Coconut: benefits and harms to the human body

Most people living north of the Equator perceive coconut as something incomprehensible and exotic. But this overseas "tough nut" has a lot of unique properties. Its snow-white flesh and clear milk are able to fully satisfy the needs of the human body in nutrients, including vitamins. But, in addition to a whole set of healthy components, coconut has a pleasant taste. In other words, this mysterious fruit is quite capable of being both a pharmacy, an autonomous power station, a rich pantry and even a beauty salon. Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted with this amazing gift of subtropics and, so to speak, at close range to appreciate its advantages and disadvantages, which, even in small quantities, are also available.

What is coconut and where does it grow

Coconut palms are thermophilic representatives of the plant world. They grow in the coastal zone on the Malaysian archipelago, in India, on the island of Sri Lanka, because they prefer sandy soils. The fruit ripening period in these crops lasts for a whole year. In this case, contrary to the popular belief that coconut is a nut, from a scientific point of view, it refers to stone fruits. This unique plant product has a very complex structure:

1. The outer shell of a coconut, covered with hard fibers resembling hair (coir), is called an exocarp.
2. The inner part (endocarp) consists of a hard shell and a seed.

The flesh of a coconut fruit has a dazzling white hue. This rather dense substance has excellent taste characteristics. Walnut juice or endosperm has a sweetish flavor. At the initial stages of fruit ripening, the endosperm is crystal clear and fluid, like water. But as it ripens, the liquid becomes cloudy and thick, resembling an oily emulsion. This is coconut milk, which is very much appreciated in cosmetology, medicine and other fields.

Most of the nutrient components are concentrated in the pulp of coconut. Therefore, it is this part of the fetus that is of the greatest value. Today, copra (pulp) is isolated on an industrial scale, using advanced technologies in production. Pulp, like juice, is very popular in the pharmaceutical industry, cooking and other industries.

What is the difference between green coconut and brown

According to the residents of the Russian regions, coconut is a fruit with a surprisingly strong brown surface. Instances with exactly this color appear on the shelves of our stores. Therefore, when it comes to green coconuts, everyone believes that this is a separate kind of fruit. In fact, coconuts at different ripening periods have different shades of the outer shell (exocarp). In other words, young, not yet fully ripened fruits have a greenish color. The value of unripe coconuts is that their white core and sweet syrup are most useful during this period.

Harvest green coconuts six months after flowering coconut palm trees. But part of the harvest remains on the trees, that is, for another 5-6 months, the fruits reach full maturity. By the time of removal, such coconuts turn brown. Their juice has a tart taste resembling kvass. The cost of overripe specimens is much lower than green fruits.

When choosing fruits, you should always consider this moment. For example, when coconut water saturated with nutrients is of interest, you should buy green coconuts. If, for culinary or other purposes, the pulp of a tropical fruit is needed, then a nut with a dark brown skin color is more suitable.

Thus, from the foregoing, we can conclude that the difference in color shades depends on the time of removal of the fruit.

Composition and calorie content

Coconut is a fruit that is unique in every way. Its internal content is no less impressive than the external characteristics. To verify this, it is enough to list the main components of the composition:

1. Lauric acid, which is contained in large quantities, strengthens the body's defenses.
2. Lipids contribute to the improvement of the metabolism, which helps to effectively combat excess weight.
3. Folic acid regulates the circulatory system.
4. Potassium and magnesium are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.
5. Nicotinic and pantothenic acids are actively involved in metabolic processes.
6. Iodine ensures the smooth operation of the endocrine system.
7. Selenium has antioxidant properties, it cleanses the body of free radicals.
8. Fiber stimulates digestion.
9. Essential components inhibit the aging process, improve the condition of the skin and hair.
10. Vitamins nourish tissues, and also take an active part in the synthesis of many essential elements.

All this nutritional complex with the rational use of coconut fruits can significantly improve the overall health and increase the body's resistance to various negative factors.

But if you want to replenish the diet with such a useful product, you should take into account that the calorie content is 100 grams:

• fresh coconut is 362 kcal;
• dried pulp - 660 kcal.

Coconut is a high-fat product: a third of the pulp (34 g out of 100) is fat.

