Coconuts: Top 5 Coconut Benefits + How to Eat

Coconuts are considered one of the healthiest fruits in the world, and for good reason. They are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants and important micronutrients. Today, coconut is used in a number of food products, including coconut oil, flour, milk and water.

The fruit can be found in just about every aisle of the grocery store in one way or another.

The fruit packed with nutrients, including medium-chain triglycerides that have several health benefits. It’s a quick source of energy for the body and helps fight infections and chronic disease.

Types of Coconut Products

There are several types of products made from coconut, and they all serve different purposes in cooking and body care. Here’s a breakdown of what forms of the fruit you’ll find at your local store:

• Coconut meat: The inner white lining of the outer husk is the meat. It’s firm and can be scraped from the inside and eaten raw or used to make other coconut products, like oil, milk and flour. Dried coconut meat is often used as a snack or added to baked goods, yogurt parfaits and more.
• Coconut oil: Made by pressing dried or fresh coconut meat, coconut oil is made up of fats in the fruit that become liquid when temperatures hit about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Coconut oil for skin, hair and cooking is very popular because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Coconut milk: The liquid (also called coconut cream) found inside mature coconut meat, coconut milk contains natural fatty acids and can be used in smoothies, baked goods and sauces for a creamy texture. It can be found boxed and in cans at most grocery stores but can also be made at home. To make coconut milk, chop and blend the meat until it creates a thick liquid, then strain it.
• Coconut flour: It’s not actually “flour” but made from ground and dried coconut meat to create a flour-like texture that can be used in baking. Coconut flour doesn’t contain any grains, and it’s a favorite among gluten-free and Paleo dieters. It has become widely available in grocery stores and can be used to make pancakes, muffins, cookies and other goods that require a floury substance.
• Coconut water: The clear liquid found inside a young, green coconut, coconut water contains vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Coconut water is consumed for electrolyte replacement and supporting detoxification.
• Coconut butter: Not your typical butter, coconut butter is made from the fruit’s meat when it’s ground to create a butter-like consistency. It can be used as a topping to baked goods or in recipes to provide a creamy texture.
• Coconut sugar: Although not from the coconut fruit, coconut sugar is made from the sap of the palm tree’s flower bud stem. The sap is boiled and dehydrated, leaving behind brown-colored sweet granules that can be used in baking and cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Coconuts are rich in nutrients, namely healthy medium-chain fatty acids. The three fats most abundantly found in them include caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid.

Unlike long-chain fatty acids found in plant-based oils, medium-chain fats are easier to digest, provide immediate energy and aren’t readily stored as fat.

One cup (about 80 grams) of shredded raw coconut meat contains roughly the following:

• 283 calories
• 12.2 grams carbohydrates
• 2.7 grams protein
• 26.8 grams fat
• 7.2 grams fiber
• 1.2 milligrams manganese (60 percent DV)
• 0.3 milligrams copper (17 percent DV)
• 8.1 micrograms selenium (12 percent DV)
• 1.9 milligrams iron (11 percent DV)
• 90.4 milligrams phosphorus (9 percent DV)
• 285 milligrams potassium (8 percent DV)
• 0.9 milligrams zinc (6 percent DV)
• 25.6 milligrams magnesium (6 percent DV)
• 20.8 micrograms folate (5 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligrams thiamine (4 percent DV)
• 2.6 milligrams vitamin C (4 percent DV)

Benefits

Coconut is a versatile food that can be added to a variety of recipes, from breakfast to baked goods and sauces. In recent years, more and more food products are made with coconut, especially as a healthy alternative to conventional products made with plant-based oils and wheat flour.

Here are some of the top coconut benefits:

1. Provides Energizing Healthy Fats

A majority of the fats in this fruit are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which metabolize in the body differently than other types of fats. MCTs serve as an immediate source of energy that goes through a three-step process to be turned into fuel, as opposed to long-chain fatty acids that go through a 26-step process.

