September 2 every year is observed as World Coconut Day. It was first celebrated in 2009 by the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. This day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of Coconut as the healthiest fruit on the planet.
Coconut is a fleshy fruit grown in tropical regions and produced in over 80 countries. Indonesia is the top producer of Coconut, with India being the third largest coconut-producing country.
This fruit has impressive health benefits and is considered a fruit of life due to its multiple benefits and uses.
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Coconut water has many health benefits and is one of the best sources of staying hydrated during the summer.
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Coconut leaves are used to make mats, baskets, brooms, and much more.
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Coconut is also used in various cosmetic products
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It is used worldwide for culinary purposes.
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Shell and husk of Coconut are sources of charcoal and can be used as fuel.
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The coir from the Coconut is a natural elastic fibre used to make ropes, strings, mats, stuffing for mattresses, etc.
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Coconut oil is also considered rich in nutritional value and is suitable for hair and skin.
High in fibre and low in carbs, Coconut is an excellent choice for those on a low-carb, paleo, or gluten-free diet. Let us closely look at five nutritional reasons why Coconut or its products must be included in our diet.
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Packed with Nutrition
Besides being rich in fibre, Coconut also contains protein, a small amount of vitamin B, and certain minerals. Coconuts are rich in magnesium, copper, and iron. It enhances metabolism and helps in red blood cell formation. Coconut meat is high in fat, but it also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other types of fat and promote body fat loss when eaten instead of long-chain saturated fats from animal foods.
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Promotes Blood Sugar Control
Coconuts are low in carbs and high in fibre and fat, which is beneficial for blood sugar control. Coconut oil helps lower blood sugar levels, which may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant content. The high fibre content of coconut meat can also help slow digestion and may potentially improve insulin resistance, which can help regulate blood sugar levels as well.
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Rich in Antioxidants
Coconut contains phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage. The main phenolic compounds identified include caffeic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid, and p-coumaric acid. These antioxidants in Coconut can neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, which contribute to developing chronic diseases like cancer in our body. Hence making the fruit a good combat option against cancer.
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Antibacterial effects
Coconut oil is good for our hair and skin. But apart from its moisturizing abilities, coconut oil may help block the growth of certain bacteria strains. It is a great option to treat staph infections. Further, the lauric acid present in coconut oil can fight harmful micro-organisms. Additionally, Coconut also has antifungal and antiviral properties that keep us away from infections.
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Great for Gut Health
Eating Coconut is excellent for gut health as it is rich in fibre, and this helps our microbiome thrive by providing sustenance for good gut bacteria. Since Coconut is relatively high in fat, it helps our body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins D, E, A, and K. These vitamins are associated with the gut microbiome. A more robust gut microbiome means better digestion, overall health, and immunity. Adding shredded Coconut to yogurt or oatmeal and consuming it frequently can improve our gut health.
The bottom line is Coconut is a fantastic fruit with incredible health benefits that can improve our health and keep us away from infections and chronic diseases. Therefore, add a bit of Coconut to your meal to get the benefits of this golden fruit.
