Coconut water is cool and refreshing, the coconut flesh is both rich and sweet, so this food is loved by many people. Below are the uses of coconut and some notes when eating this fruit.
1. What are the effects of coconut?
Coconut consists of coconut water and coconut flesh. In which, both coconut water and coconut flesh have a very delicious flavor and bring many health benefits.
Coconut is delicious and nutritious.
1.1. Coconut water
Coconut water is clear, sweet and very low in calories. This drink also contains many vitamins and minerals, along with some biological compounds and enzymes,… The amount of water in a coconut can be from 200 to 1000ml of water depending on the type. Here are some effects of coconut water:
- Young coconut water contains free amino acid L-arginine: Has the effect of reducing free radicals. In addition, coconut water also contains a lot of vitamin C which has the effect of reducing lipid oxidation in the body.
- Contributes to blood sugar control: The ingredients in coconut water can help stabilize blood sugar. In addition, coconut water also contains a lot of magnesium, which has the effect of increasing insulin sensitivity, which is very good for people with diabetes.
- Preventing kidney stones: Coconut water has the effect of reducing the formation of calcium and oxalate crystals… thereby preventing the formation of kidney stones quite effectively
Coconut water is sweet and very easy to drink.
- Very good for the cardiovascular system: L-arginine, vitamin C, potassium, calcium and other minerals in coconut water can help reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, etc., thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. In addition, coconut water also contains cytokinin – a compound that helps prevent blood clots that cause blood vessel blockage, stroke, myocardial infarction, etc.
- Replenish water and electrolytes: Coconut water contains a lot of glucose, minerals and electrolytes, so it is very effective in treating dehydration.
- Enhance metabolism: Nutrients in coconut water such as B vitamins, vitamin C, enzymes and minerals (copper, manganese) help enhance the metabolism of fat, protein, sugar and help improve the digestive system.
- Coconut water contains a lot of vitamin B9, which is very good for pregnant women and children.
1.2. Coconut meat
Coconut meat, also known as coconut meat, contains a lot of energy:
- Saturated fatty acids in coconut meat can increase the level of good HDL-cholesterol in the blood.
- Not only providing many minerals and vitamins like coconut water, coconut meat also provides the body with many vitamins E, vitamin K and selenium.
- Very good for digestion and weight loss support: Because it contains a lot of fat, coconut meat helps the body better absorb fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamins A, D, E, K. Not only that, coconut meat contains a lot of fiber which is very good for digestion, prevents the risk of constipation, helps the body feel full longer, thereby effectively supporting weight loss.
- Supports immunity: Lauric acid, capric acid, … in coconut meat have effective antibacterial effects, thereby helping the body’s immune system become stronger.
- Coconut meat contains lauric acid, which helps prevent memory loss and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Notes when using coconut
Coconut has many health benefits. Here are some specific notes when eating this fruit:
Notes when drinking coconut water:
- Do not overuse coconut water: Although coconut water brings many health benefits, you should not drink too much to avoid unwanted consequences.
- Compared to old coconut water, young coconut water often contains less sugar and does not increase blood sugar and prevent the risk of being overweight.
- Adults should only drink 1 to 2 coconuts/day. Do not drink too much for a long time to avoid electrolyte disturbances and affect muscle function.
- People with low blood pressure, people who have just had surgery, people with kidney disease, hyperkalemia, etc. should also be careful when drinking coconut water. You can consult a specialist before drinking coconut water.
- Coconut water contains many nutrients and helps strengthen the immune system, so it is also very good for children and breastfeeding mothers. However, for children under 6 months old, breast milk is still the only and most important source of nutrition.
- For older children, when giving them coconut water, mothers should give them a small amount. Then, monitor to see if the child has any unusual reactions. If not, parents can add coconut water to the child’s weaning diet. Mothers should not let children drink too much coconut water. Children need to be supplemented with a variety of nutrients to ensure comprehensive development.
Don’t eat too much coconut meat.
Some notes when eating coconut meat
- Coconut meat brings many health benefits. However, you should not eat too much. If you regularly eat coconut meat, you may face the risk of being overweight, obese or some other metabolic diseases. Moreover, when eating coconut meat regularly, you will take in too much fiber and fat, leading to bloating, feeling very uncomfortable and tired.
- You should only eat coconut meat about 1 to 2 times a week.
- In cases such as pregnant women, people with physical weakness, poor digestion, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, dyslipidemia, you should limit the consumption of this food.
Hopefully, the above information has helped you better understand some of the health benefits of coconut. In addition, do not forget the notes when drinking coconut water and eating coconut meat to be able to receive the maximum nutritional value from this fruit. At the same time, it limits unnecessary health risks and hazards.