Coconut: Properties, Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

Pacific Islanders call the coconut palm "the tree of life ." This is due to the many beneficial properties this extraordinary fruit conceals within its nut . Known since ancient times, coconuts have become a symbol of summer . Fresh and rich in healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and plant fiber , they're ideal for fighting the heat without weighing you down. Thanks to their numerous vitamins, they're considered highly effective in treating conditions such as muscle weakness and excessive nervousness. Coconuts are also beneficial for bones and teeth and are excellent for replenishing mineral salts lost through sweating.

Index of topics

Nutritional properties

Coconut is quite high in calories, with 100 grams containing 364 calories. It also contains:

33,49 g of lipids
15,23 g of carbohydrates
3,3 g of protein
9 g of fiber
3,3 mg of vitamin C

Benefits

Besides the pulp, one of the components richest in beneficial properties is the water found inside the fruit . Light in color, it is more abundant in unripe coconuts because the more ripe the coconut becomes, the more it tends to dehydrate. This water, besides being very thirst-quenching, also has purifying and disinfectant properties , alleviating gastric acidity and improving digestion. Finally, it is so rich in potassium and mineral salts that it can be used as an alternative to energy and tonic drinks.

Coconut also provides other benefits:

It has anti-aging properties
It has antibacterial properties
It has antioxidant properties
Reduces cardiovascular risks
Strengthens the immune system

Colon cancer prevention

Some studies have highlighted a particular benefit of coconut: thanks to its very high insoluble fiber content and the feeling of satiety it produces, it improves intestinal health. This significantly reduces the risk of digestive cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

Use in the kitchen

Here are some coconut recipes to try.

Coconut biscuitsThey can be prepared in just a few minutes and can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Coconut sweetsWith this simple recipe, you can make coconut sweets with desiccated coconut or by adding fresh coconut to the blender.
Vegan cocoa and coconut cookiesAn excellent recipe based on chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and flaked almonds.
Coconut ice cream with raspberriesCoconut and raspberries: a unique, unmissable combination for one of the best ice creams you can enjoy during the summer.
Coconut milk cream with chocolateAn excellent latte that can be prepared in no more than 5 minutes.

Controindicazioni

Coconut has no particular contraindications, but it is best to consult your doctor before consuming it if you are taking medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is obtained by pressing the dried pulp. The product retains all the aroma and flavor of the fruit and is a valid alternative to animal fats in the kitchen. It is considered a panacea against cholesterol and free radicals and has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties . To fully enjoy these benefits, it is recommended to purchase it in natural food stores, where you can find an oil that has not undergone refining or bleaching processes.

Coconut milk

The famous coconut milk is made from the pulp of the fruit, which is dried, grated, added to hot water, and finally filtered. A typical ingredient in Eastern cuisine, it is very high in calories (about 200 calories per 100 grams) and in many cultures it is used to breastfeed infants. Like breast milk, coconut milk is rich in lauric acid, a substance that promotes brain development . It can also be used as a beauty product.

Coconut flour

Coconut flour is made from the grated pulp of fresh coconuts, from which the oil is extracted. It's also known as coconut gravy and has an even more intense flavor than the fresh fruit. Rich in fat and low in water, it's a cross between a seasoning oil and a refined grain flour.

How to cut coconut

There are various ways to cut coconut, the most classic being using a hammer, a corkscrew, and a screwdriver.

Using the tip of the corkscrew, pierce the soft circles located at the tip of the fruit.
Drain the coconut water and at this point take the hammer to break it, possibly helping yourself with the screwdriver.

Coconut all year round

Another important benefit of coconut is its year-round availability, allowing for a variety of uses. For example, desiccated coconut can help stave off hunger pangs by adding it to yogurt, either in the morning for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Coconut water and milk, on the other hand, can be used to sweeten any beverage and replace sugar.

Coconut: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications