8 Health Benefits Of Tender Coconut

Coconuts are a versatile food commodity which can be consumed in its various forms.Young coconuts contain more water and soft gel-like meat, whereas mature coconuts have firm meat and less water. From the white flesh of tender coconut to the tender coconut water and from coconut slices to coconut milk and coconut oil, in every form, it is packed with several health benefits.They are being used in everything from our daily cuisine to our beauty regimens.

Here are the health benefits of tender coconut:

* Coconut water to prevent dehydration

The water in the young coconut is one of the highest sources of electrolytes.Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately.Therefore, it is more beneficial to drink the water from a young coconut after an intense workout rather than the commercial sports drinks we see advertised.

* Helps meet nutritional requirements

Opt for whole coconut meat that’s either fresh or dried, which is where most of the nutrients are found.

* Rich source of antioxidants

The soft meat or flesh, inside the coconut helps to restore oxidative tissue damage and contains a source of healthy fats, proteins, and various vitamins and minerals.

* Source of good fats

An exotic healthy fat source is actually packed with nutrients that improve lean muscle mass and support the overall body.

* Rich source of protein

Coconut may not be a complete source of protein, but it’s still packed with amino acids. Containing 17 amino acids out of the 20 amino acids needed for optimal protein formation, it’s particularly high in threonine, an amino acid needed to protect the liver, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and to support the formation of collagen in the body. For your muscles, it builds connective tissues and maintains elasticity in the body, even in the heart. Threonine also supports healthy tooth enamel, and it speeds up healing from wounds or injuries throughout the whole body.

* Great source of Dietary Iron

Coconut is also a great source of iron, especially for a fruit. Two tablespoons of raw coconut butter contain 6 percent of your iron needs. Iron is needed to ensure optimal blood flow to the muscles and for optimal energy needed for exercise.

* Helps fight abdominal weight gain

Coconut may not help you drop a significant amount of pounds, but it has been shown to reduce body fat in the abdominal region. Fats from raw, unsweetened coconuts are used by the liver for energy, and they help reduce insulin surges in the body, unlike sugary processed foods or refined grains. This can lead to a reduced amount of fat stored in the stomach, which often happens due to erratic insulin levels.

* Boosts metabolism

The fibre and medium chain triglyceride fats in coconut also help boost the metabolism due to the way they are used during digestion. Not only does this give you energy, but also creates a thermo genic effect in the body where your calorie burn is increased naturally.Using coconut in small to moderate servings in place of sugary foods, refined grains, processed foods, fast food, etc., can be especially beneficial