Coconut water alone has a minimum calorie value of 16 kcal / 100 g. As a result of numerous studies, scientists have found that unripe coconut juice has a composition similar to human blood. It is truly a nutrient fluid that contains valuable enzymes. Therefore, professional athletes prefer to drink natural coconut water, rather than popular artificial additives. True, coconut water loses its beneficial qualities very quickly. Therefore, it should be drunk immediately after opening the nutshell.

What is coconut good for?

Such a rich composition, like coconut, is an indispensable source of vital energy. But, besides the guaranteed supply of energy resources, the unique fruit has an impressive list of beneficial properties. Moreover, without exception, all parts of the product exhibit these qualities. For example, a high percentage of protein in the pulp helps athletes gain muscle mass, and the presence of aphrodisiacs increases sexual desire in both sexes.

Therefore, it is worth considering in detail how the components of an exotic fruit affect people, depending on their gender, age and physiological characteristics. So, what is coconut good for?

For women

It is difficult to choose a natural product for comparison, which would have the same powerful effect on the female body as coconut. If his presence in the diet is constant, a woman of reproductive age will not have problems with the menstrual cycle.Many doctors even advise couples who plan to conceive a baby to eat coconut pulp or drink nutritious milk.

Ladies of mature age, coconut will help to level the problems that arise in the menopause. We must not forget about the unique anti-aging properties of this amazing product. If it is added to homemade cosmetics, you can significantly improve the condition of hair, nails, restore elasticity and freshness to the skin. In addition to these opportunities, the components of the composition of coconut stimulate wound healing, increase the body's resistance to infections and even cancer.

For men

The health of representatives of a strong half of humanity, “tough nut” can also provide an invaluable service: to increase sexual abilities by an order of magnitude. Indeed, the list of useful components of the composition contains aphrodisiacs, and these substances, as you know, improve potency.

The ingredients of the coconut palm fruit can be used to prepare home remedies for urological diseases, prostatitis, and reproductive system dysfunctions in men.

As noted above, this unique fruit will help athletes to compensate for energy losses during intense training and increase muscle mass. The only time you need to be careful is obesity. With individual intolerance of the constituent elements, the product in general cannot be used in any form.

During pregnancy

Expectant mothers should also supplement the diet with such a useful product as coconut. Of course, this is possible only if the woman has no allergic predisposition to exotic fruit. True, it is best for ladies in an interesting position to drink natural milk. The recommended dose is 1 glass every day. If financial possibilities allow such a food excess, a tropical diet will enhance the health of the mother and the unborn baby. The following properties should be listed:

1. Coconut water is useful for toxicosis.
2. Sweet fruit pulp relieves heartburn and vomiting.
3. Constipation is the main problem that most future mothers face. Due to the presence of a pregnant overseas fetus in the diet, these problems can be resolved and stools established.

I would also like to add that if the mother adheres to such a diet, the fetus will develop well, the child will have excellent eyesight and good mental abilities.

When breastfeeding

Since the grocery basket of a nursing mother is specially registered, then there should not be any harmful and spoiled goods in it. Of course, coconuts will be of great benefit to a woman during lactation, as well as to an unborn baby if there are no signs of rot and mold on the fruit. Otherwise, there are no restrictions with moderate use of this product. It is useful for nursing mothers, like pregnant women, to drink coconut milk in small portions. This nutrient fluid contains lauric acid, which enhances lactation. In combination with mineral elements and vitamins, this component:

• improve metabolism;
• will strengthen the immune forces;
• increase physical activity;
• help normalize sleep;
• will strengthen mental activity.

It is clear that all of these effects will be observed in both mom and baby. But, if the child has the slightest signs of an allergy or digestive upset, tropical products should be immediately abandoned.

For kids

Children of any age love sweets flavored with coconut. But parents must know that such confectionery delights are permissible only after the child is 2 years old. After all, the children's body is extremely sensitive to all unfamiliar products, and especially to overseas gifts.

For children prone to allergic manifestations, it is better to postpone acquaintance with coconut until the age of three. Enter such products in the diet should be careful, always observing the allowable portion.A useful complex of elements contained in the pulp and juice of a tropical fruit will help:

• in the correct formation of the bone skeleton;
• in the intellectual development of the baby;
• maintain healthy teeth;
• prevent the development of anemia;
• strengthen children's immunity.

