Coco: benefits and wonderful properties

With the arrival of heat, the "arrival" of some of the most delicious and fresh fruits of the season is much more enjoyable, given that they help not only to quench thirst, but to refresh both inside and out.

The strawberries are one of them, about which some time ago we were able to find out what some of their benefits and properties more important.

But we can also enjoy during this time coconut, a truly exotic fruit, at the same time delicious, whose juice can refresh more than one at any time.

In fact it is usual that in many markets or supermarkets we can find the Coconut juice precisely already canned or packaged, so it is not necessary to buy a coconut to enjoy its precious liquid. Of course, it is true that then we would not enjoy its main virtues and nutritional properties.

What is the coconut?

The coconut It is a fruit of tropical origin (it grows mainly in tropical areas), from theCocos nucifera L., the popular coconut palm tree, which is capable of living more than 80 years, reaching 100 years.

Although it can take up to 5 years to bear fruit, when a coconut palm reaches the adult stage, it is capable of giving each season between 50 to 100 coconuts approximately (there is nothing).

Of this fruit we can above all take advantage of its meat, of striking and characteristic white color, or the water that we find in its interior. Also, depending on how we process your meat we will obtain coconut oil, milk or cream.

For example, if we press the meat and separate its liquid we will obtain the wonderful coconut oil. If we press the meat and combine it with the coconut water we will obtain coconut milk. And if, finally, we only press the meat we will obtain coconut cream.

Did you know that it's really a nut?

Unlike what is traditionally thought, and although the coconut is considered an exotic fruit, in reality we are facing a dried fruit. More specifically, according to opinions of Directo al Paladar, we are facing the "Largest dry fruit".

And why should it be considered a nut, instead of a fruit? Fundamentally for its hard and thick skin, which we also find in smaller nuts, as for example is the case of almonds or walnuts.

All the benefits of coconut

The benefits of coconut They are certainly interesting for healthy people of all ages, especially when, and this must be said clearly, it is consumed occasionally.

Excellent nutritional contribution

This is because it enriches the diet with a very interesting series of nutrients, being a fruit very rich in iron and potassium, and ultimately in those Mineral salts that participate in the own mineralization of the bones, as they can be the calcium, the phosphorus or the magnesium.

It is also interesting its content in fiber, which confers coconut properties certainly laxative, helping in turn to reduce and lower the high cholesterol and to control blood sugar, being equally ideal for diabetics.

Regarding the different vitamins that this fruit possesses, vitamin E stands out, as we know, of important antioxidant action.

There is no evidence to show that cholesterol increases

Although it is usually said that coconut, because of its content in saturated fats, tends to raise blood cholesterol levels, the fact is that a study carried out in rodents recorded that virgin coconut oil helped to reduce both cholesterol like other blood lipids.

While another study found that after consuming coconut oil, the elevation of cholesterol tends to be more evident in the case of women, although no significant changes were observed.

In short, the coconut stands out mainly for:

Be rich in saturated fats.
Provide fiber
Contain electrolytes.

It can be consumed in diets, but ...

If you are following a diet of thinning the consumption of coconut is allowed as long as it is consumed very moderately, and never in excessive amounts (for example, two or three pieces per day).

The reason is its high content of saturated fatty acids, on the one hand, and on the other, its obvious caloric contribution.

It is ideal for example as a dessert for the little ones, or for people who are weak.

Nutritional composition of the coconut

Calories: 350 kcal.
Vitamins: C (39 mg), B1 (0.06 mg), B2 (0.18 mg).
Minerals: potassium (398 mg), phosphorus (110 mg), calcium (16 mg), iron (4 mg).
Fatty acids: polyunsaturated (1 gr), monounsaturated (4 gr), saturated fats (53 gr).

The benefits of water and coconut milk

Properties of coconut milk

The coconut milk it's a wonderful liquid that we get from the crushing of coconut meat, which in its interior accumulates an oily and very aromatic pulp of white color.

Here we summarize its main qualities:

Interesting nutritional content:From a nutritional point of view, it provides 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2.30 grams of proteins and 24 grams of fat, of which 21 grams are saturated fat. On the other hand, it stands out for its vitamin content (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, chromium and selenium) and trace elements.
Useful for diabetics:Regarding its qualities, its sugar content is really low, which together with its timid contribution in carbohydrates, becomes an ideal option for diabetics (as long as its consumption is not excessive).
Protects the body:Faced with infections and viruses, thanks to its content in lauric acid, with antibacterial and antiviral qualities.
Hepatoprotective qualities:It helps protect the liver, being very useful when it comes to enjoying good liver health.

Properties of coconut water

Meanwhile he coconut water It basically consists of the liquid that we find inside the coconut once we have split it. It is opaque - almost transparent - and its aroma is quite similar to that of the crushed meat that we obtain when making coconut milk.

Here we indicate what are its most important qualities:

Ideal against dehydration:Its high content of potassium and other mineral salts make it an excellent drink to prevent dehydration, acting in the same way that an isotonic drink would.
Strengthens defenses:If you need to strengthen your defenses, helps strengthen the immune system thanks to its content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. Therefore, it also helps to reduce fatigue and fatigue.
It helps regulate the thyroid:If you suffer from hypothyroidism, thanks to its content in natural enzymes helps stimulate the underactive thyroid.
Excellent natural digestive:It acts as a digestive tonic, improving digestion in a completely natural way.

If you want to know more about the different virtues of the coconut in all its senses we advise you to read about the coconut oil, O well how to make coconut milk. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFruit Foods