What is coconut good for health — 7 scientific facts

Coconut milk, pulp and oil are widely used in cooking, cosmetology and even medicine.

Scientists have confirmed a number of beneficial properties that coconuts have for humans. The abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants in the composition allows them to be used to improve the health of the heart and blood vessels, reduce blood sugar levels, normalize the digestive system and reduce body weight.

7 useful properties

Below are 7 main theses about the benefits of coconuts for our body (based on scientific sources of information).

1. They have a rich composition

Coconuts contain mainly fats and B vitamins. They are characterized by a high volume of the trace element manganese in the composition, which needed to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as well as increase bone mineral density.

The main biologically active substances in coconut distributed as follows:

A significant part of fats is represented by triglycerides with an average chain length. They are quickly absorbed from the lumen of the duodenum and are used to meet the energy needs of the body. Triglycerides are not converted into fat reserves and are not directed to the synthesis of endogenous cholesterol.

2. Improve the health of the heart and blood vessels

Experts from New Zealand, through condom research, discovered that people whose diet is rich in coconuts have a low incidence of heart and vascular pathologies.

Studies demonstrate the ability of coconut pulp and oil to reduce the level of total cholesterol in the blood, as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL), and increase the concentration of "useful" cholesterol – HDL.

This medicinal property allows you to use the nut for prevention purposes formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels and the appearance of diseases such as: coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, chronic cerebral ischemia.

Coconuts should definitely be included in the nutrition system of people suffering from cardiovascular disorders or having an increased predisposition to them.

3. Reduce blood glucose levels

Coconut combines a lot of fats and dietary fiber, but contains almost no carbohydrates. This composition allows the nut to reduce blood glucose levels.

Specialists from India claim that arginine (an amino acid in the pulp of the plant) increases the functional activity of beta cells of the pancreas. As a result, the production of insulin increases, which reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood plasma.

Eating coconuts also leads to reduce insulin resistance. As a result, the cells of peripheral tissues (muscle and fat) begin to absorb glucose from the bloodstream more efficiently.

Abundance fiber also slows down the absorption of any carbohydrates from food and, as a result, prevents the appearance of spikes in blood sugar.

Coconuts are recommended for people suffering from type I or II diabetes mellitus, as well as those with a predisposition to it. They are an effective means of preventing and controlling the course of pathologies of the glycemic background. Coconut oil is most effective.

4. They have an antioxidant effect

Coconuts are rich in antioxidants, mainly phenols. The most valuable phenols are: gallic, caffeic, salicylic and coumaric acids.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can lead to the death or malignant degeneration of any cells of the body, accelerate the aging process (the appearance of wrinkles on the face, a decrease in thickness or hair loss) and increase the likelihood of developing chronic diseases from the cardiovascular, endocrine or digestive systems.

Individual studies even underline the ability of antioxidants to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries.

Antioxidants found in Coconut essential oil, reduce the damaging effects of chemotherapeutic agents prescribed for oncology.

5. Help to lose weight

The works of American experts demonstrate that the fats, proteins and dietary fibers found in coconuts, after ingestion, can cause a feeling of satiety.

The effect is realized through reflex and neurohumoral mechanisms and is based on the suppression of hunger centers in the brain.

Research shows ( 1 , 2 ) that the use of coconut oil (about 30 ml) for 1-3 months leads to a decrease in waist size by 3 cm in men and 1.4 cm in women (without changing the level of motor activity and nutrition system).

Due to normalization of metabolism and activation of lipolysis processes, coconuts they not only reduce body weight, but also have a cosmetic effect. They block sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles, which are characteristic of rapid weight loss. That is why coconut oil is widely used in cosmetology practice.

6. Improve the health of the digestive system

Coconuts are incredibly rich source of fiber .

It is fiber, according to the information American scientists, plays a major role in maintaining the functional and anatomical integrity of all parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dietary fibers normalize the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall, ensuring timely absorption of nutrients and rapid evacuation of feces. And the abundance of fats allows better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (E, K, D, A).

Also fiber is food for friendly bacteria, which leads to an increase in their numbers. Against this background, the growth and reproduction of pathogenic representatives of the microflora is inhibited.

Separately, it should be noted that during the fermentation of dietary fibers, special short-chain fatty acids (for example, butyrate) are released. They improve metabolic processes in the mucous membrane of the large intestine, reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer.

7. Strengthen the immune system

The abundance of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, as well as some minerals (manganese) allow you to use coconuts as a powerful Immune System Stimulant .

The plant supports the production of immune cells and provides prevention of failures underlying the development of autoimmune diseases.

Selected scientific works underline the effectiveness of coconut in terms of strengthening local immunity (at the level of the large intestine), as well as direct antibacterial activity (with regard to Staphylococcus aureus).

Possible harm

Although coconuts are considered a safe product, they have contraindications and, in isolated cases, can harm humans.

The following side effects may occur:

1. Obesity. Despite the abundance of healthy fats, if consumed irrationally, coconut can lead to weight gain. The calorie content of coconuts is from 300 to 350 calories per 100 grams.
2. Allergic reactions. Isolated allergy to coconuts is an extremely rare phenomenon. Usually, cross-cases of allergic pathologies are recorded (when the body is sensitized to coconuts and other nuts at the same time). Manifestations are usually systemic and acute – by the type of anaphylaxis.

Coconuts are allowed to be consumed by women during pregnancy. There was no negative effect on the condition of the fetus and child in the first years of life.

Admission Tips

Coconuts can be consumed in several forms.

The most common option is coconut pulp and chips. They are widely used for making desserts, salads and soups, fish dishes. The fresh pulp and juice are suitable for making sauces.

Coconut can also be consumed in the form of dried (dried) candied fruits. This option allows you to quickly satisfy your hunger.

The recommended daily allowance is up to 250-300 grams.

Coconuts (in any form) are preferably eaten in the morning and during the daytime. They serve as an ideal option for breakfast or a snack. The use of the product in the evening and at night is fraught with the development of problems with going to bed due to overload of the digestive system.

Coconut oil and milk can also be used, which have been widely recognized in the culinary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They are part of the serums that slow down aging, and also serve as the basis for the manufacture of candles, creams and ointments for the face and body.

Conclusion

1. Thus, coconuts are valuable nuts rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidant substances.
2. They have a positive effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels, the endocrine system; they help to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, strengthen the immune system and lose extra pounds.
3. The main thing is to follow the recommendations for use and take into account possible health risks.