Coconut’s health benefits include improved thyroid function, better heart health, replenishing lost electrolytes, and improved skin and hair condition. Its saturated fat is made up of medium-chain triglycerides, which increase metabolism and energy. Lauric acid in coconut has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Coconut water contains electrolytes and glucose, while coconut oil is a good skin and hair moisturizer.
While coconut was once viewed as an unhealthy food high in saturated fat, the health benefits of coconut have become more apparent. The saturated fat in coconut oil and meat is a different type than the saturated fat found in products like butter or beef and may have benefits including improved thyroid function and better heart health. The walnut also contains lauric acid, which may have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Other health benefits of coconut include replenishing lost electrolytes and improving the condition of a person’s skin and hair.
The saturated fat found in coconut oil and other coconut products, such as shredded coconut, is made up of medium-chain triglycerides instead of long-chain triglycerides, which fat found in other products is made up of. , from meats to vegetable oil. . One of the health benefits of coconut is that the human body can more easily break down medium chain triglycerides than long chain triglycerides. While the body stores long-chain triglycerides, it burns medium-chain triglycerides, which increases metabolism, increases energy, and in some cases, weight loss.
Other health benefits of coconut include a reduction in the risk of heart attack in some cases. When a person eats coconut meat or uses the oil and consumes a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in animal products, they may have a reduced risk of heart disease. The fat in coconut oil does not increase LDL or bad cholesterol levels, and it may increase HDL or good cholesterol levels.
Lauric acid provides other coconut health benefits. When a person eats coconut, the body transforms lauric acid into monolaurin, a compound that destroys bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Coconut is one of the only natural sources of lauric acid. One tablespoon (15 ml) of dried, shredded coconut meat has approximately 2 grams of lauric acid, while one tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil has 7 grams. The recommended daily amount to see any benefit is between 10 and 20 grams.
Coconut water, the liquid inside the nut, contains electrolytes the body needs, such as potassium and sodium. It is also a natural source of glucose. Coconut water can be a suitable replacement for sports drinks, but because it contains sugar, it should be consumed in moderation.
Some people use coconut oil on their hair to soften and moisturize it. The oil is also an excellent skin moisturizer and can help relieve itchiness caused by dry skin. In some cases, coconut oil can help alleviate or prevent skin wrinkles.
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