconut water and apply it to the skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Apply this face pack twice weekly to get a tan-free skin.
Treatment of Oily Skin.
Coconut water is also effective for oily skins. It washes more oil from the skin and keeps the skin tone even higher. Coconut water is also very effective on acne, black spots and blemish. Make a pack by mixing half teaspoon of turmeric, sandalwood spoon powder and coconut water. Apply it to the face weekly to get clear and shiny skin.
Eye Makeup Removal.
It can also be helpful to remove eye makeup. Add some coconut oil to a cotton ball and wipe your eyes with it. It effectively removes hard eye makeup by breaking the ingredients in the eye makeup. It also keeps the skin hydrated.
Cleansing the Body.
Coconut can also be used as a body cleanser. Mix some coconut oil and one cup of brown sugar and solve well. Finally, drain some coconut shell and mix a few drops of essential oils. Your cleanser is ready to use. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of coconut water and legumes to make a paste. Gently rub on the face for 2 minutes then wash.
Benefits of Coconut Milk for Hair.
It helps to treat hair loss problems. Coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil can help to treat hair fall. Massage to prevent hair breakdown and also effective to soften and smooth hair.
Prevent Scalp Infection.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut protect the scalp from dandruff, lice and itchy scalp, that often slows down hair growth.
Health Benefits of Coconut Coconut Yogurt.
Coconut yogurt is an excellent alternative way for those who avoid dairy products. It is packed with many health nutrition benefits. The benefits of coconut yogurt are as follows:
- Improves night vision in eyes.
- Improves dementia.
- Strengthens the bones.
- Protect heart health.
- Reduce waist circumference.
- Improves digestive health.
Side Effects of Coconut.
You may have known about the many benefits of coconut. But there are some disadvantages along with the benefits, those are;
- Coconut water has very low calories. But it has a high amount of sugar. Which can increase the level of sugar. Which can be detrimental to the patient of diabetes.
- Consuming a large amount of coconut water may be prone to obesity in the body. Which can be detrimental to health.
- Keep in mind that the saturated fat in coconut is high. Which can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, coconut should be consumed in the limited quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. How to toast coconut flakes?
Following steps should be done to toast coconut flakes. They are:
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
- Spread the flakes on the baking sheet evenly.
- Put the baking tray inside the preheat oven and toast it for 5-10minutes.
- Toast coconut flakes is ready.
2. How to open coconut with knife?
Steps to open coconut with knife are:
- Carefully pierce the eyes of the coconut and take out the fluid.
- Now, take the coconut in one hand and with the blunt side of the knife stab the coconut repeatedly on the middle until its crack. Rotate the coconut while cracking it.
3. How to open coconut husk?
Steps to open coconut husk are:
- Carefully hold coconut on one hand.
- With the help of knife start to cut of the coconut husk. While cutting rotate the coconut so that husk is removed properly.
Bottom Line.
Thereby, you can see the health benefits of coconut in your daily life, which are really incredible. People of any age can consume it without any hesitation. However, it have some mild side effects which may be avoid if we consume it with limited quantity. Nowadays, majority of the health consultants are also recommend coconut as a healthy diet. So, you must add coconut in your routine diet from today.
+4 Sources
- Freaktofit has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, educational research institutes, and medical organizations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date by reading our editorial policy.
- The science of Gi; https://www.gisymbol.com/gi-science-and-latest-emerging-research/
- Hypoglycemia; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
- Monolaurin: What you need to know; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319590
- Lauric acid; https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lauric-acid