8 Health Benefits of Coconut that are Rarely Known

One of the benefits of coconut fruit is overcoming constipation. In fact, coconuts are also able to lose weight and boost the immune system. These various benefits come from coconut meat and water which contain many important nutrients for the body.

Coconuts can not only be consumed as a thirst-quenching drink, but also processed into various products, such as coconut milk, coconut oil, and food additives.

The benefits of coconut fruit for health are also very diverse because this fruit contains important nutrients needed by the body, such as protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.

Benefits of Coconut Fruit for Health

As previously discussed, the health benefits of coconuts cannot be separated from the nutritional content in them. The following are some of the benefits of coconut fruit for health:

1. Hydrates the body

Drinking coconut water can keep the body hydrated because coconut water contains electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which are able to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. That way, the body is well hydrated.

This is why consumption of coconut water is recommended, especially when you experience certain conditions such as diarrhea. By drinking coconut water, body fluids lost during diarrhea can be replaced so you avoid dehydration.  

2. Prevent cavities

The fatty acid content in coconut meat is antimicrobial. This makes consumption of coconut meat good for dental and oral health because it can kill the bacteria that cause cavities.  

However, the most important thing to do to maintain healthy teeth and mouth is to regularly brush your teeth 2 times a day using toothpaste containing fluoride.  

3. Increase body immunity

Coconuts contain manganese and antioxidants which are useful for reducing inflammation and increasing the body's immunity. Not only that, the content of fatty acids in this fruit is also antifungal and antiviral so that it helps boost the body's immunity.  

4. Lose weight

Consuming coconut meat while on a diet can lose weight. This is because coconut meat contains fatty acids which can burn calories and fat in the body.

In addition, coconut meat also contains high fiber. Thus, the consumption of this fruit can provide a longer full effect so as to prevent the desire to eat excessively.  

5. Prevent and overcome constipation

Coconuts are also known to be beneficial for the health of the digestive tract. The benefits of this coconut fruit can be obtained thanks to the high fiber content in it. Fiber can add volume and make stool softer so it's easier to pass

That way, constipation can be avoided or resolved and the health of the digestive tract is better maintained.  

6. Control blood sugar levels

The high fiber content in coconut meat can slow down the work of the digestive system in managing food, so it can control blood sugar levels.  

Consumption of coconut water is also the same. This is because coconut water contains magnesium which is needed to control blood sugar levels. However, further research regarding the benefits of coconuts is still needed.     

7. Maintain blood pressure

Apart from being able to control blood sugar levels, consumption of coconut water can also maintain normal blood pressure. This benefit can be obtained thanks to the potassium content in it

Potassium can balance sodium levels in the body and relax the walls of blood vessels, thereby contributing to maintaining blood pressure.     

8. Maintain heart health

Drinking coconut water and its flesh can maintain heart health. This is because consumption of coconut water can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, thus maintaining heart health

Meanwhile, coconut meat contains lauric acid which can increase levels of good cholesterol in the blood. This means that coconut fruit also plays a role in maintaining heart health

Even so, it is not enough to maintain heart health just by consuming coconuts. You also need to eat healthy food, exercise regularly, maintain an ideal body weight, maintain normal cholesterol and blood pressure, and manage stress well.

The health benefits of coconuts are very diverse. However, you still have to limit its consumption because coconut meat contains high fat so it is not good for health if consumed in excess.

It's the same for water. You need to consume enough coconut water and avoid adding additional sugar to the coconut water you are going to consume because it can increase the number of calories.

In order to find out the safe dose of consuming coconuts, you can consult a doctor. The doctor will recommend the right dosage according to your health condition, so that the maximum benefits of coconut fruit for health can be obtained.

 

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