The coconut is the fruit of the palm tree of the same name, native to Brazil, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other tropical countries. In fact, this is not a nut, as is commonly believed, but a drupe, which is covered on top with fibers resembling hair. A seemingly unsightly coconut is very valuable. It can rightfully be called a home doctor and cosmetic bag, since it contains a huge amount of substances that are beneficial to health, and is also able to transform the human body. So, why is coconut valuable, what are the benefits and harms, what are its composition and uses? Today we will consider the answers to these questions, and also clarify how to open a coconut at home.
Why do we need such a nut, what composition, calorie content does it have?
The calorie content of coconut water is low - about 40 kcal per 100 ml, but the pulp of these fruits is quite nutritious - 364 kcal per 100 g of product.
There are many vitamins in the pulp and liquid of coconut:
B1 (thiamine) - 0.06 mg
B2 (riboflavin) - 0.01 mg
B3 - 0.96 mg
B5 (pantothenic acid) - 0.2 mg
B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.06 mg
Folic acid (B9) - 30 mcg
Ascorbic acid - 2 mg
E - 0.72 mg
The mineral composition of coconut is also rich. It contains almost all the micro and macro elements necessary for a person to live normally. The fruits contain: iron, potassium (in large quantities), iodine, zinc, fluorine, manganese, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, sulfur and copper. It is believed that even if you completely exclude the use of any other products for a week, and eat only coconuts, the body will not experience a lack of vitamins and minerals. Essential amino acids are also present in the pulp and water of coconut. These are tryptophan, leucine, valine and others.
Benefits of coconut
The benefits of coconut are precisely due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition. Both the water contained inside the drupe and its pulp help to strengthen the immune system, stabilize blood pressure and improve the functioning of the digestive system. There are substances in coconut that have a beneficial effect on the quality of blood, they cleanse it of harmful substances, remove toxins and bad cholesterol, and also make it a little more liquid. As a result, a person has a reduced risk of blood clots, which means that there is almost no chance of getting a heart attack or Alzheimer's disease. Coconut water inhibits microbes and acts as an antiviral agent, lowers body temperature. Eating coconuts is good for diabetes, as these fruits stimulate the production of their own insulin and reduce blood glucose levels.
Coconut water is the best way to quench your thirst, increase the overall tone of the body, and save you from a breakdown. It is recommended for athletes to drink after exhausting workouts in order to replenish the mineral reserve in the body lost during sweating.
Is a coconut nut dangerous, what harm is possible from it?
Coconut is an amazing fruit that has absolutely no contraindications, except for individual intolerance to its components. However, there are not so many people who are allergic to coconut and its derivatives.
Coconut - health benefits
Coconut water, which is inside the fruit, is drunk fresh. It has an excellent healing effect if you use it in the morning on an empty stomach. The pulp extracted from the nuts is eaten both fresh and used to make coconut milk, shavings, and added to various dishes.
It is known that oil is made from coconuts, which is widely used in cosmetology. It is also rich in its chemical composition. It is added to creams and face masks, shampoos, hair masks, all kinds of body lotions. Cold-pressed coconut oil is especially beneficial because it retains all the vitamins and minerals.
How to use a nut, how to open it with your own hands?
People who first bought this fruit for testing, for the most part, are faced with a problem, because the peel of the nut is quite strong, it is difficult to split it without knowing how to do it correctly. Before using a drill or hammer, examine the fetus. You will see that it has three specks or blackouts - two smaller ones and one larger one. The second is what interests us. Take a knife with a thin blade and make a hole where the larger stain is located. Drain the liquid from this hole, having prepared the cup in advance.
Now you will need a knife with a large and wide blade. Turn it over so that the blunt side of the blade is facing the nut. Strike with moderate force at the center of the nut, constantly turning the fruit in a circle. It will take 1-2 minutes for the nut to crack. When you hear a crack, knock 2-3 more times, after which a crack will form on the shell. Now just open the nut. Ready!
Coconuts are fruits of high value in the countries where they grow. In the CIS countries, of course, coconut palms do not grow, but still their fruits are not inaccessible to us. You can find nuts in supermarkets, and coconut water or oil of these fruits in pharmacies. So we can feel the benefits of coconuts for ourselves. Be sure to treat yourself to this tropical fruit as soon as possible.
