Coconuts have remained popular in tropical regions for more than 4,500 years, and Indian households have been using coconuts in different forms for generations now, so why shouldn’t you? This fruit has plenty to offer to keep you coming back for more. However, if you are still not convinced, here are seven fantastic health benefits of coconuts that will make you think otherwise.
1. Provides Good Fats
Even though coconut has healing capabilities, a lot of people are still not sure whether or not coconut oil is suitable for their health since it contains saturated fats. Pure coconut oil is extracted from ripe coconuts with hard flesh, while hydrogenated coconut oil is collected and then cold-pressed at 100-degrees Fahrenheit. You are better off with unrefined and unprocessed virgin coconut oil. Hydrogenated coconut oil should not be mistaken for extra virgin coconut oil, as the two are entirely different.
2. Coconuts Enhances Weight Loss
If you are having trouble losing weight, then you should look into consuming coconuts. Even with saturated fat, it is not as dangerous as saturated fat soaked in high calories and cholesterol. Coconut contains a medium-chain fatty acid that not only aids in weight loss but boosts metabolism at the same time. The fat burns off as energy rather than sticking to your belly. If that is not enough, it maintains a balance in your digestive tract and detoxifies your body.
Coconuts have no harmful by-products for you to worry about, even when it is heated to cook foods like other vegetable oils. The benefit of coconuts is you can cook, bake and also make some of the most delicious vegan desserts with them. Try coconut milk powder and coconut oil to cook foods.
3. Keeps You Hydrated
By consuming water found in young coconuts, you will get all the electrolytes you will ever need. It is the highest-rated source of electrolytes, which is primarily responsible for keeping your body hydrated. It will also keep your nerves and muscles functioning optimally.
4. Improves Skin Health
To keep your skin healthy and young, you need not look further than coconut oil. It contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process and protects your skin from harmful radiation from the sun. All you need to do is to apply a few drops of coconut oil on your skin. Use it before showering, so that it will be easier for the oil to be absorbed through your skin once your pores have opened up.
5. Coconuts Fight Bacteria
Coconuts contain lauric acid, which when digested forms a substance called monolaurin. These substances help fight against fungi, viruses and bacteria to keep infections at bay. They’ve even been shown to help kill the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and the yeast Candida albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans.
6. Ensures Healthy Teeth and Bones
The benefit of eating coconuts daily is it supports the development of healthy teeth and bones. By doing so, you will improve your body’s ability to absorb manganese and calcium, which is vital for bone development and can also help prevent osteoporosis, a condition responsible for making bones fragile and thin while causing loss of density. Coconuts are also an excellent alternative for people that are lactose intolerant.
7. Eliminates Scalp Infections
The antifungal and antibacterial properties that will protect the scalp from lice, dandruff and itchy scalp, which are primarily responsible for reducing hair growth.
Consuming coconuts also:
- Boosts the immune system since coconuts are anti-parasite, antibacterial, anti-viral and antifungal.
- Provides quick energy and improves athletic and physical performance.
- Considerably reduces the risk of heart diseases.
- Protects against bladder infection and kidney disease.
- Restores and maintains thyroid functionality.
- Makes you look young by preventing age spots, sagging skin and wrinkles.
Fortunately, there are a ton of recipes out there for ways you can cook various foods using coconut, so there is no way you will get bored with them. Once you stick to a coconut diet, there is no going back!