MCTs are easier to digest, and they’re smaller in size, allowing for easier cell permeability. These fats aren’t stored as fat. They’re processed by the liver and converted into energy immediately.

Additionally, the healthy fats help improve brain and memory function, reduce inflammation, and may help improve levels of good (HDL) cholesterol. Recent research also suggests that eating MCTs may reduce your calorie intak compared to the effects of long-chain fatty acid consumption.

2. Rich in Manganese

Coconut is an excellent source of manganese, an essential mineral that’s needed for several body functions. Studies indicate that manganese supports bone health, cognitive function and the respiratory system. It also helps maintain healthy iron levels, speeds up wound healing and helps with weight loss.

3. Has Antibacterial Effects

Coconut contains lauric acid, which has been found to have antibacterial properties. Lauric acid is a particular type of fatty acid that has impressive immune-enhancing effects. It converts to monolaurin in the body, which is known as a powerful antibacterial agent.

For this reason, coconut is often used on hair, skin and teeth to kill bacteria, and it can be eaten to inhibit bacterial infections, such as staph or food poisoning. Additionally, lauric acid and other fats help fight fungal and viral infections.

4. Provides Fiber

Coconut is a good source of fiber, which helps regulate healthy digestion, reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and strengthen the colon walls. Eating high-fiber foods also supports healthy blood sugar control and prevents insulin resistance.

5. Contains Powerful Antioxidants

Consuming coconut has proven to improve human antioxidant status, meaning it helps prevent fat and protein oxidation that can lead to disease. The main antioxidants found in coconuts include caffeic acid, salicylic acid and gallic acid. These help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.

Risks and Side Effects

A coconut allergy is possible, but it’s rare. If you experience allergy symptoms, such as itchiness, redness, swelling or trouble breathing, stop consuming coconuts immediately.

Just because a product is made with coconuts doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Many items, including dried coconut and coconut oils, may be bleached, refined, chemically processed or include added ingredients, like sugars and preservatives. Make sure to read the label carefully and choose products made from extra virgin coconut oil whenever possible.

This fruit is high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation. A little goes a long way and will boost energy levels almost immediately, but don’t overeat foods made with it.

How to Open a Coconut (Plus Recipes)

Coconuts have a hard outer husk that protects the nutritious fruit meat inside. It may seem nearly impossible to open, but there is a method that makes it much easier.

A mature coconut has a hard shell with brown hairy fibers on the outside. If you’re choosing one to purchase, make sure there are no cracks or moldy areas.

Here’s how to open one:

1. To open it, start by poking three holes into one end with a clean skewer or screwdriver. This is to release the water, so you’ll want to place a cup underneath to empty the fruit.
2. Next, hold the coconut with a kitchen towel, and using a clean hammer or mallet, tap the equator of the fruit, going all the way around until it cracks in half. Then use the mallet to break the fruit into a few large pieces.
3. Finally, use a butter knife to lift the meat away from the shell. If there’s any brown skin left behind, use a peeler to remove it.

Now you have fresh coconut meat and water! The meat can be grated or chopped to make an excellent topping or snack.

Wondering about other ways to use coconut products? Here’s a rundown of food and body care recipes to get you started …

Food Recipes:

• Coconut Flour Pancakes
• Coconut Yogurt Chia Seed Smoothie Bowl
• Chocolate Caramel Coconut Flour Brownies
• Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
• Coconut Kefir

Body Care Recipes:

• Homemade Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Coconut Milk
• Homemade Coconut Lavender Shampoo
• Coconut Pulling For Healthy Teeth and Gums
• DIY Hair Mask for Damaged Hair
• DIY Coffee Scrub

Conclusion

• Coconut is known as one of the healthiest foods on the planet, which is why it’s used to make several healthy food and body products. From coconut oil to coconut milk and flour, there are many forms of the fruit out there.
• It is consumed around the world because it’s loaded with nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber and minerals like manganese. It also aids digestion, boosts bone and brain health, and help fight bacteria.
• It can be used in recipes, on your skin and hair, and even to clean your teeth.