In addition to these clearly positive qualities, coconut oil when applied topically will protect the baby’s sensitive skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Oil is an ideal remedy for diaper rash. In a word, coconut, even in a minimal amount, can become an alternative to pharmacy vitamin complexes.

Is it possible to eat coconut while losing weight

Coconut refers to those products whose properties sometimes seem paradoxical. Having a high calorie content, it nevertheless, with proper use, helps to normalize weight. However, it is not worth experimenting with such a complex product to people suffering from obesity of any degree.

But if a few extra pounds are annoying, then an exotic nut in combination with regular physical activity will help to achieve good results in the process of figure correction. For weight loss, it is best to use coconut milk, since this product has a minimum content of fats and carbohydrates.

The principle of reducing weight with coconut is based on the ability of two acids: lauric and dodecanoic. Both components:

• actively burn fat reserves;
• accelerate metabolism;
• normalize digestive processes;
• reduce hunger.

The high calorie content of exot promotes rapid saturation, but the presence of fiber prevents the gain in excess weight. This means that the vegetable fats that enter the body are not stored in the form of fat reserves, but are converted into energy.

There are many effective diets that will help to restore the figure of attractive harmony. But choosing such weight loss programs is better not on their own, but on the recommendation of a nutritionist or endocrinologist. The fact is that excessive consumption of a tropical fruit can disrupt the functioning of the heart and provoke other serious pathologies.

Coconut in medicine

Doctors never refuse natural gifts that can provide significant support in the treatment of various diseases. Therefore, in modern medicine, plant elements are almost always included in addition to the main complex of therapy. The coconut tree is no exception. It is often recommended by endocrinologists to patients with pathologies of the thyroid gland, coronary heart disease, and hematopoiesis. The antiviral properties of the product are used for colds and sore throats. Let us dwell only on some pathologies, the course of which is able to alleviate this unusual fruit.

With diabetes

It would seem that a high glycemic index of coconut completely excludes the possibility of its use in diabetes. But in small doses with the second type of diabetes, you can occasionally include such a valuable product on the menu. True, it is necessary to control the level of sugar. For patients with the first type of diabetes, it is better to consult a doctor about the appropriateness of its inclusion in the diet.

Important: Coconut Glycemic Index - 45 units.

With pancreatitis

With a prolonged course of chronic pancreatitis, fresh coconut is allowed. But, since the healing milk stimulates the pancreas, the portions should be moderate. The complex of elements present in the fetus will benefit the organ affected by the disease and the entire body.

With an exacerbation of the chronic process, as with the acute form of pancreatitis, the use of such plant products is strictly prohibited.

With gastritis

Coconut milk can be a great alternative to a product obtained from a cow if a patient with gastritis cannot tolerate dairy products of any kind. Since coconut contains large amounts of dietary fiber, this dietary supplement will help normalize digestion and restore intestinal microflora. With peptic ulcer disease, the use of an exotic fetus is also allowed, but in small quantities.

For constipation

When there are serious problems with the regularity of the stool, it is better to use the juice of overripe coconut fruits. It is an excellent natural laxative. Coarse pulp fibers will favorably affect the work of the intestinal system, strengthen its motility, and help eliminate constipation. Coconut helps with excessive flatulence and bloating.

With gout

Since gout is one of the pathologies with complex causal relationships, the diet for this disease has a lot of limitations. But coconut with its pronounced antioxidant abilities can enrich the menu of such patients. In addition, coconut is a source of vegetable fat, which is extremely useful for this disease.

We must not forget that with gout, metabolism suffers, and this violation contributes to the accumulation of uric acid. In a tropical nut there are elements that normalize metabolic processes.

Coconut in cosmetology

Natural fatty acids are the main value of coconut, which allowed him to consolidate his reputation as the best moisturizer. This oil is especially useful for people with very sensitive as well as aging skin with coarsened areas. The uniqueness of this type of oil is that this product works perfectly in the neckline, around the eyes, in the bust area. The product has a number of worthy qualities:

• is a natural antiseptic;
• effectively fights wrinkles and other age-related changes;
• helps to remove corns on the feet;
• well treats burns;
• softens the skin after sunbathing;
• returns elasticity and resilience;
• prevents the appearance of pigmentation on the face;
• helps in the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema.

With this valuable product at its disposal, any woman can quickly prepare a cosmetic product.

