COCONUT AND ITS DERIVATIVES

Coconut and its derivatives like coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut oil, coconut water, coconut flakes and coconut flesh are all commonly consumed by us, but the question arises – Are they healthy? This article talks about the health benefits of coconut and how to make it a part of your diet.

Coconut Oil: It is solid at room temperature and rich in saturated fatty acids (like Lauric acid – a medium-chain triglyceride) which helps to boost metabolism and enhance weight loss along with improving HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It can also be used to improve skin health as it contains antioxidants that slow down the ageing process, help prevent skin sagging, wrinkles, age spots, and protects our skin from harmful sun radiation.

Coconut Milk: It is rich and creamy made from coconut flesh and water. It is a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. Switch to the “ lite” version if trying to cut down on your calorie intake as it has a high-fat content.

Coconut Water: It is low in calories, rich in electrolytes (like sodium, potassium) and great for hydration. Coconut water has a good amount of potassium and sodium (electrolytes lost with sweat). It also helps to keep up with optimal muscle and nerve functioning.

Coconut Flour: It is gluten-free and has a good amount of fibre. This flour is great for diabetic patients as it has a low glycemic index and does not increase blood sugar levels. It is low in carbs and ideal for baking.

Coconut Flesh: The inner white lining of the coconut fruit is called the flesh. It contains good healthy fats and helps restore oxidative tissue damage. Coconut flesh comes in several forms – fresh, flaked and dried. Adding coconut in any form supports the development of healthy bones and teeth.

In conclusion, coconut can be added to your diet in any form as it provides good healthy fats, improves digestion and absorption of nutrients. The Lauric acid content in the coconut leads to the formation of monolaurin upon digestion which helps fight against bacteria, viruses and any kind of fungi. Consuming coconut aids to boost our immune system, maintains thyroid functioning and enhances skin health.

Note: Unrefined or unprocessed virgin coconut oil is safe for consumption and should not be confused with hydrogenated coconut oil, which is bad for health and should completely be avoided in your daily diet.