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Do coconuts have health benefits? Coconuts, the delicious and aromatic fruit of the coconut palm tree has been called superfood for a reason. This tropical tree that grows abundantly in the coastal regions of South and Central America, Asia, Africa, the Polynesian and Hawaiian island is known to provide all the necessities of life.
Coconuts on the beach
The coconut probably comes from Melanesia – a group of islands in the south of the Pacific Ocean. From its place of origin it has spread on its own: Coconuts are lighter than seawater; if they fall into the sea, they can travel thousands of kilometres, driven by the current. If the coconuts land on a beach that is warm and sunny, they take root there.
This is how the coconuts have found their way to many countries in Southeast Asia and Africa. In South America, on the other hand, the coconuts were spread by man. Today, coconuts are cultivated especially in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brazil and Sri Lanka.
Coconuts grow on the coconut palm. The coconut palm requires a warm and humid climate and dies quickly in cold temperatures. It is strong and has a firm root system – so it can withstand storms and even floods. A coconut palm can grow up to 30 metres in size and bear leaves up to 7 metres long. It takes 12 to 15 months for a coconut to mature on the coconut palm. A coconut palm can produce about 80 nuts a year.
Coconuts are often harvested while still unripe and green. If they fall from the tree by themselves, they are overripe and spoiled.
Coconut nutrition facts
They offer plenty of fibre: with 9 grams of fibre, just 100 grams of coconut cover almost a third of the daily recommended minimum of 30 grams. This supports good digestion and ensures good, long-lasting satiety.
They support the blood formation: 100 grams of coconut contains a good 2,100 micrograms of iron – which is equivalent to 18 percent of the average daily requirement. Iron is particularly important for the adequate formation of red blood cells.
Coconuts contain B vitamins: Although not in huge quantities, coconuts contain all the vitamins of the B group. The highest content is of biotin, which ensures firm nails, shiny hair and good skin.
They have many calories: If you want to lose weight, keep in mind, its flesh is very rich in fat and therefore in calories.
Coconuts contain few carbohydrates: For low-carb fans, coconut with only about 4.7 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams in the form of coconut chips is ideal as a snack, as flour for baking, as a grater for breading or for sweets.
This all year round fruit is not only used to prepared a variety of mouthwatering dishes, but also an amazing range of superfood products like organic coconut sugar, coconut oil, coconut juice, coconut milk, and desiccated coconut.
Coconuts are known to be a natural source of vitamins and fiber, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and electrolytes that help stimulate the creation of white blood cells and makes the immunity system stronger. The coconut water contains high amounts of electrolyte content that is similar to human plasma.
Furthermore, the lauric acid found in this superfood is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic in nature. They are highly useful in killing harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Are coconuts good for you?
Coconuts are easily digestible: the body can break down and process the medium-chain fatty acids that are mainly found in coconut particularly easily and quickly. They also ensure a good feeling of satiety.
They can make you fit: With a mix of minerals such as above all potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, nibbling coconut can make you fit for training in the gym or for other high physical performance.
How can coconuts promote a cardiovascular health?
Coconut oils contain saturated vegetable fats that are usually made up of medium chain fatty acids that improve the good cholesterol ratio in blood and also decreases the risk of heart disease. Studies have revealed that people who regularly consume coconut are less likely to have any heart disease resulting from increased cholesterol levels.
How much coconut oil for dogs?
Virgin coconut oil makes dog fur shine, makes it soft and easy to comb. Rub a pea to walnut-sized amount into the palms of your hands and work into the coat. Use initially two to three times a week, then once a week. The oil also has a shiny effect when mixed into the feed. Dosage: daily 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil per 10 kg weight.
Coconut oil against mites and fleas
The fatty acids of coconut oil attack the chitin layer of parasites and kill them in this way. Coconut oil also helps prevent it, because the scent of the fatty acids keeps vermin away. It is best to treat the dog’s coat regularly with coconut oil. If your dog has ear mites, soak a cloth in liquid coconut oil and gently wipe the mites from the ears.
Heavy infestation should always be clarified by a vet.
Wounds heal faster
Treat small wounds and chafed areas with coconut oil, so they heal faster and scars rarely remain. Apply a small amount of oil directly to the dried wound, calmly several times a day. The fatty acids have an antibacterial effect and prevent inflammation. Even dried surgical scars can be treated with coconut oil.
Coconut oil against ticks and vermin
The lauric acid contained in coconut oil repels ticks – in animals and humans. Rub a pea-sized to walnut-sized amount of coconut oil into the dog’s coat several times a week, depending on the length of the dog’s hair. You can also mix the oil into your dog’s food, in which case it works against ticks from the inside (half a teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 kg body weight daily).
How much coconut oil per day?
One of the wonderful properties of coconut oil is that it can also be taken internally for almost all ailments. The valuable antioxidants protect against almost all kinds of immune disorders, so the dreaded cold or even flu in autumn and winter has no chance. Just one teaspoon a day is enough to strengthen the body in the long term.
Are coconuts tree nuts?
Coconuts are fruits that grow on the coconut palms. You have probably seen coconut trees on TV or on vacation by the sea, because these coconut trees grow all over the coasts of tropical seas.
But not every palm tree has to be a coconut palm, because botanists distinguish the palms in no less than 3,000 different species.
