Coconuts have slowly been making their way out of the baking section and into our shampoos, creams, and exotic or healthy recipes. Coconut oil, coconut water and coconut milk are now hot commodities in health food stores across the nation. Why the rise of the coconut? Many say it’s due to the amazing health benefits of this nutrient-rich food.
The coconut tree belongs to the palm family. These tall trees grow in coastal tropical climates like India, Mexico, the United States, Thailand, and Indonesia, to name a few. In many parts of the world, coconut milk and coconut oil have been a common food source for generations.
With all the talk about good and bad fats and cholesterol, you may wonder if coconut is good for you. It’s true, that coconut is high in saturated fats and therefore should be eaten in moderation. But don’t worry, because it takes just a touch to make our Toasted Coconut Cashew butter taste so good. Plus, there are plenty of other benefits of coconut as part of a balanced diet.
How is Coconut Good for You?
Whether you’re picturing the green coconuts known as “young coconuts” or the more mature brown-haired coconuts, you can imagine a food that’s packed with nutrients. Coconut flesh is rich in fiber and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, plus vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. In its virgin form, coconut oil is also rich in phytochemicals that have healthful antioxidant properties.
1. Facilitates Weight Control
Coconut’s toasty flavor is heavenly rich and very filling. But it’s not just that creamy flavor that keeps you from overeating. The fats in coconut oil are easily digestible and therefore less likely to be stored as fat. Capric acid and other medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in coconut oil increase your ability to burn energy throughout the day. The MCTs in coconut oil are also good for building muscle.
2. Improves Heart Health
How does a simple little food benefit your heart? Well, remember those saturated fats? They actually increase the healthy HDL cholesterol in your body and help convert bad LDL cholesterol into good cholesterols. This higher ratio of HDL in the body helps lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease.
3. Kills Bacteria
Coconut oil kills harmful microorganisms when used both inside and out. When used externally, the high amounts of lauric acid found in coconut oil are particularly good at fighting bacteria, fungi and viruses. When ingested, lauric acid reacts to form monolaurin, the main fighter against harmful pathogens. The antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of coconut means it’s great for your overall immune system.
4. Great for Skin and Hair
Coconut oil has been shown to promote healthy skin and hair. It penetrates better than other oils to make hair shinier and prevent damage. And antioxidants in coconut oil protect your skin while fatty acids improve moisture and lipid content.
These are, in fact, just some of the many benefits of the amazing coconut. It’s even been shown to fight cancer and improve memory and brain function!
Read also: Why are Cashew is good for you?
Whether you’re health-conscious or just searching for something a bit out of the ordinary, coconut is a deliciously satisfying treat. We use real toasted coconut in our Betsy’s Best Toasted Coconut Cashew Butter. Our scrumptious spread is a low sugar treat and it is honey-free (so it is vegan). Enjoy it in recipes, on sandwiches, or by the spoonful, and feel good about it!