Coconut
Under the hard shell of the coconut lies a soft core that not only tastes good and can be used in many ways, but also contains a real powerhouse for human health. The coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm that grows widely in tropical regions of the world.
Here’s what you should know about coconut
The coconut is available all year round. It takes some effort to get to its delicious contents, and there are many ways to crack a coconut. She is an all-rounder, anything can be used that tastes good and is as beneficial to health as it is to beauty.
There are many uses for the fruit in the kitchen. It is considered a particularly popular ingredient for cooking worldwide. For this purpose, the coconut is used as rasps, as flakes or in the form of coconut milk and coconut oil . Like the pulp, the juice contains many healthy nutrients. The vitamins are vitamins B and C. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, antioxidants, amino acids and electrolytes are other important ingredients.
The electrolytes contained in coconut water are similar in quantity to those in human blood plasma. The iron content of coconut is appreciated by vegetarians and vegans. Since most of the B vitamins are contained in the coconut, it is good food for the nerves and promotes the ability to concentrate on particularly stressful days. The high vitamin E content promotes wound healing.
The saturated fatty acids help regulate cholesterol levels and contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system . Triglycerides in the nut stimulate metabolism and allow the absorption of fatty acids, which are necessary for combustion. The low glycemic index can help with weight loss. Regular consumption of coconut and coconut oil improves sugar levels in diabetics.
The high calcium and magnesium content is essential for bone formation and dental health . Magnesium protects and strengthens muscles , including the heart muscle . It also protects against cramps and is very popular with athletes. Anyone who regularly consumes coconut is doing something to counteract senile dementia. The ingredients of the coconut are also counted on as protection against cancer .
importance to health
Of the fatty acids it contains, lauric acid is considered to be one of the healthiest, being the most abundant in laurel oil and the second most abundant in coconut oil. The good properties of lauric acid were known as early as the Middle Ages. Today the antimicrobial and antiparasitic effect is secured.
Lauric acid can destroy the outer membrane of viruses , which is made up of lipids. The viruses dissolve. Breast milk contains lauric acid. It can therefore be recommended to use coconut oil during pregnancy to ensure that the protective properties against viruses, bacteria , fungi , etc. are available to mother and child to a sufficient extent. Lauric acid is also said to have a deterrent effect against ticks, which is said to even occur in animals.
Ingredients & nutritional values
Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut and is an extremely healthy oil with a neutral taste that is ideal for cooking, frying and baking. Coconut oil is not liquid like you would expect oil to be. It is the only oil that is solid at room temperature. The melting point is 25°C.
However, the coconut oil can be heated up to a temperature of 210° C without damage. It liquefies at body temperature and for this reason cannot build up in the arteries. Coconut oil lowers LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, and raises HDL, the “good” cholesterol.
Coconut not only works from the inside, coconut oil is an important component in many care products. It is hypoallergenic and is used in body lotions and creams, among other things. It is also often used pure as a body oil, as it has a moisturizing and regulating effect on the skin’s oily film.
Other uses of coconut oil in body care are hair care products. The oil in hair treatments and conditioners gives the hair moisture, suppleness and shine. Another possibility for use in body care are massage oils.
Calories and nutrients (per 100g) | ||
kilocalories/kilojoules | 361 kcal/ 1510 kj | |
protein | 4,62 g | |
carbohydrates | 4,78 g | |
Fett | 36,50 g | |
Water | 43,92 g | |
fiber | 9,00 g | |
Vitamin E | 700 µg |
intolerances
Rarely, however, there can be allergies to coconut. If this is the case, they usually go away on their own during puberty . People who suffer from a nut allergy also usually tolerate coconut well. If you are lactose intolerant, coconut milk is a healthy alternative that is well tolerated. In the countries of origin it is even used for baby food.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying coconuts, shake them, if they gurgle inside, then they are in optimal condition. If not used immediately, they are best stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. There they stay fresh for a few weeks.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.