Coconut is a tropical fruit that refreshes instantly.. On a very hot day or relaxing on the beach, there is nothing like enjoying a delicious coconut and the water it contains. It is a very popular fruit because of its deliciousness and the multiple benefits it has for our health.
However, there are those who prefer not to eat it because of the myth that coconut is fattening.How true is this? In today’s article we present a list of the myths and realities surrounding coconut and the best way to consume it.
Is coconut fattening? Myths and facts
The coconut comes from the coconut palm, a palm tree common in tropical areas. As with all fruits, there are different levels of ripeness. A coconut in a good state to be consumed is very hard and when shaking it you can hear the movement of the water inside..
The coconut is consumed water, coconut pulp and oil. Coconut milk is also obtained by grinding the pulp to extract its juice. The pulp can be eaten even if it is gelatinous, but its exact ripening point is when it is completely hard.
Facts about coconut
The coconut and everything that can be consumed from it has multiple uses and benefits. Coconut water can be drunk and is an immediate moisturizer for hot days. The pulp is eaten whole, raw, grated, roasted or ground into coconut milk.
It is believed that this tropical fruit has health benefits and that its cosmetic use helps the skin and hair, however it is also said that coconut is fattening and it is not recommended to consume it in excess.
1. Coconut water is high in nutrients
Coconut water is as refreshing as it is high in nutrients.. To obtain coconut water, you have to make two perforations and simply drink it. It is highly hydrating and also provides energy.
All this because coconut water is high in potassium, iron and calcium, so it helps the body to quickly regain hydration. It is also diuretic, so it helps not to retain fluids in the body that cause swelling in hot weather.
2. Coconut is good for intestinal and stomach health.
Coconut has properties that help maintain good stomach and intestinal health.. Coconut has a very high fiber content, especially in the pulp. This contributes to good digestion and is excellent for relieving heartburn.
In addition, this property in coconut allows for good intestinal health, so its regular consumption is recommended to regulate constipation problems. Coconut milk also contains this benefit.
3. Coconut can cause weight gain
The answer to whether coconut is fattening is … yes.. Although coconut has a high fiber content and has been attributed as a fruit that can contribute to weight loss, on the other hand it is true that it has a very high caloric intake.
Coconut provides about 350 calories per 100 grams. Because of this, coconut is considered one of the fruits with more calories per serving. So the reality is that its consumption should be limited and accompanied by a healthy diet and regular exercise.
4. Coconut oil is good for the skin and hair
Coconut oil is high in Vitamin E.Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, so it is very good for skin and hair. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that when applied to the skin moisturizes and softens it immediately and lastingly.
Coconut provides shine to the hair, as well as intense hydration, so using it in the form of oil is also a good way to take advantage of the benefits of coconut. You can also take advantage of coconut water and apply it along with shampoo for better results.
Myths about coconut
In the last few decades, coconut and its many uses have become popular.. The pulp is consumed, the water is consumed, the oil is used for cooking, its juice is extracted to drink it as milk and it even has uses in the cosmetic area.
But it must be said that there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the coconut. To know if this is true or not, it is necessary to analyze the properties of this fruit. There are many myths and facts about the properties, benefits and harms of coconut, let’s see which are true and which are not.
1. Coconut oil is better than olive oil
It is believed that olive oil can be substituted for coconut oil in the kitchen.. Lately, coconut oil has begun to be used in various recipes as an alternative to olive oil, believing it to be healthier or to have a greater amount of nutrients.
This is not necessarily true. While coconut oil is high in the so-called good cholesterol, it does not really provide any different or extra benefit to using olive oil. Instead, it can provide a slight variation in the flavors of dishes.
2. Coconut oil should be consumed on an empty stomach and in large quantities.
A common myth is that to enjoy its benefits it must be consumed in large quantities.. Some people recommend consuming coconut oil on an empty stomach and in spoonfuls in order to perceive an immediate benefit from its properties.
We know that everything in excess can be harmful, and this does not exempt coconut. Regular and moderate consumption of coconut is beneficial to health. However, consuming it in excess is not the most advisable, precisely because of its high caloric intake.
3. Coconut oil causes cardiovascular problems
Coconut oil has been contraindicated by many doctors for raising cholesterol levels.. Therefore, it is believed that coconut oil and all coconut derivatives can cause cardiovascular problems caused by a high cholesterol level.
While the consumption of coconut oil can indeed raise cholesterol, this would only happen in conjunction with the consumption of other fats. In addition, the rest of the coconut is completely harmless and contains no cholesterol, so the pulp and water are totally oblivious to this myth.
4. Coconut helps you lose weight
A very popular myth is that coconut helps you lose weight.. This myth is one of the most widespread about the properties of this fruit and is based on the high fiber content it contains, which could help reduce fat.
However, in addition to this fiber content, coconut has a high caloric content, so its regular consumption without regular physical activity and healthy eating habits could have the opposite effect due to the amount of calories it contains.