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Coconut (coco Nucifera) is a fruit that is mostly confused for a nut. It belongs to the palm family, grown in abundance in most parts of the world.
A palm tree produces coconut up to 13 times in a year. Although it takes a year for the coconut to mature, a fully blossomed tree can produce between 60 to 180 coconuts in a single harvest.
The coconut has different parts – the water, the milk, flesh, oil, husk, and even the leaves – all of it is beneficial to health, beauty maintenance, and adds to the aesthetic in works of art.
For example, the coconut flesh is highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B5, B6 and minerals, including Iron, Selenium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorous.
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Similarly, unlike cow milk, coconut milk is lactose-free, so it can be used by those with lactose intolerance.
In enjoying your coconut, you are not restricted to just eating it as fruits before or after a meal. There are many other ways of enjoying it. You can enjoy it as a whole meal. For example, coconut soup or coconut swallow, depending on your meal choice.
You could also use it as a spice when preparing a meal like coconut rice, snacks, trying out something new is also plus.
The health benefits in eating coconuts are numerous, hence the emphasis by a nutritionist to treat the body to coconut at regular intervals. Some of the benefits that come with eating coconuts include:
- Highly nutritious: coconuts contain carbohydrates, protein, fat and other nutrients. Manganese in coconut is essential for bone health. It is also rich in Iron and Copper, which form red blood cells.
- It has healthy fat that can help those who want to lose weight. It also helps reduce belly fat. Excess belly fat increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Coconut may promote blood sugar control: Coconut is low in carbs and high in fibre and healthy fat, so it may help stabilize blood sugar.
- Contains powerful antioxidants: Polyphenol antioxidants present in coconut, protect cells from damage, which may reduce the risk of contracting diseases.
- Prevents dehydration: The water in young coconuts is high in electrolytes. Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated, so the muscles and nerves can function well.
- Coconut water is used to regulate blood pressure in some cases.
- Coconut water contains cytokinins and Lauric acid, which can minimize the ageing of skin cells, balance PH levels.
- Coconut oil is good for the skin and the hair.
Whatever the reason for eating a coconut may be, it is important to state that medical advice should be sought before using coconut as a treatment option for health-related concerns.
Moderation is also the right word when consuming coconut as it also contains calories. So if you are watching your weight, keep your portion small. If you have high cholesterol or at the risk of heart disease, it is advised you seek advice before indulging in coconut.
