Coconut fruit is a popular fruit that comes from tropical regions. Since around 4500 years, coconuts have been used by residents of tropical countries in various ways. Coconut fruit has many things to offer, including the benefits of coconut for health.
Coconut is a fruit of a coconut tree (Cocos nucifera). Coconut fruit is used as a drink, juice / oil, oil, and delicious meat is also consumed. Young coconut fruit besides having high economic value, the flesh has a good nutritional composition, including containing fatty acids and essential amino acids that are needed by the body.
Whereas coconut water besides being consumed as a fresh drink also contains various minerals, vitamins, sugar, and essential amino acids so that it can be categorized as a highly nutritious soft drink and can cure various diseases.
The following are 5 benefits of coconut for your health that you need to know.
1. Rich in Nutrition
The first health benefits of coconuts are found in their rich nutritional content. Unlike many other fruits that are high in carbohydrates, coconuts contain mostly fat. Coconut fruit also contains protein, several important minerals, and a small amount of vitamin B.
The mineral content in coconuts is involved in many functions in your body. Coconut fruit contains manganese which is very high. Which, manganese is very important for bone health and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. Coconut fruit is also rich in copper and iron, which helps form red blood cells, and selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells.
Most of the fat in coconuts is in the form of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Your body metabolizes MCT differently from other types of fat, absorbs it directly from the small intestine and uses it quickly for energy.
2. Good for heart health
The benefits of coconut for the second health is to support the health of your heart. Studies by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry have found that people who live on the Polynesian islands and often eat coconut meat have lower rates of heart disease than those who follow the Western diet.
Another study conducted by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry on 1,837 Filipino women found that those who consumed more coconut oil not only had higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels but also higher LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Overall, it was concluded that coconut oil has a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. Consuming pure coconut oil, which is extracted from dried coconut meat, can reduce belly fat. This is very beneficial because excess belly fat can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
3. Help Control Blood Sugar
The third health benefit of coconuts is to help control blood sugar in the body. Coconut fruit is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber and fat, so it can help stabilize your blood sugar.
One study in animals (mice) by the Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala India found that coconuts have antidiabetic effects, which may be due to their arginine content. Arginine is an amino acid that is important for the function of pancreatic cells, which release the hormone insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels.
The high fiber content of coconut flesh can also help slow down digestion and increase insulin resistance, which can help regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
4. Contains Strong Antioxidants
The fourth health benefit of coconuts is their strong antioxidant content. Coconut meat contains phenolic compounds, antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage. The main phenolic compounds identified include:
gallic acid
caffeic acid
salicylic acid
p-coumaric acid
5. Help Lose Weight
The fifth health benefit of coconuts is to help you lose weight, so it is good to add to your diet. Coconut fruit can add a delicious savory taste to a variety of savory dishes. In addition, shredded coconut can also be used as a topping for a variety of sweet foods such as cakes, muffins and breads.
Sprinkling of grated raw coconut fruit can also add texture and tropical-style taste to oatmeal. Can also be added to the pudding or yogurt for a delicious calorie enhancer for someone who wants to gain weight. Coconut flour is also widely used in making bread as a substitute for flour. Gluten-free coconut flour and a popular choice for those of you who avoid carbohydrates.
