By Ogechukwu Agwu
Coconuts have slowly become a very hot and versatile food commodity, and are being used in everything from our daily cuisine to our beauty regimens.
Nutritionists say Coconut milk, water, flesh, and oil are rich in fibre and highly nutritious and are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
Fresh coconuts can be either young or mature. Young coconuts either have a green shell or a white husk (where the green shell has been removed). These are typically Asian coconuts. There is also the more familiar brown-haired variety which is the more mature coconut. Young coconuts contain more water and soft, gel-like meat whereas mature coconuts have firm meat and less water. The water in the young coconut is one of the highest sources of electrolytes. Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately.
Some of the benefits of coconut.
Supports immune system
According to experts, this food is anti everything. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasite.
Improves digestion
Because of its high fibre content, it improves digestion and also absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It also helps treat malnutrition because it is easy to digest and absorb.
Keeps hair and skin healthy
Most beauticians refer to this oil processed from this food as a wonder working oil. Coconut oil has properties that makes the skin look youthful. It also prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots and provides sun protection.
Promotes weight loss
For those on the journey of weight loss, Coconut is rich in fibre and highly nutritious and is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. This exotic food has slowly become an essential food commodity and has also become a key ingredient in most beauty regimen.
Improves heart health
Experts believe it protects against heart diseases by increasing good cholesterol and lowering the ratio of bad and good cholesterol.
Coconut oil can improve blood cholesterol levels
The saturated fats in coconut oil may increase “good” HDL cholesterol in your body, but also help convert the “bad” LDL cholesterol into a less harmful form. Coconut oil may also improve other risk factors and therefore protect against heart diseases.
Coconut water is also low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, and almost completely fat-free. In addition, it is high in ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and proteins. Furthermore, the soft meat, or flesh, inside the coconut helps to restore oxidative tissue damage and contains a source of healthy fats, proteins.