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Coconuts are a tropical fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years. That’s because health-conscious people are doing more than just eating the meaty fruit of the palm tree, they are drinking and cooking with coconut milk, coconut water and coconut oil, according to WebMD.
The coconut palm which is nicknamed “the tree of life” because all of its parts can be used for something – eating, drinking, making mats from the fronds or even building houses from its trunk – originated in Southeast Asia and India.
Today coconuts grow in tropical regions around the world. Besides the culinary uses, coconuts also come with significant health benefits too. Here are five ways that coconuts are good for you.
Highly nutritious
Coconuts are not high in carbs like many fruits and contains 2.66 grams of protein, 7.2 grams of fiber, vitamin C and many essential minerals including iron, manganese, magnesium, and copper. Coconut also contains selenium, an important antioxidant that helps to protect your cells. While coconuts are high in fat, most of it is medium-chain fatty acids that metabolize differently than those found in meat. These healthy fats are good for your brain function and other functions.
Contains potent antioxidants
The meat of the coconut contains phenolic compounds that are powerful antioxidants, according to Healthline. These antioxidants help protect your cells from free radicals and the oxidative stress they cause, which contribute to chronic diseases. Some of the antioxidants found in this tropical fruit can also protect against DNA damage.
Has antibacterial properties
Coconut oil has also been found to block the growth of some bacteria strains like Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infections and strains that are related to food borne illnesses.
There are also antimicrobial properties of coconut meat that may help prevent infections related to root canals and other dental procedures, according to WebMD. So while it is not a replacement for proper dental care, coconut can help kill some of the bacteria that is found in your mouth. You can also use coconut on your skin.
Good for your bones
The manganese in coconut oil is good for your bones, according to The Joint Chiropractic website. That’s because the acids in the oil helps your body to absorb minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and calcium, that are necessary for bone health and strength. This is especially good for women to help prevent osteoporosis.
Helps with blood control
Since coconuts are low in carbs and rich in fiber, Healthline suggests that they could be beneficial for blood sugar control for diabetics. The high fiber content could also slow digestion and improve insulin resistance which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
A 2021 randomized trial with 48 participants studied the effects of replacing other fats with virgin coconut oil and found that the people who consumed the coconut oil had reduced fasting blood sugar counts after four weeks.
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