Coconuts Are So Much Better Than You Know

Coconuts are something that billions (yes, billions) of people depend on in their daily lives.

Here’s what I mean.

If you look at the Earth and look at the equator then you’re seeing a band that wraps around the Earth and is responsible for a high production of edible plants, as well as holding so many of the world’s people.

Technically, though, that band extends to 20 degrees latitude north and south of the equator.

And no, this isn’t a lesson in geography.

Instead, what I’m telling you is one of the best foods in the world, for nutrition as well as for “medicine” happens to feed billions and billions all across the world.

The sun seems to have gifted this band of the Earth with one of the best foods you could ever use and today I’m going to explain why it’s so great. 

Why Coconuts Are One of the Best Foods On The Planet

The interesting thing about coconuts is how so much of the fruit (it is a botanical fruit and is not a nut even though the FDA recognizes coconut as a tree nut) can be used to benefit your health.

I won’t be able to tell you all they can do in this article (without making it too long), but I’ll do my best to make this informative.

1- Great For Hydration and Electrolyte Balance:

Because they are rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium, coconut water facilitates cellular hydration and maintains optimal fluid equilibrium.

2 - Helpful For Your Heart:

The abundance of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut products positively influences lipid profiles, elevating HDL (which is the good kind of cholesterol) cholesterol levels while mitigating the harmful effects of LDL cholesterol. 

3 - Can Help You Manage Healthy Weight:

Even though coconuts are higher in calories than many other foods, many coconut-derived products, particularly MCT oil, aid in weight management by enhancing metabolic rate and inducing satiety, thereby facilitating caloric control.

4 - Improves Digestive Health:

One of the best things you can do for your gut is consume high-fiber foods, and coconuts help promote gastrointestinal health by helping you maintain regular bowel movements and also improve your gut’s microbiome. 

5 - Maintain Healthy Brain Function:

The same fats that are helpful for your heart and weight management are helpful for brain health. MCTs found in coconut oil, such as caprylic acid, can fuel the brain for superior brain function.

There’s even research to indicate MCTs can help with cognitive decline and prevent Alzheimer's disease from progressing. Preliminary research suggests cognitive enhancement potential with MCT oil supplementation.

6 - Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties:

We know that inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, can be a problem for long-lasting health.

Coconut products wield potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capabilities, which can neutralize oxidative stress and inflammation and potentially help ward off the development of cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Other Known Benefits Of Coconut

When it comes to what coconuts can be used for, that list is long too, as the coconut is great for making all types of edible and non-edible products. 

This is a bigger “listicle” than I normally write, but I think it’s pretty interesting. 

1 - Coconut Milk: For people who want to ditch dairy, coconut milk is great and helpful for making soups, desserts, beverages and more! 

2 - Coconut Cream: Thicker consistency than coconut milk, used in desserts, cocktails, and savory dishes for a luxurious texture and coconut flavor.

3 - Coconut Flour: If you want to go gluten-free, using coconut flour to add moisture and subtle coconut flavor to what you make is an option.

4 - Coconut Sugar: Superior to cane sugar in many ways, this natural sweetener has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar and has a unique caramel-like flavor, for  baking, cooking, and beverages as a healthier alternative.

5 - Coconut Vinegar: An increasingly common condiment, coconut vinegar which is made from fermented coconut water, used in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces, is believed to offer health benefits similar to other vinegars.

6 - Coconut Aminos: I’ve written about the problem with soy sauce in the past and this alternative (which is made from fermented coconut sap) is both gluten-free, soy-free, as well as low in sodium and still provides that savory flavor people love.

7 - Coconut Butter: Another dairy-free alternative, this version of butter is made from finely ground coconut meat and offers a slightly sweet taste, used on toast, as a topping for oatmeal or smoothie bowls, or incorporated into desserts.

8 - Coconut Water: One of the more popular coconut products, it comes from the liquid inside and is used as a base for beverages, energy drinks, and flavored water products, offering extended shelf life and reduced transportation costs.

9-  Coconut Fiber Products: Coir, derived from coconut husks, is used in various applications like doormats, brushes, ropes, and geotextiles due to its durability and water resistance.

10 - Coconut Shell Charcoal: Highly porous coconut shell charcoal is utilized as fuel for cooking, industrial processes, and water and air purification due to its absorbent properties.

11- Coconut Husk Products: Coconut husk fibers are processed into erosion control mats, soil blankets, and growing mediums for horticulture and hydroponics.

12 - Coconut Oil-based Cosmetics: Coconut oil is a common ingredient in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties.

13 - Coconut-based Biofuels: Coconut oil and biodiesel are explored as renewable energy sources due to their potential as cleaner-burning alternatives to petroleum diesel.

14 - Coconut Shell Activated Carbon: Derived from coconut shells, activated carbon is widely used in water and air purification systems for its ability to adsorb impurities and odors.

15 - Coconut-based Personal Care Products: Coconut-derived ingredients are utilized in moisturizers, body washes, toothpastes, and hair treatments for their hydrating and nourishing properties as well as cleansing properties. 

And again, the list could go on and on.

Coconuts are great for the planet, for people, and for you, so I recommend taking a look at incorporating them into your diet and life on an increasing basis.