Why is eating coconut good for your health? Well, that's because it is rich in nutrients. It is rich in copper, selenium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Also, the fat in it is actually beneficial fat, which can help your body function better.
Coconut has been cultivated in the tropics for more than 4,500 years but has recently become increasingly popular due to its flavor, culinary uses, and potential health benefits. In Asia, coconut is the main source of cooking oil, milk, hair care, and alternative medicine or home remedies.
Here are some health benefits of Coconut:
1. It is highly nutritious.
Coconut meat is particularly high in calories, saturated fat, and fiber. It also contains many minerals, including manganese, copper, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Coconut oil is high in MCT, which is a type of fat that your body metabolizes differently from most other fats. MCT is responsible for the many health benefits of coconut oil.
2. Contains minerals that will benefit your heart's health.
Eating coconut may improve cholesterol levels and help decrease belly fat, which is a risk factor for heart disease. The reason why coconut is touted for heart health (despite its fat content) is because it shows that it can raise HDL ("good") cholesterol, and because of the type of saturated fat it contains: it is rich in "medium-chain triglycerides" "And most other saturated fats found in vegetable oils contain more "long-chain triglycerides."
3. It promotes blood sugar control.
Coconut flour is rich in dietary fiber, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. Since it has a low carbohydrate content compared to flour such as wheat and corn, it is useful for diabetics because it has a slight effect on blood sugar levels.
A 2009 animal study found that a diet rich in medium-chain fatty acids like coconut oil can help prevent obesity and fight insulin resistance, both of which can lead to type 2 diabetes. rats showed that blood sugar levels were lowered.
4. Contains powerful antioxidants
According to www.healthline.com, coconut meat contains phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that may help protect cells from oxidative damage. The main phenolic compounds identified include:
gallic acid
caffeic acid
salicylic acid
p-coumaric acid
The polyphenols can prevent the oxidation of low-density (bad) lipoprotein cholesterol, making it less likely for plaques to form in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Uses of coconuts:
#1 Conditioning hair treatment
Prepare 2 cups of grated coconut meat.
Add a quarter cup of water and soak it for at least 10 minutes.
Tightly squeeze the coconut meat to get the liquid extract.
Once the liquid has been extracted, let it boil for at least 10-20 minutes or until the texture turns into oil. Let it cool.
Apply it on your hair, make sure everything is covered, and leave it for at least 30 minutes.
Rinse your hair until the water that comes from your hair turns clear.
Optional: You may mix a tablespoon of honey before you apply it to your hair.
#2 Drinking Coconut water is beneficial to women during pregnancy.
As diuretic: Coconut water is considered a natural diuretic. Due to the presence of potassium, magnesium, and other minerals, the urge to urinate increases. They help flush out toxins and clean the urinary tract. Therefore, these possible anti-calculus properties of coconut water can prevent kidney stones and infections.
Contains electrolytes: The need for electrolytes increases during pregnancy because conditions such as morning sickness, nausea, and diarrhea can cause the body to become dehydrated. Coconut water provides five essential electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which can calm the body and provide energy.
Replenishes lost fluids: Similarly, if morning sickness causes you to repeatedly eat biscuits, it is important to replenish your body's fluid reserves. Coconut water is a beverage that does not require a lot of added sugar.
Contains nutrients for fetal development: Although coconut water contains a small amount of some minerals, it is important to focus on eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in natural foods that provide the key macro and micronutrients necessary for maternal and fetal health.
#3 A natural makeup remover
Before investing in make-up remover wipes or washing your face directly with facial wash, you may want to try these natural steps:
Apply coconut oil to your face and leave it for at least 5 minutes. This will easily remove your makeup once you rinse it with water.
Rinse your face with water.
You will be able to remove your make-up easily and moisturize your skin at the same time by following these steps. It will even leave your skin softer and younger-looking unlike a lot of traditional make-up removers.
#4 An alternative remedy for eczema
You may use solid or liquid coconut oil on the skin. If it is solid, rub a small spoonful with your fingertips until it becomes soft. To reduce the symptoms of eczema, apply coconut oil to the skin twice a day or more frequently if necessary. One can use it like any other lotion or moisturizer.