Coconut is the fruit of a palm tree, which has a pleasant delicate taste and the most valuable properties for the human body. It is a drupe, but is mistakenly called a nut. Coconut pulp, milk and oil are used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology.
Benefit and harm
Due to its shape, the coconut is erroneously called a nut. But botanists claim that this is a very healthy fruit. So what are the benefits and harms of coconut?
Benefit
Coconut is a real storehouse of health, it is difficult to find an area where it does not bring benefits. It has essential fatty acids, vitamins. He is truly a royal fruit!
- Contains lauric acid - a substance that helps fight infections, viruses, bacteria. Such an amount of this acid is found only in breast milk.
- Strengthens the nervous system - it contains a lot of magnesium, bromine, boron.
- It is useful for cardiological problems - it contains a whole complex of vitamins B, E, C.
- Good for strengthening the immune system.
- It contains unique plant hormones that help nutrients enter directly into the cell.
- It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and bactericidal agent.
- Milk has anthelmintic properties.
- Prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease - due to the presence of a large amount of fatty acids.
- Normalizes the work of the entire endocrine system, regulates digestion.
- Helps with atherosclerosis.
- Good for joints.
- Improves blood circulation.
- It's a good aphrodisiac.
- Normalizes hormonal levels.
- Improves skin condition.
- Increases the production of serotonin and endorphins. These hormones are responsible for a good emotional state, do not allow depression to develop.
In addition to the pulp of coconut and coconut milk, oil is also made from coconut. The health benefits of coconut oil extend beyond cooking or cosmetics. It is also used in massages.
- Coconut oil perfectly heals small cuts and cracks, nourishes and moisturizes the skin well.
- A tablespoon of coconut oil per day contributes to physiologically correct weight loss and normalization of weight.
- It is rich in vitamins and very nutritious, thanks to which it significantly reduces appetite.
- Its melting point is lower than the temperature of the human body, so it is easily absorbed and does not deposit on the walls of blood vessels.
- Coconut oil is odorless, it is used as a conductive massage oil. At the same time, through the skin it has the same beneficial effect on the body as if a person had drunk it.
- It destroys most cancer cells in colon cancer.
Harm
Coconut is a fairly hypoallergenic fruit, and most often there is no harm from it.
But this product should not be abused either. However, it is very fatty, not suitable for diet food. It can cause weight gain.
- In large quantities, it can provoke an exacerbation of pancreatitis, cholecystitis, liver disease.
- In large quantities, it can cause indigestion and inflammation of the intestines.
- However, sometimes an allergic reaction occurs to it when a certain amount of a substance accumulates in the body.
- From coconut oil, harm can only be in case of abuse in the form of indigestion. which passes quickly.
Contraindications
Coconut rarely causes allergies, but there are categorical contraindications for it.
- With phenylketonuria - there is a lot of phenylalin in coconut, which is prohibited for use in this disease.
- For coconut intolerance.
- In acute conditions of the liver and gallbladder.
Actually, that's all.
calories
The energy value of 100 g of coconut is 354 kcal, which is 17% of the recommended norm per day. The calorie content of 1 medium coconut is shown in the table:
Contraindications
The use of coconut pulp and milk is not contraindicated during pregnancy. Pediatricians do not recommend giving exotic foods to children under 3 years of age due to difficult digestion and possible allergic reactions, so coconut should not be fed to infants.
There are no special contraindications to the use of the product. Coconut should be excluded from the diet in case of individual intolerance and during breastfeeding.
The nutritional value
Vitamins and minerals
To fully enjoy the wonderful taste of coconut and feel all its beneficial properties, you should choose it correctly. There is milk inside a quality fruit, so you should shake it to hear the splash before buying. Coconut should be free of cracks, chips, mold and soft segments. The freshest fruit is noticeably heavy and has a light skin.
What is coconut milk
It is a white liquid made from ripe coconut and coconut water. It's sweet enough, but not like sugar. So what gives coconut milk, everyone determines its benefits and harms for himself.
