Ingredient Focus: Top 5 Health Benefits of Coconut
A nutritional powerhouse and a key ingredient in our Keto Granolas and new Keto Bar range, coconut has a whole host of health benefits you need to know about. Considered as a fruit, a nut, and a seed, coconuts have been grown in tropical regions for over 4,500 years and in the modern world, it’s been adopted as a mainstay flavour in many culinary dishes. Many even consider it a “superfood”.
If you’re on a keto or low-carb diet you’ll likely incorporate coconut into many of your meals - the coconut “meat”, its white fleshy interior is high in fat and fibre, with some carbs and protein too - so dried flakes, dried chips, and desiccated coconut may well be a favourite. They certainly add a lot to our granolas and bars! So let’s dive into the main health benefits of this sweet natural wonder:
1) Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Coconut meat contains phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that may help protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage, meaning you’re able to combat free radicals found in our day-to-day external surroundings.
2) Highly Nutritious
Coconuts provide mostly fat to our bodies, good fats, and in addition proteins and important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, which maintains the body’s overall health and well-being. Coconuts are also high in manganese, essential for bone health, and rich in iron and copper too, which help to form red blood cells.
3) Good for Digestion
High in fibre, coconuts work to keep your digestive system healthy, slowing down any inflammation. They also contain lauric acid, which when digested forms a substance called ‘monolaurin’ known to help fight against fungi, viruses and bacteria in order to keep infections at bay.
4) Brain Health
To function well our brains need fat. Coconut has been found to be one of the best fats linked to preventing depression, memory loss, and in helping to balance stress levels. The MCT fats in coconut bypass digestion and are immediately absorbed by the body. Your brain can then turn these into ketones for fuel which your mood can benefit from as a result.
5) Great for Hydration
The water in coconuts contains one of the highest sources of electrolytes, which are responsible for keeping the body hydrated as well as keeping muscles and nerves functioning properly.
Now, do you see why we call it a ‘powerhouse’? To discover our keto range and how we effortlessly incorporate coconut into our products and our diets, see more here.