Health News

What happens to your body when you eat coconut regularly

Coconut (Coconut Nucfera) The factory is from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines) and the islands between the Indian and peaceful oceans. Researchers have explored the potential benefits for coconut health, including its role as antibacterial and anti -cancer agent and its effect on blood sugar and heart health.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

1. Reduces oxidative stress

Some evidence reveals that coconut has antioxidant properties. Preliminary research on animals suggests that coconut meat reduces oxidative stress. Other research has identified proteins in coconut meat which protect DNA against oxidative damage and reduce the activity of free radicals.

2. Protects against bacteria

According to research, the extracts produced from the endocarp of coconut (inner layer) inhibited bacterial activity in laboratory studies. However, coconut extract does not protect against all types of bacteria. In addition, the antibacterial properties of coconut extract seem specific to the dose and bacteria.

3. Flees up against cancer

Coconut flour is a by-product of the extraction of coconut oil. Although overall low in nutrients, coconut flour is an important source of mannooligosaccharides. This specific prebiotic fiber can protect against the spread of colorectal cancer.

However, more research is necessary to understand the role of mannooligosaccharides coconut flour in cancer prevention.

4. Improves blood sugar control

Preliminary research on animals suggests that coconut and coconut oil can reduce insulin resistance, the precursor of type 2 diabetes.

Research in humans has given contradictory results. A study revealed that consumption of coconut fats with a meal increased blood sugar (blood sugar) after the meal. Conversely, post-repas (postprandial)) Insulin levels have been reduced with coconut added to meals. Insulin is the molecule responsible for the elimination of sugar from blood circulation after a meal.

The high fiber content of coconut meat can benefit blood sugar. Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar into your blood circulation, reducing glucose levels, which gives you constant energy. Despite general support, coconut may not be the best addition to a ketogenic or low blood sugar diet. Limited evidence supports the advantages of coconut pulp, in particular blood sugar and fat levels (lipids).

5. supports intestinal health

Coconut can support a healthy intestinal microbiome. As mentioned, coconut contains a large amount of fiber and MCT.

Fibers and MCTs are essential for the intestinal microbiota, fueling and nourishing a healthy environment for bacteria.

6. Fight against Alzheimer’s disease

Research is promising for the use of MCTS to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Insulin signaling is affected by Alzheimer’s disease, limiting the body’s ability to effectively use glucose and requiring other energy sources.

Ketones are produced from the metabolism of the MCT and provide energy to the brain without insulin. Although promising, additional studies are necessary to determine the effect of MCTS from coconut on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

What is coconut?

Coconut is a popular fruit from Southeast Asia and available worldwide in various products, such as milk, water and coconut meat (pulp).

Traditional medicine in Southeast Asia has used different parts of coconut and has created various medicinal formulations for certain health conditions. Coconut has been linked to health benefits for years. It has traditionally been used to help the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Loss
  • Inflammation
  • Lower sex
  • Massacle
  • Skin rashes
  • Wound care

Coconut nutrition

Generally, a portion of coconut meat provides the following nutrition:

  • Fiber: 4 grams (g) (16% of daily value)
  • Carbohydrates: 6.84 g
  • Total fat: 15 g
  • Water: 29.2 g

In addition to its history of medicinal use, coconut provides nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Namely, coconut is an important source of antioxidants and fatty acids.

Coconut meat is rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCT), a specific type of saturated fats. The liver absorbs and easily decomposes MCT. MCTs can be converted into ketone bodies. Ketones are an alternative source of energy that the body and the brain use. Some research suggests that MCT derived ketones can have potential advantages for diabetes and heart disease.

A word of very good

Coconut is a delicious fruit that has many potential health benefits. My favorite advantages come from the contents of coconut fibers. Fibers are well known to help us be more satisfied with meals, help regular and potentially lower stools of LDL cholesterol. You don’t know how to add coconut to your diet? Try to sprinkle dried coconut cups without sugar on the Greek yogurt to stimulate the fibers and eat for a simple breakfast.


