GO NUTS FOR COCONUTS!

world coconut day

Coconuts are a powerhouse, providing us with a vast range of products and benefits. The tender white flesh inside the coconut is used in an array of cooking recipes and the oil, milk, and water is used for both cooking and non-cooking purposes. Coconut butter, coconut cream, and coconut oil are staple by-products used in beauty products, and the husks and leaves of coconuts are used for making doormats, roofs, and huts.

Apart from making delicious piña coladas, Thai dishes, khaosueys and candy bars, coconuts are now used in many things. Coconut oil is used for cooking and sometimes used in coffee. Adding shredded coconut to oatmeal or blending frozen sheets of coconut in smoothies makes for a yummy breakfast. Or simply, sipping coconut water to hydrate, and even slather the oil on our hair and skin is really good for you. In honour of the day, this week You! lists down some benefits of this superfood…

Its water contains lots of nutrients: In addition to being naturally sweet and hydrating, coconut water is loaded with several important nutrients, including minerals that many people don’t get enough of. Coconut water contains 94 per cent water and very little fat. Studies show that coconut water contains antioxidants that help modify free radicals in body, which can help speed up recovery process after stress or injury. Moreover, coconut water is also effective at replenishing fluids and electrolytes after exercise. Comparable to other sports beverages which are high in sugar and caffeine, this is definitely a better choice.

Helps in lowering blood sugar: Research has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and improve other health markers in animals with diabetes. In a study from 2015, rats with diabetes that were treated with coconut water maintained better blood sugar levels than the control group. The same study also found that the rats given coconut water had lower levels of haemoglobin A1c, indicating better long-term blood sugar control.

However, another added blood sugar benefit of coconut water is that it’s a good source of magnesium, which may increase insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

With all this in mind, it’s important to note that coconut water contains carbs (which are broken down into sugars in the body), so if you are living with diabetes or prediabetes, talk to your doctor or a dietitian before adding it to your diet.

Helps with digestion and gut health: Constipation is the result of a diet low on fibre. 61 per cent of coconut is all fibre, which is why your gut health and bowel movement stays in check. Coconuts are high in fibre, which helps bulk up your stool and supports bowel regularity, keeping your digestive system healthy. Since these fruits are likewise high in fat, they can help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.

May improve immunity: Manganese and antioxidants in coconut may help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. This fruit’s MCTs may also have antiviral, antifungal, and tumour-suppressing properties

May reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s: According to a study published in the journal ‘Nutrient’, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are exclusively found in coconut and have ketogenic properties that might help in preventing Alzheimer’s as well as other cognitive disorders. Basically, coconut fats have therapeutic properties that keep mental health in check.

May improve your oral health: Coconut meat contains large amounts of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), a type of saturated fat that is much easier for the human body to digest than animal fats. These fats, also called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), have been demonstrated to boost the endurance of trained athletes. The MCFAs found in coconut meat also contain antimicrobial properties. These can be useful in preventing infections related to root canals and other teeth issues. Although eating coconut meat is not a substitute for proper dental hygiene, it can help kill some of the unwanted bacteria found in your mouth and protect your gums and teeth from infection or cavities.

Improves skin health: To keep your skin healthy and young, you need not look further than coconut oil. It contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process and protects your skin from harmful radiation from the sun. All you need to do is to apply a few drops of coconut oil on your skin. Use it before showering, so that it will be easier for the oil to be absorbed through your skin once your pores have opened up.

History of World Coconut Day

The first observance of World Coconut Day took place on September 2, 2009, commemorating the creation of the APCC – Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). The APCC is headquartered at Jakarta, Indonesia and all major coconut growing countries are members of it.

The aim of celebrating this holiday is to bring coconuts into the spotlight and recognise their importance and benefits — not just health-wise but economically too. Coconuts are especially celebrated in Asian- and Pacific regions by the APCC, Asian and Pacific Coconut Community, which facilitates most of the coconut production centres.