Coconut
According to New World Encyclopedia, the coconut palm is a palm tree plant, Cocos nucifera, which grows to about 30 meters tall and is widely cultivated in tropical climates. It is one of approximately 2,600 species in the palm family of Arecaceae and is the only existing species in the genus of Cocos.
The word coconut refers to the fruit of the coconut palm, which contains of a fibrous husk (mesocarp) containing a large seed or an inner stone. The term coconut can also be used to refer to the whole of the large seed covered with hard, green, fibrous endocarp or to the edible, commercially important, white and fleshy part of the seed (coconut "meat" or endosperm) which, in turn, surrounds the hollow, fluid-filled, central cavity.
The Fruit
Botanically, coconut is a simple dry nut called a fibrous drupe. The husk, or mesocarp, is made up of fibers called coir, and there is an inner stone. The hard endocarp of the stone, the outside of the coconut as sold in shops in non-tropical countries, has three germination pores (or stoma) that are clearly visible on the outside surface when the husk is removed. It is from one of these, as the embryo germinates, that the radicle emerges. The testa, with a thick albuminous endosperm (the coconut "meat"), the white and fleshy nutritious part of the seed, is attached to the inner wall of the endocarp.
Once the coconut is still green, the inside of endosperm is thin and tender, sometimes eaten as a snack. But the main reason for the nut to be picked at this point is to drink its water; the big nut contains up to one liter. The meat in young coconut is thinner and more like gelatin than mature coconut, so much so that it is often referred to as coconut jelly.
Whenever the nut matures as well as the outer husk turns brown, several months later, this will fall from the palm of its own accord. At this same time, the endosperm had thickened and hardened, while the coconut water had become somewhat bitter.
Benefits of Coconut
1. It's full of Nutrition
Unlike other fruits that are high in carbs, most coconuts provide fat. It also contain protein, a number of essential minerals and small amounts of B vitamins. However, they are not a major source of any other vitamins. The minerals found in coconut are involved in many functions in your body. Coconuts are particularly high in manganese, which is important for bone health and for the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and cholesterol. They are also rich in copper and iron, which help to form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an essential antioxidant that protects your cells.
2. Can Help our Hearts to be Healthy
Study found that people who frequently eat coconut meat have lower rates of heart disease. On the other hand this people are known to not eating much processed foods. Consuming virgin coconut oil obtained from dried coconut meat could reduce the fat content of the stomach. This is particularly advantageous because excess abdominal fat raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Eating coconut can improve cholesterol levels and help reduce stomach fat, which is a major risk factor for heart.
3. Promotes Blood Sugar Control
The insoluble fiber of coconut meat could also help slow digestion and increased insulin resistance, which could also help to regulate blood sugar levels. Coconut is low in carbs and high in amino acids, healthy fats and fiber, making it a perfect alternative for managing blood sugar.
4. Contains Antioxidants
Coconut foods contain phenolic compounds which are antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative harm. The key phenolic compounds described shall include:
*gallic acid
*caffeic acid
*salicylic acid
*p-coumaric acid
Coconut meat laboratory studies have shown that it has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging activity.
5. Perfect for Diet
Flaked or shaved, coconut adds a good flavor to the delicious dishes. Its meaty texture and taste work well with curries, fish stews, rice dishes, Ginataan (Filipino Dish), salads or even breaded shrimp. Coconut flour is used in the baking process as a replacement for wheat flour. It's gluten-free, nut-free, and a common alternative for anyone who counts carbs. Since it is grain-free, flour also is suitable for those on the paleo diet, which does not allow for grain items such as standard wheat flour.
All in all, coconut is a high-fat fruit with a wide variety of health benefits.
This include supplying you with antioxidant disease control, encouraging blood sugar regulation, and reducing some risk factors for heart disease. After all, coconut is very high in fat and calories, so monitor your portion size if you're trying to lose weight or have to adopt a low-fat diet. Whether you eat it raw, dried or flour, coconut meat is tasty and easy to add to both sweet and savory dishes.