A young coconut contains a colorless liquid inside, into which drops of oil gradually fall. This is coconut water.
This liquid has unique properties, it is very rich in composition, it can be used instead of saline. It is used as a sweetener in diabetes. Used for urolithiasis.
This liquid is mixed with crushed coconut pulp to a paste. This is how coconut milk is made. It comes in varying degrees of density. It is used in oriental cooking and vegan cuisine.
This milk is useful to give diluted to children with lactose intolerance. It goes on sale as a powder, in a diluted form it retains all the properties of a whole and fresh.
How to choose
Choosing the right coconut has its own characteristics. In order not to make a mistake, you need to know some of the nuances.
- Weigh two fruits of approximately the same size on your hands, take the one that is heavier - it has more milk and pulp.
- Avoid buying a fruit if it is slightly damp to the touch - this indicates the presence of microcracks in it, and that the pulp has begun to deteriorate.
- Choose a coconut with a uniform surface, there should be no signs of rot and mold. A fruit with such defects already deteriorates from the inside, it cannot be eaten.
- Shake the fruit and tap on it - you should hear the milk splashing in it. If this is not the case, then the coconut is already old and has begun to dry out. Its flesh has become almost inedible. The same is true if you hear a dull sound when tapping.
- Examine in particular the three black dots at the base of the coconut. Most often, it starts to deteriorate from there.
Spoiled coconut loses its properties, it can not be eaten.
How to eat coconut
This exotic fruit comes to our stores peeled from a hard shell, so the most difficult stage has already been passed. Now we need to split it. For this:
- place the fruit for five minutes in a hot (200 degrees) oven - this will make the shell more fragile and better succumb to splitting.
- Using a knife, open one of the black dots. You can use a drill for this purpose, this is the safest way.
- Drain milk through a cocktail tube. Since it spoils very quickly, it must be used immediately.
- Mark a point in the upper third of the coconut and hit it with a mallet. Through the resulting crack, it will be easy to split it to the end.
Then the pulp is taken out of the split coconut. It must be grated and used as needed.
Coconut flakes store well and can also be dried or frozen. At the same time, it retains all the same properties as a whole ripe coconut.
During pregnancy and lactation
For a nursing mother, it is useful, as it increases milk production. Especially if you can drink coconut milk. This property is due to the lauric acid found in coconut. Yes, and breast milk at the same time becomes better and healthier for the baby. In addition, by doing this, the child can be accustomed to the components of this fruit, so that in the future he will not have immunity to it.
If you are in doubt about whether to give your baby products with coconut, anoint his heel with a piece of coconut pulp or milk. This can not be done with oil, it is very quickly and deeply absorbed. If after a few hours there is no redness, then
How to store
Coconut is not a long-term storage product, it can spoil quickly. You have to follow certain rules.
- The whole fruit can be stored in a dark, cool place for about a month.
- A split coconut is stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 2-3 days, otherwise it may simply turn sour.
- Milk must be drained and filtered - so that fragments of the shell do not fall. Then it should either be consumed immediately or stored in the refrigerator in a closed container for no longer than a week. You can also freeze it - then it will be suitable for about two months.
- Fresh pulp is poured with water and stored in the refrigerator for a week. It will not lose its properties if it is frozen, but it will become more loose.
- Dried shavings are stored in closed containers for about a year.
What does it match with?
This is a versatile product that can be added to any dishes - from meat and fish to gourmet desserts. But best of all, he manifests himself in sweets, ice cream.
Coconut goes well with cocktails and a variety of drinks. it is put in creams and sauces. They are sprinkled with pastries. In a word - coconut will help out any cook.
It turns out, right children's song! So eat coconuts and be healthy and happy.
The coconut is considered one of the unique fruits, but not as exotic as it used to be. It is not known where he first appeared, because his palm trees have grown throughout the tropical zone. Coconut is used in cosmetology, cooking and traditional medicine. Many people ask questions:
. Is coconut a nut or a fruit?
. How can it be used?
. How useful is coconut?
So, let's start in order.
What is a "beast"?
