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Coconut oil is a by-product made of coconut meat. Once the meat of the coconut seed is dried, which is known as copra, it is processed to produce the coconut oil.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
It is mostly used for cooking, in particular for frying, because it is heat stable, thus suitable for cooking in high temperatures. Coconut oil oxidizes slowly and has a shelf life of approximately two years or more. Aside from that, coconut oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry.
Although coconut oil is high in saturated fat, thus claimed to be unhealthy, this oil is one of the healthiest oils in the world.
Coconut oil is popular due to its antioxidant properties. The oil protects the body from harmful free radicals and when applied topically, it helps form the chemical barrier on the skin, thus protects it from infections. Because of the antibacterial agents, coconut oil is a perfect anti-aging moisturizer. Due to vitamin E, the oil also protects the skin. It has been proven that oil help treats psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Due to the medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil protects from the sun.
Coconut oil showed a great result in the researches regarding blood sugar control. This oil improves insulin use and boosts thyroid function, thus increase metabolism and energy.
As for the cholesterol, it has been proven that coconut oil increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Fatty acids in coconut oil are responsible for hair care. They have a small molecular structure, thus pass into the hair’s cell membrane easily and freely, and that way, they allow the oil to penetrate the hair’s shaft. When used regularly for scalp massage, coconut oil helps kill fungus and eliminate dandruff. To protect the hair, one can apply a teaspoon or two of coconut oil on damp hair. The oil should remain on the hair as long as possible for an ultra shine.
Another research showed that due to the type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil is essential in diets for healthy weight loss. Due to these healthy fats, metabolism can speed up, and the energy can burn faster.
Although there are no known side effects of coconut oil, some can suffer from diarrhea if they are used to a low-fat diet. An adult should consume around 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil on a daily bases.
Health Benefits of Coconuts Water
If the coconut plant is called “Tree of Life,” without any doubt, we can say that the coconut water is a miraculous energizing beverage.
Coconut water is clear and sweet liquid and it is found inside young green coconuts that are harvested when they are about 5-7 months of age. The significance of this freshwater is that it has not been pasteurized; therefore, it contains the enzymes that detoxify and repair the body, and chemicals such as sugar, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamin, minerals, cytokine and phytohormones. Although the quantity of coconut water depends on the cultivator, almost every nut may contain about 200 to 1000 ml of water. If younger coconuts are harvested, the water is bitter and devoid of nutrients.
Because coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes such as potassium, it is necessary for proper body hydration. The electrolytes are also needed for proper muscle contraction and energy generation. 100 ml of coconut water contains 250 mg of potassium and 105 mg of sodium, and a small amount of vitamin C. Due to these characteristics, many sportsmen and athletes prefer coconut water to any other sports drink.
Health Benefit of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a juice obtained from the white kernel. It is a very delicious drink rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Vitamin C and E are immune system boosters, and B vitamins provide energy to the cells.
It should be necessary for every kitchen because it is versatile and packed with minerals such as sodium, selenium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. For instance, magnesium is necessary for biochemical functions in the body, potassium maintains the tissue of the brain, heart and muscles, and phosphorus is for strong bones and teeth. It is also important to remember that coconut milk has a fat content of around 17 percent. When coconut milk is refrigerated, coconut crème will rise at the top.
Coconut milk is a good substitute for coffee milk.
Coconut milk is excellent for relieving stress and nervousness.
It is excellent for skin elasticity and healthy hair, and as a skin moisturizer.
Coconut milk fights infections due to lauric acid.
Coconut milk controls weight and blood sugar levels.
Coconut milk is excellent for vegans, vegetarians and lactose-intolerant people.
What is Coconut Kefir?
Kefir is a natural drink that is rich in bacteria that helps digestion and immune system. It is usually made from dairy base, cow or ship’s milk and is fermented with kefir grains. During the process of fermentation, sugars transform to beneficial probiotics, which are making this drink such a powerful remedy.
Then, what is coconut kefir? It is a healthy tonic made from coconut water or juice of young coconuts and kefir grains. This tonic is ideal because it is low in sugar and calories, and fat and gluten-free, and easy to make.
Coconut kefir is a natural source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
Coconut kefir is good for the entire digestive tract.
Coconut kefir is a cleansing tonic for the liver and endocrine system.
Coconut kefir improves metabolism and absorption of nutrients.
After the information mentioned above, those who are not used to consume coconuts or some of its product should seriously consider it.
Reference
Calbom, C. And Calbom J. (2006). The Coconut Diet: The Secret Ingredient That Helps You Lose Weight While You Eat Your Favorite Foods. Grand Central Life & Style.
Daniels, S. (2013). Coconut Oil Cures (Miracle healers From the Kitchen). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Fife, B. and Dayrit, C.S. (2005). Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut. Piccadilly Books.
Fife, B. (2008). Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body through Oral Cleansing. Piccadilly Books.
Fife, B. (2008). Coconut Water for Health and Healing. Piccadilly Books.
Gursche, S. (2008). Coconut Oil: Discover the Key to Vibrant Health (Alive Natural Health Guides). Book Publishing Company.
Foale, M. (2003). The Coconut Odyssey the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life. Asian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
Image credit: DepositPhotos.com
Last article update:7/28/2019
