Coconut is an exotic fruit that grows mainly in warm regions. This fruit of the coconut tree can be eaten in different forms. In addition to their delicious tastes, they also have striking nutritional values, especially rich in lipids. This article will therefore present the benefits of coconut and its derived products to be healthy.
COCONUT FLOUR
Coconut flour is made from dried coconut meat. Being delicious, gluten-free and healthy, this flour is becoming more and more popular. The most important thing to know is that its consumption is accepted in almost all types of diets. Thanks to its nutritional benefits, those who follow a paleo diet, vegetarian diet or those who try to eat less sugar can consume it without any problem.
What are its benefits?
- It helps maintain metabolism and provides the body with a quick source of energy thanks to the healthy saturated fats it contains.
- Being rich in dietary fibre, it helps to moderate blood sugar levels and keep blood sugar levels stable.
- In addition to its soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, coconut flour contains good fats. As a result, it is able to reduce all cholesterol, but especially bad cholesterol.
COCONUT WATER
Sports enthusiasts can replace sports drinks with coconut water as it contains a high amount of electrolytes but is low in calories. As a result, sportsmen and women can rehydrate themselves with it and can thus restore the stocks of mineral salts expended during physical efforts.
What are its other benefits?
- Coconut water contains antioxidants which have the role of fighting diseases, cellular deterioration and thus slowing down ageing.
- Thanks to the high levels of potassium and dietary fibre and the many natural bioactive enzymes it contains, coconut water can relieve digestive pain such as heartburn or acid reflux. It thus allows a good digestion.
- By having a diuretic effect, it reduces the risk of kidney stones and also prevents kidney failure.
- It is also beneficial in reducing water retention and blood pressure.
- It is useful during muscle recovery to facilitate the recharging of glycogen.
- Finally, it helps to fight infections thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is rich in triglyceride (medium chain), a good fat that contributes to the proper functioning of the body, particularly for heart and brain health. It also helps to fight many pathogens. There are many uses for this oil. It also has excellent virtues for weight loss and for successfully rebalancing the diet. Apart from its consumption, coconut oil is widely used in beauty care products thanks to its nourishing, moisturising and protective properties. It can be applied directly to the skin as a make-up remover or scrub for example. It can also be used for hair care and applied to the hair as a mask.
COCONUT VINEGAR
Derived from coconut water or the sap of the flowers of this fruit, coconut vinegar is a recent production that has remarkable health benefits. Among the products withlow glycemic index, it is also appreciated for its benefits on the digestive system. Compared to cider vinegar, which some people already use, coconut vinegar has more interesting nutritional benefits, is lighter and also contains more minerals and amino acids.
What are its other benefits?
- Being in the family of natural vinegars, it similarly helps to prevent certain diseases and fight infections thanks to its antibacterial characteristics.
- This vinegar is often consumed after a meal rich in carbohydrates to maintain a good blood pressure and a stable blood sugar level. It is advisable to dilute it in water before drinking it as it is too acidic.
- Thanks to the probiotics preserved in this vinegar during its fermentation, our intestinal flora can be enriched with good bacteria.
COCONUT SUGAR
This natural sugar is one of the products derived from the coconut tree. It is chosen by those who are looking for a natural alternative to refined table sugars. Its glycaemic index is lower than that of ordinary sugar because it has a fibre which slows down the absorption of glucose. But compared to real food, coconut sugar contains few nutrients. On the other hand, it has a high calorie content which can easily cause an excess in daily life without being noticed. It is therefore advisable to use this sugar in moderation as its impact on health is almost the same as that of ordinary sugar.
This sugar is also appreciated for its remarkable sweetness. Therefore, it is not necessary to add as much as regular sugar, as only a small amount is needed to sweeten. Finally, coconut sugar is a perfect sweetener for cooking, for example to make cakes coloured blond or brown with its sweet caramel flavour.
COCONUT YOGHURT
There is another product derived from coconut that is not very well known but is a natural and healthy product. It is a yoghurt of vegetable origin, i. e. without lactose. It is therefore a better natural option for those who cannot eat yoghurt made from animal milk, such as vegans, those who are allergic to lactose or those who eat gluten-free. This coconut yoghurt offers health benefits by being full of calories, rich in good fats and antioxidants, and full of dietary fibre.
What are its benefits?
- It has probiotics to balance the bacteria in the gut especially to control bad bacteria
- It also contains saturated fats that will help fight atherosclerosis, keep weight stable and strengthen the immune system.
- The dietary fibre contained in coconut milk yoghurt also allows for good digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.
- Finally, this yoghurt has a high calcium content which plays an essential role in the structure of bones. It is also rich in magnesium, another mineral essential for muscle function. Not forgetting the presence of vitamin B12, which is necessary for the development of red blood cells, and vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium.
