Coconut consists of various properties including-water, oil, milk and flour that are highly nutritious, rich in fibre, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
It comes with several health benefits. Below are six of them.
- Kills bacteria and fungi
Coconut can help kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. According to multiple researches, coconut contains lauric acid and monolaurin that kill the bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus (a very dangerous pathogen) and the yeast, Candida Albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans.
- Coconut oil helps burn excess fats
One of the common ways you can burn excess fats is by eating healthy. Research has proven that coconut oil can serve as one of the foods that help in achieving that goal. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats. Another study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increases 24-hour energy expenditure by 5 percent, totalling about 120 calories per day.
- Coconut oil reduces seizures
A so-called ketogenic (very low carb, very high fat) diet is currently being studied to treat various disorders including seizures in children. Nutrition researcher, Kris Gunnars, suggests that since the “MCTs in coconut oil get shipped to the liver and turns into ketone bodies, they can be used in epileptic patients to induce ketosis while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet”.
Thus, The MCTs in coconut oil can increase blood concentration of ketone bodies, which can help reduce seizures in epileptic children.
- Its water is a natural sports drink
The water from coconut has been purported to be a natural sports drink. It is a great hydrator for light workouts, as one cup serves up more than 10 percent of your daily dose of potassium—an electrolyte you lose through sweat. Hence, it ensures a more effective workout.
- If used as a cream, it can act as the best skin treatment
Unlike other cream products that can actually introduce fats and oils to the skin, a cream derived from coconut essentially replenishes the skin, giving it a more youthful and healthy glow.
- Improves digestion
Another benefit of coconut is that it improves digestion. The food contains nutrient that helps in the absorption of vitamins and minerals that can aid food consumption.