Although this is the name of the coconut of the coconut palms, this is actually not correct, as these fruits are actually not nuts at all. This is due to the structure of the fruits. Therefore, strictly speaking, coconuts belong to the stone fruits, as do cherries, for example, which in turn can grow here.
Coconut water to lose weight?
Coconut water is often referred to as a drink with which one can lose weight. But is this true? It is clear that coconut water is a drink with few calories. However, unlike water, it also contains sugar, but on the other hand it contains much less sugar than juices or most soft drinks.
And even despite the sugar it contains, coconut water, with its comparatively low energy content of around 10-20 calories per 100 ml, can be part of a calorie-reduced diet and thus help you lose weight. The high content of various vitamins and minerals also supports the organism so that no deficiency symptoms occur even with a calorie-reduced diet.
Especially if you replace high-calorie drinks with coconut water, you can save many calories and lose pounds. In summary: coconut water is an ideal companion for a diet, because it contains few calories but many healthy ingredients and it also tastes refreshing and delicious.
Coconutoil benefits
Use coconut oil against bad breath
“Oil extraction” is a technique in which oil is moved back and forth in the mouth for minutes with the tongue and by slurping. This stimulates the flow of saliva and the coconut oil absorbs fat-soluble substances. These are substances that do not dissolve in water. In addition, it makes a mess of the habitat for odour-forming bacteria.
Used regularly, coconut oil can thus contribute to oral hygiene and combat bad breath. Where can you buy coconut oil that is suitable for this? Actually everywhere where there is high quality food. On the Internet it is worthwhile to search for “coconut oil”, “coconut oil”, “coconut oil” or “coconut oil”, as not all importers use the same spelling.
Coconut oil for faster wound healing
What can you do with coconut oil? For example, treating wounds. The effect of coconut oil is that it repels water. It can thus help to keep a wound free of bacteria. Because everything that lives needs water. In addition, coconut oil can make the skin soft and smooth, thus preventing it from tearing further. It can help to get rid of small scratches, abrasions and other superficial injuries more quickly. Many people trust it to leave fewer scars. Good coconut oil is additive-free and does not cause irritation.
Coconut oil against colds
Dry nose, rough throat, languidness. Coconut oil can provide you with the energy you need to get over a cold and nourish your body from the inside and outside. Rub your hands with some coconut after washing. In this way you can prevent the introduction of germs. Rinse your mouth and throat regularly with coconut oil.
Take coconut oil for inflammation
If you have an open spot or the almonds are getting thick, try to prevent the worst with coconut oil. Gargling with coconut oil or smearing some coconut oil on a sore nose can speed up healing thanks to its antibacterial effect. Remember, however, that coconut oil should only be used for minor aches and pains.
Coconut oil for healthy bones
It is said that coconut oil is good for our skeleton. Besides saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, it also contains a whole range of trace elements that the body needs to maintain a normal supply. Although coconut oil is not a miracle cure, it tastes great with a wide variety of dishes! Just enrich your life with a little coconut oil. Whatever you use it for: It tastes good.
Coconut oil could help you against mosquitoes and ticks
Lauric acid is often used in tick repellents. This is contained in coconut oil to over 40%. If you walk through the meadows or take a walk in the woods, we strongly recommend that you protect yourself against vermin. The beauty of coconut is that you can use it for yourself, your children and your pets without fear of harmful reactions.
Use coconut oil against wrinkles and fine lines
It is said that from a certain age you have to choose between being thick and having wrinkles. We would like to suggest you an alternative: skin care with coconut.
Skin can look young for a long time if it is not damaged by the sun, dryness or injuries. With coconut oil you can help to prevent dehydration and your natural defences are not reduced. A creamy coconut oil is suitable for a peeling.
Coconut oil for hair care
Also the hair is happy about care with coconut. This makes them elastic and gives them a pleasant scent. You can seamlessly care for your entire head with it. Just try out how much coconut oil is best for you, so that your hair becomes beautifully smooth right up to the tips.
Coconut oil for a gentle exfoliation
With a little sugar, salt, baking powder or other ingredients together, you can turn coconut oil into a peeling that smells nice and does not burden the skin. Simply mix your favourite ingredients for an exfoliation and use them to care for your feet or the rest of your body. Coconut oil has a long shelf life. So you can stock up on your exfoliator.
Is coconut oil suitable for frying?
Coconut is ideal for frying because the oil has a high smoking temperature. You can fry meat really nice and hot with it. Specialities like fried ice cream are also very successful with coconut oil. However, when buying coconut oil, it is recommended that you make sure that it does not have a distinct taste of its own.
How can coconuts make teeth and bones stronger?
Consuming coconut improves the body’s ability to absorb magnesium and calcium, and thus it supports the development of healthy teeth and bones. This helps prevent osteoporosis and it also makes coconut milk a perfect substitute for people who are lactose intolerant.
How can coconuts help you cut fat?
Coconuts have a low Glycaemic Index and they contain zero trans fats, carbohydrates, sugars, and salts. They are also rich in triglycerides that help increase the metabolism and burn fat. You may consider cooking with coconut oil in order to reduce sugar cravings, and promote insulin secretion . This has an overall impact on your weight loss regimen.
Besides the above mentioned benefits, the superfood also helps restore the nature fat content of the skin by promoting the absorption of omega-6, omega-3, choline and lecithin. A good coconut oil massage not only improves hair growth but also heals any skin problems that you may be suffering from.
