The Coconut, the holy nut and her 1001 benefits.

It’s been a while now that coconut had become the number one when it come to the topic of healthy eating. But did you had the opportunity to look deeper into it?

Coconut hasn’t stopped to surprise us since we discovered her endless benefits on health. It’s almost the only basic you should take with you on travel when you choose to only go for hand luggage or if you decided to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle or go for nature made products, then this holy nut is the one you need!

Let’s start with what everyone is mostly looking for, the evidence-based benefits.

10 Evidence-based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil [1]

• Coconut Oil Contains Fatty Acids With Potent Medicinal Properties

Coconut oil is high in fats called medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolised differently than most other fats. These special fats are responsible for a lot of the health benefits of coconut oil.

• Populations That Eat a Lot of Coconut Oil Are Healthy

Several populations around the world have thrived for multiple generations eating massive amounts of coconut.

• Coconut Oil Can Increase Fat Burning

The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to increase calories burned over 24 hours by as much as 5%.

• Coconut Oil Can Kill Harmful Microorganisms

The fatty acids in coconut oil can kill harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. This could potentially help to prevent infections.

• Coconut Oil Can Reduce Your Hunger, Helping You Eat Less

The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may lead to reduced body weight over the long term.

• The Fatty Acids in Coconuts May Reduce Seizures

The MCTs in coconut oil can increase the blood concentration of ketone bodies, which can help reduce seizures in epileptic children.

• Coconut Oil Can Raise The Good HDL Cholesterol

Coconut oil can also be applied topically, with studies showing it to be useful as a skin moisturiser and protecting against hair damage.

• Coconut Oil Can Protect Your Skin, Hair and Dental Health

Coconut oil can also be applied topically, with studies showing it to be effective as a skin moisturiser and protecting against hair damage.

• The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function in Alzheimer's Patients

Preliminary studies suggest that medium-chain triglycerides can increase blood levels of ketones, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients and relieving symptoms.

• Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Fat, Especially The Harmful Abdominal Fat

Coconut oil appears to be especially effective at reducing belly fat, which lodges in the abdominal cavity and around organs.

Coconut water? Coconut milk? Coconut flesh? [2]

Coconut milk is different from coconut water. Coconut water is the clear liquid from the centre of the young, green coconut and is low in fat but rich in easily digested carbohydrates. Coconut water has received a great deal of attention for its perceived health benefits and is an important treatment for acute diarrhoea in the developing world. It is said to have a similar electrolyte balance as that found in isotonic drinks, which some claim to be useful for rehydration after intensive exercise. However, the research to date has shown inconsistent findings to support the use of coconut water as an alternative sports drink.

Coconut milk is lactose-free so can be used as a milk substitute by those with lactose intolerance. It is a popular choice with vegans and makes an excellent base for smoothies, milkshakes or as a dairy alternative in baking. A 100ml serving of canned coconut milk contains an average of 169 calories,

1.1g protein, 16.9g fat (14.6g saturates), 3.3g carbohydrate. [2]

DIY coconut milk (from desiccated coconut). Try making your own with just water and unsweetened coconut flakes. Heat the water (make sure it doesn't boil), add the flakes and blend. Pour through a colander to filter out the coconut pulp, then squeeze through a cheesecloth to filter out the smaller pieces of coconut. Use immediately or store in the fridge for 3-4 days. [2]

Coconut flesh is highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Coconuts contain significant amounts of fat, but unlike other nuts, they provide fat that is mostly in the form of medium chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs) in particular, one called lauric acid. Lauric acid is converted in the body into a highly beneficial compound called monolaurin, an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial that destroys a wide variety of disease-causing organisms. It is therefore thought that consumption of coconut milk and other coconut derived foods may help protect the body from infections and viruses. MCFAs are rapidly metabolised into energy in the liver. It is thought that unlike other saturated fats, MCFAs are used up more quickly by the body and are less likely to be stored as fat. Research is mixed, but recent studies are suggesting that the fats from coconut may not have such a detrimental effect on blood lipids and cardiovascular health as once thought. [2]

Coconuts, What Else? To get all the health benefits of this holy nut, make sure you choose organic and for the oil choose the natural and virgin coconut oil, not the refined one.

This article is just an Appetizer. People are using coconuts for all sorts of things for centuries with many great results.

If you’re not yet convinced, find here some others benefits Dr Axe is presenting in a complete evidence-based article that you can find on his website. [3]

For recipes including coconut oil, milk, water, flesh, flakes or whatever form of coconut you like, check out our Instagram or Facebook page and let you inspire!

[1] Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc on January 11, 2018 retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil#section10

[2] The health benefits of coconut milk written by Jo Lewin - Associate nutritionist

Retrieved from https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-coconut-milk

[3]“77 Coconut Oil Uses: for Food, Body & Skin Care, Household + More” retrieved from https://draxe.com/coconut-oil-uses/