Coconut is unbelievable. -- there are so many incredibly, amazing, fantabulous things that coconut can do/be, I was pretty intimidated to write this post, because I wasn't sure where to start, stop, or keep going. You'll see, don't worry... Studiesencourage the idea that coconut is great for health promotion and disease prevention. Parts of the fruit and coconut water host so many medicinal properties like being antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant -- woah. Coconut water and the coconut kernel contain microminerals and nutrients, too! These are essential to human health and survival, and thus coconut is desired by those all over the world and readily found in tropical areas/countries.
Nutritional Benefits |
just some of the amazing qualities…
per 80g or one cup shredded ... percentages of daily value
- Healthy fat // saturated fat (65% medium chain triglycerides)
- Fatty acids in coconut // fatty acids necessary for optimal health
- 49% lauric acid
- ~ 18% mysteric acid
- 9% palmitic acid,
- 7 % capric acid
- 8% aprylic acid
- 5-6% oleic acid
- ~3% stearic acid
- 2% linoleic acid
- Vitamin E // 1%
- Vitamin C // 4%
- Sterols
- Fiber (in coconut meat)
- Electrolytes
- potassium // 8%
- magnesium // 6%
- manganese // 60%
- sodium (coconut water) // 1%
What it can help me with |
Different Forms That I Can Use |
Coconut meat //
white flesh within the coconut
amount varies depending on age --
young coconuts have very soft coconut meat similar to a gelatin /
mature coconuts have a very hard, dense, and fibrous coconut meat with a stronger flavor
Coconut water //
clear liquid within the coconut
young coconuts have a greater amount of coconut water than the mature coconuts
high in natural electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and a small amount of simple sugars
perfect to sip all day long or post-workout
Coconut milk //
liquid from grated coconut meat
thick, creamy and white
used in sweet and savory dishes -- think curries or for making dairy-free ice cream
Coconut oil //
oil extracted or pressed from mature coconut meat
solid at room temperature and melts around 76 degrees
note//always choose organic cold pressed oil and stay away from any coconut oils that say hydrogenated
great for cooking and eating
amazing beauty product replacement
Coconut butter //
pureed unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut meat
similar consistency to cashew or almond butter
naturally sweet flavor and thick creamy texture
great as a replacement for butter +
my favorite -- drizzled over warm fall squash for a filling, healthy, and delicious treat
Coconut flour //
simply dried and ground coconut meat
high in fiber and great for gluten free + low carbohydrate baking
Coconut shredded flakes //
coconut meat either shredded very small or larger sized flakes
used in baking or as toppings
yummy note: toast in the oven until golden brown for a nice nutty flavor
Used in Chocolate Covered Coconut Circles
I couldn't even put a star next to my favorites... I love coconut too much!
[great research site for coconut][image found on refinery29 + edited by emily friend]