Coconut is a stone fruit of a palm tree with tender flesh inside, protected by a hard, hairy shell. The fruits ripen in about 10 months and can be up to 3 kg in weight. Coconut is considered the most environmentally friendly fruit. This is because when ripe, the fruits are not fed with any chemistry.
Benefit
How useful is coconut? If we study the fruit carefully, we will understand that it has many medicinal and medicinal properties. Coconut contains the whole group of vitamins B. It contains vitamins E and C. The fruit contains all the necessary and useful mineral salts for the body, glucose, fructose and sucrose. What else is coconut good for? Those that improve vision, restore strength, may have a healing effect. The fruit is rich in nutrients that hair needs. On this, all the advantages do not end there. It contains a large amount of useful and nutritious substances. From the coconut fruit you can get juice, milk, oil and, of course, the most tender pulp.
Still doubting whether coconut is healthy, then know that 100 grams of juice contains a lot of fats, proteins, minerals, thiamine, nicotinic acid. It has an energy value of 395 kcal.
What is useful in coconut? Everything is useful in this fruit, except for a hard crust. Asians consider coconut juice to be the "elixir of life". It is considered to be an energy supply for the human body, it is easily digested, restores water balance.
What else is coconut good for the body? Its hypoallergenicity, as well as the fact that it strengthens the immune system and removes toxins from the body. Coconut juice is recommended for those who have heart problems. In addition, it stops skin aging by maintaining its water balance. The juice is also useful for people with digestive problems, it also helps to rid the body of various types of infections.
What is useful coconut pulp?
You can make coconut milk from it with the addition of water. The pulp can be finely ground, diluted with water and applied to the face in the form of masks. In some countries, the milk of this fruit is fed to infants. Coconut is also useful during pregnancy. Nutrients will enter the body of the expectant mother along with it, protecting her and the fetus from viral and fungal infections.
The milk of this fruit has a rejuvenating effect. Back in the time of the ancient kings, their wives believed that bathing in coconut milk rejuvenated the skin and healed wounds and boils. The fruit has another derivative product - this is oil, which is considered a dietary product.
Its main ingredient is lauric acid. This amount is not found in any other product. Lauric acid normalizes cholesterol in the body, and also helps to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil holds the secrets of longevity and youth. Many women experience stretch marks and flabbiness as they age. Oil smoothes problem areas, giving the skin a second life.
Usage
For example, coconut oil replaces a good shaving cream. Using it, you can not buy other shaving products, after it the skin becomes smooth, moisturized and without irritation. It can also be used for massage - it relaxes the muscles. It is applied easily and absorbed without leaving marks on clothes. If you want to impress everyone with your tanned body on vacation, then only coconut oil will be better than many expensive tanning lotions. It will protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, and the tan will form an even layer, preventing the skin from drying out and losing moisture. You can make a scrub from such a fruit, using it several times a week. The result will amaze you. The skin will become smooth and velvety.
Recipes
Consider a few more recipes for face masks with coconut.
Purifying mask:
- 1 tsp honey;
- 2 tbsp. l. kefir.
Mix everything and apply for 10-15 minutes.
Homemade coconut scrub:
- 1 st. l. grated coconut pulp;
- 1 tsp Sahara.
Stir and rub your face for 2 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Nourishing mask for dry skin:
- 2 tbsp. l. ground pulp;
- 1 st. l. honey;
- coconut milk (for dilution).
Everything is mixed to the consistency of sour cream and applied to the face, kept for several minutes.
Coconut oil and milk can replace almost all skin and hair care products.
Benefits for the stronger sex
What is useful coconut for men? It turned out that coconut can serve as a prophylactic for diseases of the genitourinary system. It also acts as a product that prevents such a serious male disease as prostatitis. Until recently, people did not suspect that coconut is a powerful aphrodisiac. In addition, it strengthens the male reproductive system.
Many people wonder if coconut has any downsides. It is simply impossible to find them, with the exception of individual intolerance. Also, some nutritionists tend to believe that it is contraindicated for overweight people to consume coconut, as it is a high-calorie and nutritious product.
cooking
No one even thought that an ordinary coconut could hide so many useful and unique things inside. Having considered its use in traditional medicine and cosmetology, many have forgotten that it is also used in cooking. In this area, coconut is used in the form of shavings and milk. Do not forget that milk and coconut juice are two different products. What is milk, we told you. Juice is a liquid that is poured out before splitting the fruit.
