Why coconut is healthy: Nutrition Facts

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Coconuts have many uses, including food, hair, and skincare, making them an all-around superfood. Find out in this article why this popular stone fruit is so healthy!

Coconut can now be used in various ways, making it a versatile ingredient. Many kitchens can no longer do without this miracle ingredient, from the well-known coconut oil to coconut chips. The options include coconut milk, coconut drink, coconut puree, coconut flour, and shredded coconut. We asked ourselves how healthy coconut actually is.

Reasons why coconuts are so healthy:
With its diverse products, the coconut contributes significantly to our well-being and health. This is due to the fatty acids and fiber it contains. But its nutrients also work wonders!

The coconut is rich in fatty acids
Freshly harvested coconuts contain around 36% fat, most of which are saturated fatty acids. In addition to caprylic and capric acid, which boost the brain and strengthen our immune system, coconuts contain a large proportion of lauric acid, which is also very good for our immune system. According to a 2009 study, it has an antimicrobial and antiviral effect, thus protecting our body from pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections.
Coconut contains fiber
Dietary fiber is particularly important for our digestion. It prevents constipation and is generally important for intestinal function. Thanks to its satiating effect, coconut is also great for losing weight. This all-rounder also helps to prevent diabetes, as it lowers blood sugar levels with its fiber!
Coconut contains important minerals
The coconut water inside the coconut is particularly rich in important minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, and phosphorus. Copper, for example, stimulates brain function, and these minerals are also beneficial to white blood cell production. Coconut water is therefore a healthy all-rounder and great for recharging the body, especially after sport!

The all-rounder in cooking
The taste of coconut is sweet and slightly nutty, making it perfect for desserts or smoothies when cooking. But it also plays an important role in spicy dishes. In Asian cuisine, coconut milk takes the edge off spicy food. For many people who follow a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant, coconut milk and coconut puree replace fatty dairy products.

What you should still watch out for with this all-rounder
Despite all the positive aspects of coconuts, there are, of course, also disadvantages. Social and ecological sustainability are always important when buying coconut products. You should ensure the products are organically grown wherever possible, i.e., free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic cultivation helps to improve the ecological balance of the coconut a little. You should also ensure that the products you buy are fairly traded, which means that the people on the coconut farm have been paid fairly and are subject to fair working conditions. The conditions for fair trade between companies and organizations are based on common principles.

It is also important to note that although coconuts contain healthy fats, they are high in calories, so coconut milk and coconut oil are unsuitable for people with lipid metabolism disorders.

Coconut: a multi-talent outside the kitchen too
In addition to all the health factors, coconut is a real all-rounder in the beauty sector. Coconut oil, in particular, is in great demand in this sector, whether for hair, the body, or teeth. A study by scientists from India found that coconut oil is the only oil that is able to influence protein loss from the hair compared to other oils. That’s why experts now agree that coconut oil helps against hair breakage, but it depends on the type of coconut oil.

Conclusion: Coconut is only healthy in moderation
Whether in the hair, on the skin, or in the kitchen, the rule is: less is more! Especially as coconuts come from far away, it is important to pay attention to the quality and to know where they come from.