Coconut – Delicious And Healthy!

This is a very versatile and healthy food that should be enjoyed regularly.

The coconut can be prepared in different ways, the pulp and coconut milk (very refreshing) taste delicious and are very versatile.

Grated coconut meat gives desserts a very special taste and is easily available.

The coconut has numerous uses, both in the kitchen and for therapeutic treatment. You can find out more about this topic below.

What are the properties of the coconut?

In tropical countries, coconut is very popular for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-parasitic properties.

In addition, this exotic fruit may help reduce blood sugar, protect the liver and strengthen the immune system.

The most important active ingredients of this plant are in the seed, which when ripe contains numerous vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are very important for our health.

Coconut provides calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, selenium, iodine, zinc, fluorine, manganese and other elements. 

The coconut is one of the dried fruits in which the seeds are consumed. It is large in size and contains a liquid inside that is known as coconut milk.

Inside it is white, the outer shell is brown in color. Many use this dried fruit in anti-stress diets, for weight loss, against osteoporosis and fluid retention as well as for cardiovascular problems.

The fruit of the athlete

Coconut milk is highly recommended for those who exercise on a daily basis. This supposedly has numerous health-promoting properties:

• Moisture supply : Coconut milk contains a high proportion of water and minerals, which ensure a good hydration. It is recommended for both daily training and competitions. This delicious drink is low in sugar and low in fat. It is very popular in hot countries as it is a good thirst quencher.

• Has a remineralizing effect : Due to the many minerals, coconut may help regulate muscle tone and improve heart functions.
• Has an antioxidant effect : Some of the minerals contained in this dried fruit (e.g. selenium and zinc) are said to have a strong antioxidant effect. This is why this plant is also widely used in creams and other beauty products, as well as sunscreens.
• Has an energizing effect : Coconut is highly recommended after a strenuous day and a lot of physical activity or during strenuous heat. You can use coconut milk in fruit juices (with oranges, grapefruit, bananas, etc.) or in shakes.
• Regulates blood pressure: thanks to the saturated fatty acids it contains, this plant provides us with excellent energy reserves. These are mainly found in the pulp and coconut milk.

Good for the heart

Coconut milk (inside the still unripe coconut) is low in fat and sugar, but contains many minerals and trace elements. In tropical countries, where this plant is very common, the fresh juice is consumed, but coconut milk can also be bought in bottles.

Drinking coconut milk may help reduce high blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. In addition, coconut milk is highly recommended for diabetes and hypoglycemia.

However, if you suffer from these conditions, you should still seek advice from your doctor beforehand.

Interesting facts about coconut oil

Coconut oil is also made from coconuts. After breast milk, this is the food richest in fatty acids. It helps to strengthen the immune system and in the fight against bacteria, inflammation and viruses.

The information about the effects of coconut oil is still insufficient. It is possible that the natural coconut oil (not the hydrogenated one) promotes our general health and lowers the cholesterol in the blood.

It also supposedly stimulates the metabolism, helps with weight loss and prevents secondary thyroid problems.

Coconut oil may protect the heart cells and may also relieve menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome.

Coconut milk – other positive properties

Coconut milk is not only good for cardiovascular complaints, it is very similar to breast milk in terms of detoxifying properties.

It cleanses the liver of dangerous substances. Coconut milk is also recommended for internal body hygiene, as it contains vitamin C, natural sugar and minerals.

It helps with nausea, gas and urinary tract problems. Coconut milk also has a dehydrating effect and cleanses the kidneys.

Coconut milk helps to stabilize kidney and liver functions, is good for digestion and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Coconut milk is also extremely valuable for the pancreas and the enzyme systems as well as bladder problems and the hydration of the skin.

Coconut during pregnancy

Fans of naturopathy recommend that pregnant women consume coconut milk and pulp. Both have numerous active ingredients that are very healthy for expectant mothers and provide them with vitamins and energy.

It is a natural isotonic drink that keeps our bodies hydrated while preventing the ankles from swelling, which is common in pregnant women.

Coconut is particularly recommended for an adequate supply of fluids during pregnancy.

Coconut also strengthens the immune system and therefore prevents diseases. This is particularly important during pregnancy, as as little medication as possible should be taken. The baby’s defenses in the stomach would also be strengthened.

Coconut is also a good precaution against heartburn and nausea, complaints that often occur during pregnancy. Coconut is also a good home remedy for constipation.

Talk to your doctor about whether he or she recommends consuming coconut for you too.

Images courtesy of Chandrika Nair, Celine Nadeau, Jeffery Wong, John Revo Puno, Montse PB