For face

Coconut oil is perfectly absorbed by the skin, activating the action of all components of the composition. There are many options for therapeutic and nutritional masks based on this unique product. Here is an example of a mask for aging skin:

1. Take coconut oil and blue clay in equal parts, mix, add 3 drops of orange ether. Then apply this mixture for a quarter of an hour on the face.
2. And this mask is suitable for any type of skin. Melt coconut oil first, then mix in a 1: 4 ratio with rice flour. In order for the mass to acquire the consistency of thick sour cream, you need to add green tea.
3. You can wipe the eyelids and the area around the eyes with coconut milk before going to bed - this will moisturize the skin well and will serve as an excellent prevention of premature wrinkles.

For hair

If your hair is regularly nourished with coconut oil, it will stop losing protein. This is explained by the fact that the oil base envelops each individual hair, thereby protecting it from all types of damage, including the consequences of using dyes, plaques, and irons.

To perform a cosmetic procedure, special skills are not required. You just need to melt a small amount of oil in your palms, and then apply to your hair. It is not recommended to apply coconut oil on the scalp, as this can cause a rash and irritation.It is advisable to wear a bag over your head to create a vapor effect - the oil will work better. Owners of oily hair should not use coconut oil, since this too greasy product will only exacerbate the problem.

For cosmetic purposes, coconut oil is used in massage parlors: it is used to combat cellulite.

Coconut Cooking

Almost everyone is familiar with the taste of tropical walnut. After all, this useful product in the form of chips is used to decorate confectionery products, it is added to chocolate, sweets, pastries. In addition, in many cuisines of the world, coconut pulp is an essential component of various snacks and main dishes.

Coconut makes drinks and all kinds of desserts, and nutritious milk is used to make soups. The flesh of the overseas fruit, combined with dietary varieties of rabbit meat and chicken, is especially appreciated by gourmets who know a lot about food.

The beneficial properties of coconut water

Interestingly, in countries where coconut trees grow, this fruit is considered a gift from the gods. In India, seriously ill patients are required to drink coconut water. It is believed that such therapy helps the rapid recovery of patients. And this statement is confirmed by the results of many scientific studies, since coconut water perfectly quenches thirst and improves metabolism.

Low calorie drink attracts supporters of a healthy diet and beautiful women who want to lose weight. It has already been noted above that coconut water is very similar in composition to human blood plasma. Therefore, young coconuts may well become "universal donors" for humans.

Coconut milk: benefits and harms

In the process of processing coconut pulp get another valuable product - milk. This nutrient is widely used in cosmetology, medicine, and confectionery. The product has a number of useful properties:

• diuretic;
• painkillers;
• antioxidant;
• immunomodulatory.

Coconut milk regulates digestion, stimulates metabolism. The product helps to lose extra pounds and strengthen your teeth. Milk is part of many cosmetic skin care products.

But, despite such an impressive list of useful qualities, excessive use of the product can provoke diarrhea and even contribute to weight gain. Therefore, people who have weak intestinal motility, it is better to refuse such a treat.

Coconut Oil: Benefits and Applications

Coconut oil is most in demand in cosmetology and medicine. This product with unique properties moisturizes and protects the skin and hair. Coconut oil is used as a base in the production of anti-aging cosmetics. A valuable product has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system: it helps to relax and calm down.

The benefits and harms of coconut sugar

Sugar made from coconut pulp is considered the best natural sweetener. It is slowly absorbed by the body, and therefore does not affect the pancreas. The product contains glutamine and inulin - components that are very beneficial for health. This undoubtedly useful product should be consumed in moderation in order not to get the opposite result in the form of allergic manifestations and diabetes.

The benefits of coconut pulp urbec

Urbech is a paste made from coconut pulp. This extremely healthy product is saturated with the fatty acids that the human body needs. Natural sugars present in coconut flesh charge with vital energy and help get rid of depression.But this is not a complete list of the useful properties of urbech. It should also be highlighted his abilities:

• normalizes cholesterol;
• improves potency in men;
• increases libido in women;
• in diabetes regulates blood sugar;
• actively fights parasites;
• strengthens the immune system;
• regulates digestion;
• improves bowel function.

Harm and contraindications

From the above description of the main characteristics of an overseas product, it is clear that it has more positive qualities than properties hazardous to health. If you always follow a reasonable measure, then coconut will become an indispensable source of energy and nutrients.

