Coconut

The coconut is a large round fruit of the coconut palm tree with a hard shell with a thin brown skin with a white fleshy interior that is eaten raw or dried.

Coconut is a plant of the Palm family and is the only species of the genus Cocos. One of the characteristics of these trees is that they “feel” very well in the immediate vicinity of sea water, although they do not need it.

This is explained by the ease with which the shallow roots of the palm absorb moisture from the soil, which is significantly higher on the sea coast.

The coconut shell is not damaged by the salt water. This means that a walnut that has fallen into the sea water can be carried by the sea waves into the open sea and after a long “journey” it can be thrown on a distant shore, where after some time a new palm tree will appear.

Nutritional value of 100 grams of coconut

• Proteins – 3.4 grams;
• Fats – 33.5 grams;
• Carbohydrates – 6.2 grams;
• Mineral salts – 2 grams;
• Water – 11.5 grams;
• Calorie content – ​​354 kilocalories;

Coconut is considered a high-calorie food because of the increased fat content, and from 100 grams of coconut a person can get 354 kilocalories.

The energy value of coconut oil is 862 kilocalories per 100 grams, but the same amount of coconut milk has only 19 kilocalories.

Excessive consumption of coconut can cause weight gain and subsequently obesity.

Beneficial properties

Coconut contains many healing substances, natural oils and antioxidants. It is a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins E and C, folic acid and plant fibers.

The fleshy part of the coconut improves digestion and vision, increases immunity, prevents the occurrence of cardiovascular and oncological diseases.

Coconut has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Coconut oil has a pleasant smell and sweet taste, it is very useful for the skin and contains about 27% fat, 6% carbohydrates and 4% proteins.

Coconut milk is an excellent means of refreshing and toning the skin, restores the elasticity of aging and flabby skin. Acne and allergic rashes can be treated particularly successfully with its help, soothing and drying irritated skin.

Coconut oil is extracted from dried cashew nuts. It is produced by hot pressing desiccated fresh coconut pulp. It is mainly used in the production of soaps, cosmetic products and margarine.

Coconut oil consists of triglycerides and medium-chain saturated fatty acids, thanks to which it is absorbed very quickly, beautifully moisturizes and makes the skin really velvety.

In particular, lauric acid negatively affects various pathogenic microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses.

Coconut oil also contains capric acid /7% of the total fatty acid composition/, which stimulates antimicrobial activity.

Coconut oil is easily digested and thus does not burden the liver. It is useful for the stomach and favors the maintenance of healthy intestinal microflora.

The benefit of coconut oil is that it is not stored in the body, but is almost immediately converted into energy. And that is why it is especially suitable for athletes who train intensively. It is not surprising that the inhabitants of tropical countries consider the coconut a “gift from heaven”.

Contraindications for the use of coconut

Coconut is contraindicated for people prone to obesity. Coconuts are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, as well as hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, as they affect the function of this organ.