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How Coconuts are Good For Your Health
Nutrient Content
Vitamins
A Source of:
- Folate – 5%
- Thiamin – 4%
- Vitamin C – 4%
Minerals
Excellent Source of:
- Manganese – 60%
Good Source of:
- Copper – 17%
- Selenium – 12%
- Iron – 11%
Also a Source of:
- Phosphorus – 9%
- Potassium – 8%
- Magnesium – 6%
- Zinc – 6%
Other
Excellent Source of:
- Fiber – 29%
Also a Source of:
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
*All nutritional information from (1)
How Coconuts Prevent Chronic Disease
Coconuts are very unique compared to other fruits. Coconuts are composed almost entirely of saturated fats, which cause many people to infer that they are unhealthy. However, the kinds of fats that make up coconuts are at the forefront of health research because they are not your “typical” saturated fats. (2)
How Coconuts Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut are a novel resource for patients experiencing Alzheimer’s or suffering from mild cognitive impairment. MCTs are broken down by the liver into ketone bodies, which can then pass the blood-brain barrier to fuel neurons. A hallmark of Alzheimer’s is reduced glucose utilization. Coconuts’ MCTs can provide an alternative source of energy for Alzheimer’s patients. (3)
The hormones and phenolic compounds may also help to prevent the build-up of amyloid-β plaques in the neurons. These plaques are another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. (4)
In one study, coconut oil was identified as a possible agent of slowed Parkinson’s disease progression–a disease impacting over 10 million people worldwide. (5, 6)
How Coconuts Help Prevent Cancer
How Coconuts Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
There is much controversy regarding coconut oil. It is growing in popularity for its cardiovascular benefits. When comparing coconut oil to animal fats, like butter, coconut oil has been shown to increase the good HDL cholesterol and lower the bad LDL cholesterol; this argues that it can better help combat cardiovascular disease when compared to butter. When compared to plant oils, coconut oil raised both HDL and LDL levels. So, someone with cholesterol issues should be careful and consider these findings when choosing a cooking oil (9). That being said, if you use butter, then coconut oil is a healthier alternative.
Coconuts Help Promote a Number of Health Benefits
How Coconuts Promote Mental Health
How Coconuts Promote Skin and Hair Health
Concerns With Coconuts
Many people talk about the many wonders of coconuts. In reality, they are great for brain health, but your cardiovascular conditions need to be taken into consideration when consuming substantial amounts of it. People have sited that coconuts raise HDL cholesterol, but that might be a result of the high fat content; they also raise LDL cholesterol levels.