5 Proven Health Benefits Of Coconut

Besides being the best hydrating drink, coconut offers potential health benefits due to its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial effects.

Coconut ‘Nariyal’ in Hindi, is a stone fruit that fits all the three definitions of being a a fruit, a nut, and a seed. Also called the ‘Tree of Life’ coconut can be consumed as a drink, fiber, food, fuel, utensils and much more.

There are several species of coconut available. The taste varies according to the soil alkalinity. The outer part of the coconut has a hard shell which is green in colour which on maturity turns brown. Underneath this hard shell is the white edible meat. The freshly harvested coconut includes sweet water.

# Controls blood sugar levels

1. The low carbohydrate content and the high fat and fibre content of coconut help in stabilising the blood sugar levels.

2. Coconut improves insulin resistance due to the presence of the high fiber content thus, regulating blood sugar levels.

3. Coconut is known to possess anti-diabetic properties due to its arginine content. Arginine is essential for the pancreatic cells functioning, which releases the insulin hormone to regulate the blood sugar levels.

4. Arginine helps in improving the beta-cell function which produces more insulin — a hormone required to regulate blood sugar.

# Prevents dehydration

1. The high electrolyte content of coconut water helps in maintaining hydration.

2. The electrolytes are essential for keeping the body adequately hydrated thus, preventing dehydration.

# Improves blood cholesterol

1. Coconut helps in increasing blood cholesterol levels thus, reducing the risk of heart diseases.

2. The high levels of lauric acid and myristic acid in coconut helps in increasing HDL levels.

3. The lauric acid content of coconut breaks down fat faster, preventing the accumulation in the bloodstream thus, decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol.

# Enhances weight loss

Coconut contains medium-chain fatty acids that enhance fat burning, boosts metabolism, and suppress appetite thus, enhancing weight loss.

# Other possible benefits

Nariyal produces numerous health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as supports the immune system, enhances physical and athletic performance, improves digestion, restores and supports thyroid function, protects against kidney disease and bladder infection, delays ageing, treats epilepsy, fights cancer, prevents urinary tract infection, controls acidity and heartburn.

Also beneficial during pregnancy, fights bacteria, good for oral hygiene, supports the development of healthy bones and teeth, prevents skin dryness, prevents skin cancer, promotes blood circulation, reverses effects of tanning, treats oily skin, prevent scalp infections,improves skin health, and reduces cell damage.