What Are The Benefits Of Shredded Coconut?

The coconut is an unusual fruit. Growing on palm trees in a variety of tropical locations across the globe, it provides a liquid centre and a solid edible layer known as the coconut meat. The endosperm of the plant, this coconut meat may be eaten raw, pressed into milk or shredded. The shredded variety, which arrives in shops dried, contains all the insoluble fiber of the the raw form with all of the oil content. Coconut oil has caught health-conscious consumers' attention for its health benefits, which include beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, immune function and fighting the battle of the bulge.

Increased Metabolism

Unlike other fats, medium-chain fatty acids travel directly from the intestines to the liver. Dr. Bruce Fife, a physician and the author of The Coconut Oil Miracle, explains that this process increases the rate at which fatty acids reach the liver, which increases the activity of fat-burning enzymes. These changes result in an upregulation of fat burning, which can increase energy and raise the metabolic rate. Dr. Fife points out that the regular consumption of coconut products that contain coconut oil can prove extremely useful for those attempting to lose weight. Consuming shredded coconut several times a day may yield the best results.

Cardiovascular Risk

Although you may consider saturated fats an unhealthy choice, those found in coconut oil can actively lower your cardiovascular risk. Shredded coconut contains around 60 percent oil by weight, making it an excellent source of this compound. Researchers from the Weston A. Price Foundation found that consumption of the oil could reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a), all considered risk markers for cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein(a) seems particularly useful as a marker for risk, as it directly relates to the level of damage sustained by the arteries. The polyphenols contained within coconut can inhibit the formation of oxidized cholesterol, believed to cause damage to the arteries.

Immune Support

Whether you are feeling rundown, are recovering from illness or wish to rid yourself of a chronic fungal infection, shredded coconut can help boost your immune system function. Dr. Fife points out that the medium-chain fatty acids contained within the oil demonstrate a potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect, making them an excellent all-purpose boost for the immune system. The physician notes that traditional tropical islanders often increase their intake of coconut at the first signs of illness. Of these special fatty acids, caprylic acid seems most suited to killing off yeast and fungi, whereas lauric acid demonstrates a powerful anti-bacterial effect.