Coconut is a foodstuff which seems to have infiltrated every area of our lives. From face creams to foot scrubs, smoothies to shower gel, it appears as though the power of coconut is taking over the food, health, and beauty markets. Everyone from private label foods to high-end retailers is promoting the pros, but just what are the wonders of this so-called wonder nut? Here are some of the top health benefits you could enjoy from coconuts to inspire you to stock up!
Support Your Immune System
One of the top selling points of coconuts is their ability to help boost your bodies natural immune system. They are renowned for being anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, and anti-viral, meaning that the humble coconut can be used to treat and improve a range of health conditions. Around 50 percent of the fatty acid found in coconut is lauric acid, which can be converted by the body into monolaurin – a brilliant anti-virus. Monolaurin can be beneficial in fighting conditions such as measles, vesicular stomatitis, visna, herpes, and HIV.
Boost Your Energy
For a natural way to boost your energy levels, turn to coconut over fizzy drinks or caffeinated products. It will provide long-lasting energy which can be beneficial to athletic and physical performance, and help to improve your overall health in a way which artificial energy boosts cannot offer.
Improve Your Digestion
Eating or drinking coconut is a great way to help improve your digestion, and it also helps the body to absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients more efficiently, leading to improved overall health. Your body can extract the goodness more easily from the food you eat, and this will allow you to get the very best from a healthy diet.
Assist With Diabetes
Coconut flour is very low in carbohydrates when compared with other types of flour, and this makes it an ideal choice for diabetics. It is also a carbohydrate which will not cause a spike in insulin, allowing those who have diabetes to enjoy the benefits without concern to health.
Improve Heart Health
Another benefit of coconuts is its ability to improve the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body while reducing the risk of heart disease. It raises the levels of HDL, allowing more benefits to the body and helping to improve the health of your heart and cardiovascular system.
Help Your Thyroid
The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut can be hugely beneficial to those with underactive thyroids. This condition tends to cause joint and muscle pain from sufferers, which occur as a result of unbalanced hormone levels. Coconut in an oil form can help to alleviate this inflammation, relieving pain and helping with symptoms.
Assist With Weight Loss
One powerful property of coconut is the number of fatty acids it contains. Fatty acids can help maintain weight loss, as they help you to feel fuller for longer. This reduces the desire to overeat and can aid faster weight loss.