Using these components, you can cook cakes, biscuits, desserts. In addition, shavings can be added to main dishes, to give some zest. Cocktails are very often prepared using coconut milk. In general, in cooking, the fruit is used in many ways.
How to choose?
Seeing coconut on the shelf in the store, do not rush to leave, but rather choose one and treat your body to such a unique and exotic fruit. It is not difficult to pick it up, it is enough to take the fruit in your hands and examine it, it must be whole. You can shake and listen to see if there is juice in it.
How to open?
It opens simply. You need to find two eyes and put pressure on them. Coconut is the weakest point. Pour out the juice or drink it through a straw.
Conclusion
Now you know the benefits of coconut. This seemingly ordinary fruit has many useful properties. Therefore, do not deny yourself the pleasure!
Exotic and tropical delicacies have always aroused the keen interest of gourmets. Coconut is considered one of these overseas guests - extremely tasty and nutritious pulp hides under its hard shell. How is coconut useful and are there any contraindications to its use?
100 g of coconut contains 354 kcal.
Also, the composition of the overseas nut includes:
- proteins - 3.4 g;
- fats -33.5 g;
- carbohydrates -6.2 g;
- potassium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- sodium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- manganese;
- copper;
- selenium;
- zinc;
- lauric acid.
Benefits of coconut for the body
Coconut is almost a universal product, it is difficult to find an area in which it would not be useful.
Main health benefits of coconut:
- Helps fight bacteria, viruses, infections. Lauric acid is responsible for this. By the amount of its content, coconut is second only to breast milk.
- Helps strengthen the nervous system.
- It has a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system.
- Strengthens immunity.
- It has an anthelmintic effect.
- Regulates digestion.
- Beneficial effect on the condition of the joints.
- Helps improve blood circulation.
- Considered a good aphrodisiac.
- Improves the condition of the skin.
- Helps fight atherosclerosis.
- It has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action.
What are the benefits for women
Coconut is extremely beneficial for a woman's body:
- It has a strong cosmetic effect, beneficially influencing the condition of the skin and hair.
- Helps normalize the menstrual cycle. In addition, coconut and its derivatives relieve period pain and prevent the development of fungal infections.
Benefits for the body of a man
Coconut is also relevant for the body of a man. Its main function is to maintain normal male health. This delicacy - excellent remedy for the prevention of prostatitis. Coconut extracts are part of many drugs designed to combat pathologies of the male genital area. Coconut has the ability to increase the potency and reproductive functions of the stronger sex.
In addition, the high protein content allows athletes to use coconut as a special nutrition. It helps to build muscle mass, increases endurance during training, and energizes.
Benefits of coconut milk
Coconut milk is a white liquid formed in a ripe coconut. Inside the young nut contains colorless coconut juice. As the coconut grows and matures, drops of oil get into the juice. This is coconut water.
From a mature coconut, the pulp is taken out, crushed and mixed with water. This is how coconut milk is formed.
This liquid is unique in its properties:
- activates digestion;
- considered an excellent cancer prevention;
- tones, relieves fatigue;
- can be used instead of saline or sweetener for diabetics;
- used in the treatment of urolithiasis;
- diluted coconut milk is useful for children suffering from lactose intolerance;
- milk is often used in Oriental and vegan cuisine.
This is interesting. Coconut milk is sold in powdered form. Diluted, it retains all the useful properties of a fresh product.
Coconut oil in cosmetology
In addition to the pulp and milk of coconut, coconut oil brings undeniable benefits. Its useful properties are widely applicable in cosmetology, cooking. It is also useful for massage sessions.
By the way. Used as a guide in massage, the oil has the same benefits as if it were applied directly inside.
Health benefits of coke oil.
- Coconut oil perfectly heals minor abrasions, cuts and cracks.
- Perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
- Helps to rejuvenate the skin and increase its turgor.
- Accelerates the growth of eyelashes, gives them volume.
- Strengthens nails, softens cuticles, gives hands a well-groomed appearance.