Other considerations for coconut

Avoid coconut if you are allergic or its components. Look for immediate medical care if you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath).

Coconut oil has the highest saturated fat content among fat sources. Most research shows that coconut oil increases cholesterol from low density lipoproteins (LDL) (“bad” cholesterol) and the risk of heart disease. Limited research exists on the specific influence of coconut meat on heart disease.

People with high cholesterol or a high risk of heart disease should moderate their consumption of coconut products due to their high content in saturated fat. Despite limited research on the effects of coconut meat on health, coconut should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Coconut is very dense in the nutritional level and an important source of food fats.

Main to remember

  • Compared to coconut oil, less research is available on the health benefits of coconut meat.
  • More information is necessary to understand how the antioxidant, fiber and fat content of coconut meat can benefit blood sugar, heart health, cancer and bacterial infections.
  • However, coconut can be appreciated in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Five EBC, Sous CNS, Messes LN, et al. Coconut Nucfera (L.) (Arecaceae): a phytochemical and pharmacological review. Braz J with Biol Res. 2015; 48 (11): 953-964. DOI: 10.1590 / 1414-431×2015473

  2. Phonphoem W, Singvanich C, Aramrak A, et al. Nutritional profiles, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and DNA damage to Makapuno DNA derived from Thai aromatic coconut. Food. 2022; 11 (23): 3912. Doi: 10.3390 / Food11233912

  3. My J, Pan C, Chen H, et al. Overview of functional and organic activities of coconut (Coconut Nucfera L.) Protein by proteomic and bioinformatics analysis based on protein. Molecules. 2022; 27 (9): 2987. Doi: 10.3390 / Molecules27092987

  4. Pason P, Tachaapaikoon C, Suyama W, et al. Anticancer and anti-angiogenic activities of mannooligosaccharides extracted from coconut flour on colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro. Toxic representative. 2023; 12: 82-90. DOI: 10.1016 / J.Toxrep .2023.12.010

  5. Fernando WMADB, Martins IJ, GOOZEE KG, et al. The role of food coconut for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: potential mechanisms of action. BR J NUTR. 2015; 114 (1): 1-14. DOI: 10.1017 / S0007114515001452

  6. Dhanasekara CS, Nelson A, Spradley M, et al. Effects of consumption of coconut oil or coconut on glycemic control and sensitivity to insulin: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of interventional tests. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2022; 32 (1): 53-68. Two: 10.1016 / J.NUMECD.2021.09.014

  7. Rial SA, Karelis Ad, Bergeron KF, et al. Intestinal microbiota and metabolic health: the potential beneficial effects of a medium chain triglycerides diet in obese individuals. Nutrients. 2016; 8 (5): 281. Doi: 10.3390 / NU8050281

  8. Al-Adhroy Ah, Ni ZM, al-Mekhlafi HM, et al. Evaluation of the use of Coconut Nucfera As an antimalarial remedy in Malaysian folk medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011; 134 (3): 988-991. DOI: 10.1016 / J.JEP.2011.01.026

  9. US Department of Central Fooddata Agriculture. Nuts, coconut meat, flood.

  10. Mahayothee B, Koomyart I, Khuwijitjaru P, et al. Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and medium chain fatty acid profiles of coconut water and meat at different stages of maturity. International Food Properties Journal2016; 19: 9, 2041-2051, DOI: 10.1080 / 10942912.2015.1099042

  11. Sankararaman s, sferra tj. Are we going nuts on coconut oil? CURR NUTR REP. 2018; 7 (3): 107-115. Two: 10.1007 / S13668-018-0230-5

Headshot by Amy Brownstein, RDN

By Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN

Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, is a dietitian of private practice and a nutrition consultant based on the west coast. She is passionate about the translation of the science of nutrition into digestible and usable educational information and educational recommendations.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button