5 Harmful Effects of Eating Coconut in Excess

Coconut is a versatile and nutritious fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many health benefits. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a popular choice for cooking, baking, and as a dietary supplement. However, like any food, consuming too much coconut can have negative consequences for your health.

Eating coconut in excess can lead to harmful effects such as weight gain, high cholesterol levels, and increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, consuming too much coconut can also cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and bloating. In this article, we will explore the potential risks and side effects of excessive coconut consumption and provide tips on how to enjoy this fruit in moderation while still reaping its many benefits.

# Coconut And Blood Sugar

With a low glycemic index of 42, coconut slows down the sugar release into the bloodstream. This prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar levels and helps in managing diabetes.

Dietary fibers in coconut reduce sugar absorption by the bloodstream and regulate blood sugar levels.

Prefer eating unsweetened coconuts as they are low in sugar ( 2.1 grams per ounce) in comparison to sweetened coconuts ( 10.4 grams per ounce).

# Coconut And High Blood Pressure

Eating 100 grams of coconut provides 356 mg of potassium. Potassium is a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems and affects millions around the world.

Eat coconut in moderation as otherwise, over-accumulation of potassium in the body may drop blood pressure below the normal level and cause symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or vomiting, etc.

# High In Saturated Fats

The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut help in cholesterol management as it reduces bad LDL cholesterol level and increases the level of good HDL cholesterol in our body.

Dietary fibers in coconut reduce LDL cholesterol and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.

However, overeating coconuts is a bad idea as they are high in saturated fats, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease, etc.

# Potential Weight Gain

When consumed in moderation, coconut promotes weight loss as the dietary fibers in it provide stomach satiety, reduces food craving, and controls overeating.Medium-chain triglycerides in coconut increase the release of leptin and peptide YY hormone. These hormones reduce food cravings and help with weight loss.

However, overeating coconut may lead to weight gain because of its high calorific value of 354 calories per 100 grams.

# Too much Fiber Is Bad For Our Stomach

Coconut is good for digestive health as laxative properties of dietary fibers in it improves bowel movement, and relieves constipation and other digestive problems like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.

However, in excessive quantity dietary fibers overactive bowel movement and causes problems like diarrhea, constipation, malabsorption, indigestion, intestinal gas, and intestinal bloating, etc.Eat coconut in moderation to avoid the risk.