Coconut is widely popular as a superfood in many parts of the world. It is also extensively known for its positive impact on the human body. While coconut oil, water, and milk are the most popular forms of this amazing food, many people also buy coconut flour from McKenzie’s Foods for several delicious delicacies.
Coconut is believed to have many health benefits including enhancing heart and brain function. Coconut water is a super-rich source of electrolytes and is known as a life savior in many survival situations.
It also has great significance in some ancient medicine sciences such as Ayurveda. Here we summarize seven ways in which this wonder fruit is can be instrumental for a healthy life.
Table of Contents
A Decent Source of Healthy Fatty Acids
According to the common belief, fatty acids are not good for your health. You would not find a health or diet expert suggesting the consumption of fatty acids. However, juxtaposition does not hold in the case of coconut.
Coconut contains shorter fatty acid chains that promote the burning of accumulated fat and provide quick energy to your brain and body. These shorter chains are quickly transformed into ketones which are considered powerful boosters for your brain.
Contribute to Heart Health
While in the west, coconut is popular only among health enthusiasts, it is a dietary staple in many other parts of the world. In the Pacific and Asia Pacific regions, people have thrived on this incredible fruit. Many researchers from the past years have studied the consumption of coconut by people in their daily diet. Their general conclusions suggest that it helps to achieve better overall health and also low rates of heart diseases.
Known for Fat-Burning Benefits
Obesity is a common problem and is not just related to how many calories you take every day. It rather also depends on the source and nature of those calories. Studies have shown that the shorter fatty acids excluding lauric acid can boost the fat-burning process and make up for the 14% of the fats in coconut oil. Including coconut oil in limited quantity in your diet accompanied by adequate exercise can help you burn more calories than otherwise.
Believed to Have Antimicrobial Traits
Lauric acid and monolaurin (substance formed after lauric acid is digested) are both known as pathogen killers. These substances can eliminate some types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some experts also suggest that using coconut oil as a mouthwash for oil pulling can keep your mouth healthier and free from microbes.
Known for Skin and Hair Benefits
Using coconut as a cosmetic product to enhance the health of your skin and hair is maybe more common than using it in your diet. It helps in retaining the moisture of the skin and prevents it from drying. Coconut is also helpful in reducing symptoms of several skin ailments such as eczema. It reduces inflammation, soothes the skin, and in some cases impedes further damage. It is also effective in preventing hair damage. It can work as a mild sunscreen and blocks nearly 20% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. Coconut oil is used as a nutritional oil for hair massage for several decades.
