Category: Health benefits of coconuts

10 Reasons Why Coconut Oil Is Good for Your Health

Leave a comment

Coconut oil has many health benefits and has been in use for many years. Very popular in tropical countries where coconut trees flourish near the ocean or sea, these fruits and their oil have gained acceptance over the years from the locals and nutritionists.

coconut oil
Image courtesy of Phú Thịnh Co

A number of studies have been conducted to research on their nutritional properties with positive results. 

Coconut oil is extracted from the white fleshy part of the mature coconut fruit. It can be used in cooking and other purposes. The white fleshy part is pressed either manually or mechanically to extract coconut oil. 
Health Benefits of Coconuts
The following are ten reasons why coconut oil is good for your health:
1. It aids in the digestion process and the proper functioning of the bowel system. This is because coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids which help in killing bacteria and fungi present in the stomach which inhibit digestion. This also helps in preventing constipation. 
2. It helps in preventing obesity and overweight related complications because the saturated fatty acids are easily converted by the liver into energy and not into fat deposits like other oils. It is the accumulated fat deposits which normally lead to obesity. 
3. The conversion of fats into energy increases the rate of metabolism and cell regeneration. Cell regeneration refers to the formation of new body cells to replace old and worn out cells. 
4. Coconut oil helps in the normal functioning of the heart. It contains safe saturated fatty acids which unlike other oils do not clog the heart and have low cholesterol levels. This ensures that the heart functions properly and can pump blood to the rest of the body without being overworked.
5. It helps in the assimilation of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the body which help in protecting the body against harmful bacteria and strengthening bones.
6. It helps in improving the functioning of the immune system. This is because coconut oil is composed of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. This helps in fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses which cause diseases like herpes, influenza, measles and hepatitis. 
7. Since the saturated fatty acids found in coconut oil are easily converted into energy, this speeds up the functioning of the liver thereby reducing its workload and preventing diseases associated with the liver.
8. Coconut oil improves the secretion of insulin which is important in the regulation of the amount of glucose in the blood. It is very useful to patients suffering from diabetes. Coconut oil therefore aids in reducing the likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease.
9. Coconut oil is used in treating both internal and external infections. It has antibacterial properties that help in faster healing of skin infections, cuts and bruises as well as throat and urinary tract infections. It also helps in the repair of damages cells.
10. Coconut oil is used in preventing wrinkles and sagging of the skin. It can be applied to the entire body in place of a body lotion. It supports the natural chemical balance of the skin and makes it soft and reduces flaking.
In conclusion, coconut oil is very nutritious and provides many health benefits. Many nutritionists and health experts recommend the use of this oil for cooking, as a salad dressing and as medicine for treating various ailments.

Nutritional Health Benefits of Coconuts

Leave a comment

There are many benefits of coconuts both financially and nutritionally. They are vastly found growing naturally in coastal areas. The trees are usually tall and slender with no branches making them difficult to climb for inexperienced persons. Notches are made on the trunk so that one uses them to reach the top.

The entire coconut tree is very useful, from the coconut fruits to the trunks and leaves. However, the part most useful for health purposes is the coconut fruit.

Coconut Milk
The fruits are used to extract coconut milk, popularly known as tui in East Africa. The white fleshy part of the coconut can be eaten as it is. It could also be grated and from it coconut milk produced. The milk is very nutritious and has many health benefits. It is widely used in making snacks, confectioneries and other baked foods. It makes them more delicious and gives a yummy taste.

Grated coconut is mixed with some warm water to make coconut milk. It can be stored for longer periods of time in a refrigerator and used when need arises. It is used a lot in cooking rice dishes, stews and cereals among others.

Coconut milk is a good source of minerals, fiber and vitamins. Studies in modern science have shown that coconuts aid in digestion and the absorption of nutrients. They help in healing ulcers, throat infections, urinary truck infections and gum related diseases.

Coconut Oil
Traditionally, grated coconut was left to dry then used to produce coconut oil. This is still practiced in some parts of the world where the grated coconuts are dried by continued exposure to sunlight. It has a distinct smell that differentiates it from other oils and can be used for cooking, beauty and medical purposes.

Coconut oil is believed to possess many healing properties. It has been used for many years to treat skin infections, rashes, bruises, lice and earaches. A small drip is put into the ear to reduce pain. In some parts of the world it is applied to wounds and has been viewed as a very valuable healing agent.

Coconut oil is widely used for beauty purposes. It can be used on its own and applied to the skin or it can be mixed with other beauty products. It softens the skin and helps reduce dryness and flaking. It is believed to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays from the sun. It also helps in making the hair look more beautiful and healthy and prevents dandruff.

In addition, coconut oil is used in cooking and studies have shown that it contains low levels of cholesterol. It is therefore a healthy oil and reduces the risks of heart diseases. It also aids in tissue healing and repair, and protects against kidney diseases.

Coconut Water
Coconut water is different from coconut milk. Coconut water is the colourless fluid found inside the fruit while coconut milk must be made from the while fleshy parts of the fruit. Coconut water or madafu is mostly drank when the coconut has not fully ripened to be grated.

It is a refreshing drink and is rich in potassium and sodium. It also helps in boosting energy levels. It is not alcoholic and can be drank by anyone including children. The top part of the coconut fruit is normally chopped off and a drinking straw inserted. It is very common to see tourists enjoying the drink whenever they visit the coastal regions.

In conclusion, coconuts are highly nutritious and afford many benefits to the body, both inside and out. Fresh coconuts provide more of these benefits than canned ones.