5 Proven Health Benefits of Coconut Products

Coconuts were on the receiving end of unfair scrutiny for a long time. In the culinary world, the tantalizing food commodity had a reputation as clogging arteries and causing heart disease. But these myths have since been debunked, and coconuts are now being hailed as a miracle food for the extensive health benefits they offer.

The high vitamin, mineral and fibre content present in the exotic fruit (technically speaking, coconuts are drupes, a fruit with a stony covering) mean its products offer a range of health benefits. And best of all, products like coconut cookies and coconut milk are nothing short of delicious.

They Help You Stay Hydrated

In reality, there are two types of coconut. The young coconut, you often find in Southeast Asia, has a green hue. They are filled with a sweet water and you will often find tourists sipping from them with a straw.

The more visible brown coconut is the more mature coconut. The contents of these are much firmer and deliver the rich coconut taste we are used to devouring in our chocolates, cookies, and cooking products.

The water present in the young coconuts is often sold in coconut milk and water products. It is packed full of electrolytes which keep the body hydrated and help with the transportation of nutrients to muscles and nerves. This is why coconut products are often used in post-workout fitness products to help replenish energy and water stores and help rehydrate the body after an intense workout.

They Raise Your “Good” Cholesterol

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are what we would call “good fats”, which are metabolized differently to trans fats and actually help with weight loss. Besides the “good” fats, coconut oil also contains antioxidants often associated with superfoods like berries, grapes, and dark chocolate.

They Contain Anti-Cancer Properties

New research has also indicated that the water present in coconuts has cancer-fighting properties. The water contains cytokinins which are naturally occurring hormones present in plant cells. Research indicates that these cytokinins reduce the rate at which cancer cells multiply and grow.  

It Builds Strong Bones

Coconuts are a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Coconut products retain these minerals and vitamins, meaning coconut derivatives help strengthen bones and foster strong bone density and structure. The presence of phosphorus and manganese also further endorses health bones.

They Boost the Immune System

Coconuts are used to create antimicrobial and immune-boosting supplements. The coconut contains lauric acid, a natural anti-bacterial agent. This is often extracted and used to treat both viral and bacterial infections.

Coconut products also contain lauric acid, making them useful immune-system boosters and an effective supplement to protect against the flu and bacterial and yeast infections.

Due to their impressive health-boosting effects, many coconut products are pushing out traditional cooking products. Coconut cookies are enjoying success in the confectionery market, coconut oil is increasingly becoming a popular cooking oil, coconut flour is a healthy alternative to refined white flour in baking, and coconut sugar offers a sweet substitute for unhealthy, refined sugar.