- Strengthens hair, accelerates their growth.
Face mask with coconut oil
Mix 1 tbsp. coconut oil, kefir, honey. Apply the mixture on the face, wash off after 15 minutes.
Coconut oil hair mask
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Coconut is also useful for expectant mothers. Its rich vitamin composition provides the body of a woman of her unborn child with all the necessary substances. Besides, coconut helps pregnant women to normalize hormonal levels. Therefore, pregnant women can eat a treat, but after discussing the dosage with the doctor.
Coconut components are also useful for nursing mothers. They improve the palatability of breast milk, providing the baby with the substances necessary for growth and development.
How to choose a fruit when buying
Only high-quality and fresh fruit will bring benefits to the body.
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a coconut, you should consider the following recommendations:
- When choosing from two nuts, it is better to take the one that is heavier (weigh in the palm of your hand) - this indicates more milk and pulp.
- You should not buy a wet fruit - most likely there are microcracks on it and the flesh has begun to deteriorate.
- You need to buy coconut with a uniform surface, without signs of rot and mold.
- When choosing a nut, you can knock on it - you will hear how milk splashes. If this did not happen, the pulp began to dry and the sound when tapped would be deaf.
- Particular attention should be paid to 3 black dots at the base of the fruit, because it starts to deteriorate from there.
Contraindications
Coconut and its derivatives rarely cause allergies, but in some cases it should not be consumed.
- There is a lot of phenylalanine in the nut, so it is forbidden for people suffering from phenylketonuria.
- In case of individual intolerance to coconut.
- In acute conditions of the gallbladder or liver.
The easy way to open a coconut
How to quickly and effortlessly extract the pulp of a coconut from the shell?
To do this, you need to adhere to the following algorithm:
- Using a sharp object, make holes in 2 of the 3 eyes at the base of the fetus. It is this part of the coconut that is considered the thinnest.
- Insert a straw into one of the holes to drink juice. Air enters the nut through the second hole.
- Take a large knife and place the nut on a flat surface.
- The weak point of the coconut is about one third of the distance from the black dots to the other base. It is here that you need to strike the first blow with the blunt part of the knife.
- Turn the nut a little and hit again. After a few turns, a crack will appear in the shell.
- Insert the knife into the crack, and split the fruit to the end.
Those who like to eat unusual products, which, moreover, are very nutritious, should pay attention to coconut. This tough nut will please the brave ones who dare to open it with delicious milk and tender core. Ladies who care about their health and appearance, natural coconut oil is suitable - a source of youth, strength and beauty.
The coconut is native to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Brazil. The name of the representative of the Palm family has Portuguese roots. The whole secret is in the similarity of the fetus with the muzzle of a monkey, which is given to it by three spots; from the Portuguese "coco" is translated as "monkey".
Composition of coconut
The chemical composition explains the beneficial properties of coconut. It has a high content of E, H and micro and macro elements - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese and iodine. Lauric acid - which is the main fatty acid in breast milk, found in coconut, stabilizes cholesterol in the blood. This reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
No wonder the beneficial properties of coconut are noted in the cosmetic industry. Oil from it nourishes and strengthens the hair structure, making them supple, smooth and silky. It softens and heals the skin, smoothes it and reduces wrinkles. The components of the pulp and have an antibacterial, wound-healing effect, have a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland, help the digestive system, joints, increase immunity and reduce the body's addiction to antibiotics.
Coconut is erroneously called a nut, since it is a drupe according to the type of fruit from a biological point of view. It consists of an outer shell or exocarp and an inner one - an endocarp, on which there are 3 pores - the same spots. Under the shell is a white pulp that contains minerals and vitamins. Freshly it is used in culinary business. And from the dried copra - pulp, coconut oil is obtained, which is of value not only in the confectionery, but also in the cosmetic, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries - medicinal and cosmetic oils, creams, balms, shampoos, face and hair masks and tonics. The benefits of coconut don't stop there.
The fibers that are on the hard shell are called coir. They are used to make durable ropes, ropes, carpets, brushes and other household items and building materials. The shell is used to make souvenirs, dishes, toys and even musical instruments.