In the list of contraindications for its use there are only two points:

• individual intolerance;
• obesity.

In other cases, you can enjoy the taste of this amazing fruit.

Could there be an allergy to coconut

Allergic reactions to coconut are recorded very rarely and only in case of individual intolerance. A similar malaise manifests itself with a complex of the following symptoms:

• redness and itching on the skin;
• puffiness;
• nausea, turning into intense vomiting;
• rash on the body.

At the first signs of an allergy, you should immediately seek medical help so that the allergic reaction does not transform into anaphylactic shock. It is especially important to do this in case of side effects in children.

How to choose a ripe coconut in a store

To reduce the health risk that is usually associated with the use of poor-quality products, when choosing a coconut you need:

1. Take an interest in the delivery time of a batch of products
2. Shake the fruit. If a splash is heard, the nut is ripe. Otherwise, the absence of noise will mean that the liquid either leaked out due to damage during transportation, or evaporated due to long storage.
3. Estimate weight by taking the fetus in your hand. Quality coconuts, even small ones, will seem heavy.
4. Perform an external examination of the drupe. Cracks, dents and other damage contribute to the development of rot and damage to the product.
5. A good quality nut must be dry.

How and where to store coconut

All tropical products are not subject to long-term storage.

1. Walnut without external defects can be stored for no more than a month, and opened coconut - only 2-3 days.
2. Coconut milk is recommended to be used immediately.
3. The pulp of the fetus retains its qualities for 7 days. But it must be filled with water.
4. Coconut flakes can be stored the longest - up to a year. It is recommended to store it in a dry place in a tightly closed container.

How to open coconut at home

To open your own intractable nut, you must have the strength and dexterity. For the operation, two knives of different sizes will be required:

1. Use a small knife to make a hole in the weakest point of the fetus.
2. Then carefully pour the milk, rotating the coconut for a couple of minutes and tapping with the flat part of the blade of a large knife.
3. When a characteristic crack is heard and a crack appears, you can try to completely open the nut, dividing it into two parts.

How and with what eat coconut

Coconut harmonizes perfectly with other tropical fruits, strawberries, and citrus fruits. It is often used to make fruit smoothies and other desserts.

A combination of coconut and spices is interesting, and the composition with chocolate and caramel is the basis for the manufacture of various culinary masterpieces. Fresh fruit pulp is well added to salads, soups and main dishes.

Unique taste notes are revealed when combining coconut with seafood.But it will turn out quite a tasty dish if you add coconut to porridge, stewed potatoes or peppers.

How to make coconut

To get coconut, you need to open the nut as described above, then extract the juice from it, and then use the improvised means to separate the pulp. This is a very complex process that requires certain skills. Therefore, do not rush: the pulp should be separated slowly, you can divide it at the same time into small fragments.

By the way, if the fruit is fresh, then the procedure will not take much time. When the tender flesh is completely separated, it must be well rinsed with water. Then, using a blender or an ordinary grater, grind the core of the fruit, and place the resulting chips in the oven and dry at a temperature of 110 degrees for about 10 minutes. The chips should darken slightly. After cooling, the resulting component should be placed in a glass dish with a hermetically sealed lid. Such a home-made product can be stored for three months.

Is it possible to give animals coconut

Only a positive answer can be given to this question. Coconut is very useful for pets.

1. This is a great remedy for fleas and parasites.
2. The antibacterial properties of the composition will help prevent the development of infection and the spread of mycosis.
3. With the regular presence of coconut in the diet of a cat or dog, the coat will look great and the digestive system will work well.

In addition, coconut eliminates the unpleasant odor from the mouth and is an excellent preventative tool for ticks.

Interesting Coconut Facts

1. Just a couple of decades ago, coconut was on the list of hazardous foods. This was mainly due to the ability of the product to increase cholesterol, which threatens to block the main vessels. But today, on the basis of a number of scientific studies, myths about the dangers of the product are destroyed.
2. It is a known fact that during the Second World War, in critical situations, coconut water was used in some regions of the planet as a blood substitute.
3. Coconut in the hands of craftsmen can turn into a real work of art. For example, cute rugs are made of its fibers, and original souvenirs and utensils can be made from shells.

Coconut photo