Coconut is a tropical fruit that is known for its strong nutritional content. It is popular all over the world due to its abundance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals as well as its delicious taste. Coconut has long been used to treat a variety of ailments. It is still recognized today for its healing properties.
Nutritional Values
A one cup serving of shredded coconut contains 283 calories, 27 grams of fat and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are very beneficial to the body. A coconut contains no cholesterol and just 16 mg of sodium. A one cup serving consists of three grams of protein and 12 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains five grams of sugar and seven grams of fiber.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Coconut contains 60 percent of the recommended daily allowance of manganese. It also contains 8 percent of the recommended daily intake of potassium, 9 percent of phosphorus and 11 percent of iron, according to the Coconut Research Center.
Physical Benefits
Coconut is an excellent source of protein. Because of its high fat content and calorie count, coconut is often a food of choice for those trying to gain weight but still want to eat healthy. Body builders also use coconut as a high-protein food to assist in muscle building. Coconut provides long-lasting boosts of energy. It also aids in the softening of the skin, keeping the scalp and hair healthy, controlling dandruff and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Healing Properties
The meat of the coconut contains lauric acid. Lauric acid helps fight off bacteria from intestinal parasites and assists in fighting common infections ranging from the common cold to the flu, according to HealthMad.com. The water in the coconut helps to keep the bladder and kidneys functioning properly. Eating coconuts regularly helps fight gas, ulcers, constipation and various other stomach and digestive ailments. Coconut naturally contains iodine causing it to support thyroid functions and preventing an enlarged thyroid. Coconut has even been shown to dissolve kidney stones, reduce symptoms of pancreatic disorders, protect the body from osteoporosis and cancer and reduce epileptic seizures.
Drawbacks
Coconut contains a large amount of saturated fat. This fat is known to be less healthy than other fats. However, since more than half of the coconuts fatty acid comes from lauric acid, it is considered healthy in its natural form, however, it has several drawbacks when processed in unnatural ways. One example is hydrogenated coconut oil, which is altered so that the lauric acid is removed and has been proven to decrease heart health and clog arteries.
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