5 Health benefits of coconut you need to know

Sakshi Agrawal
28 November, 2020
2 mins ago

Coconuts are being used in various forms because of its many health benefits.

Coconuts are a highly nutritious fruit contributing to its increased popularity for culinary uses. The fruit contains fat, instead of carbs like other fruits. Additionally, they are rich in proteins, antioxidants and minerals, and contain traces of B vitamins.

The fruit can be consumed either raw or in the form of milk and oil. While the raw contains the maximum benefits, you can eat it any other way to absorb its maximum below mentioned health benefits.

Contains good fats

The fat in coconut is the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Your body absorbs MCTs directly from the small intestine and uses them to provide you with energy.

For oil, you should be looking for unprocessed and unrefined virgin coconut oil. This is because they are extracted directly from ripe coconuts with hard flesh.

Promotes weight loss

The saturated fats in coconuts are not dipped in high cholesterol and calories. Therefore, a better option than other foods. The medium-chain fatty acid in coconuts boosts metabolism, and the fat is burnt off as a source of energy, thus, aiding in weight loss.

Virgin coconut oil helps reduce belly fat, thus, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. Therefore, switch to cooking or baking foods in coconut oil to reverse the side effects of normal oil.

Controls blood sugar levels

Coconuts are high in fat and fibre and low in carbs, which helps slow your digestion and improves insulin resistance. Therefore, it helps stabilize your blood sugar level.

A study found that the protein in coconuts helped improve insulin levels, blood sugar and other glucose markers. Additionally, the fruit aids the beta cells in the pancreas to make more insulin, which helped regulate blood sugar levels.

Fights bacteria

The lauric acid in coconut forms a substance called monolaurin, when digested. The substance helps the body fight against bacteria, virus and fungi, which prevents infections from developing.

Research has shown that coconuts also help kill the common sources of yeast infections in humans.

Promotes healthy bones

Coconuts help in improving your body’s ability to absorb calcium and manganese, which supports healthy bones and teeth. They can also prevent conditions that cause bones to become fragile and lose density.

Also, coconut milk serves as a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, as they are derived from a plant.

Did we change your mind about the benefits of coconut?