Coconut - its beneficial properties. Coconut oil in cosmetology

Coconut is a universal product containing many beneficial substances. His milk All about the benefits and harms of coconut milk for our body. In the article you will find six health benefits of this delicious drink, and for which diseases it is most useful., water, oil, shavings are used in many areas, including cooking, cosmetology, and medicine. Even the shell of the fruit is used as a natural material for making decorative items. Coconut is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins necessary for optimal functioning of the body. These substances are not synthesized; they can only be obtained from the outside.

Coconut - composition

Coconut has many vitamins, micro- and macroelements, as well as other beneficial substances. On average, 100 g of coconut product is 364 kcal.

This table describes all the beneficial substances found in 100 g of coconut pulp.

17 reasons in favor of coconut

1. Content of fatty acids with healing properties

2. Accelerating the fat burning process

   Excess body fat is one of the health problems in the world. There is an opinion that obesity is the result of consuming large amounts of calories, but some people also attach importance to the sources of these energy units. Different foods affect the body and hormonal levels differently. Medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil can increase your calorie intake compared to longer chain fats (). One study found acceleration of energy expenditure by 5% per day with daily intake of 15-30 g of MCT ().

3. Fight against harmful microorganisms

4. Reduced hunger

   A special feature of coconut oil fatty acids is their ability to reduce appetite. This effect may be explained by the specifics of their metabolism, since ketones can reduce the feeling of hunger ().

   One study involved 6 healthy men who were asked to consume varying amounts of medium- and long-chain triglycerides. Subjects who consumed more MCTs gained, on average, 256 calories less per day(). Another study involving 14 men without health problems showed that they consumed fewer energy units at lunch if they consumed MTS earlier in the day (). These works were carried out with the participation of a small number of people and were of a short-term nature. If the effect was maintained over a long period of time, it could lead to weight loss over several years.

5. Useful for children's illnesses and epilepsy

   The ketogenic diet (based on a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein diet) is being studied for the treatment of various disorders. This type of diet is popular in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children (). This regimen involves consuming a small amount of carbohydrates and a large amount of fat, which provokes an increase in the concentration of ketones in the blood.

   The diet can dramatically reduce the frequency of seizures, even in children who have not responded to certain medications.

   Since the fatty acids contained in coconut oil go directly to the liver and are converted into ketone bodies, they are often used to treat patients suffering from epilepsy. As a result, ketosis is induced - a metabolic process in which the body, in the absence of nutrients, begins to burn fat to release the energy it needs. At the same time, the amount of carbohydrates in the diet increases (,).

6. Increased levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL)

   Coconut oil is characterized by its natural saturated fat content, which increases the level of “good” cholesterol in the body. They can convert LDL into a less harmful form. There is an assumption that the product, thanks to such abilities, can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart.

   In a study of 40 women, there was a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol, when consuming coconut oil (). A similar effect was recorded as a result of monitoring 116 patients who were offered a dietary program that included this product ().

7. Beneficial effects on skin, hair and dental health

   The product in question, made from coconut pulp, is characterized by many uses that are not related to cooking. It is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the condition and appearance of skin and hair. A study of people with dry skin found an increase in skin moisture levels when using coconut oil. This result does not exclude the possibility of using the product to relieve symptoms of eczema (,).

   Coconut oil can improve complexion, get rid of acne, age spots and other external blemishes.

   The beneficial substances in coconut can protect your hair from damage. One study confirmed the effectiveness of the oil of this fruit, used as a sunscreen, which blocked about 20% ultraviolet rays (,).

   It is possible that the product in question can be used as a mouth rinse. A process called oil extraction kills some harmful bacteria, reduces odor, and promotes dental health.

8. Improved brain activity in people with Alzheimer's disease

   Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia (decreased cognitive activity) in the world, occurring in most cases in older people. Patients with this disease have a reduced ability to use stored glucose to convert it into energy needed for optimal brain function.

   There is an assumption that ketones can serve as an alternative source of energy for dysfunctional brain cells, which will lead to a weakening of the symptoms of neurological disease ().

   A 2006 study found improved brain activity in patients with mild forms of Alzheimer's disease as a result of consuming medium-chain triglycerides ().

   It is worth considering that the evidence obtained is not enough to specifically confirm the medicinal properties of coconut for Alzheimer's disease.

9. Help in getting rid of excess fat deposits

   Since palm seed oil can reduce appetite and speed up fat burning, there is speculation that coconut can help you lose weight. It is believed that the product effectively reduces belly fat, which accumulates in the abdominal cavity around the internal organs (). These dangerous deposits can lead to chronic diseases. You can determine the amount of fat in this area by measuring your waist circumference.

   A study of 40 women with abdominal obesity (excessive accumulation of fatty tissue in the upper torso and abdominal area) found that taking 2 tbsp. spoons (30 ml) of coconut oil over 12 weeks resulted in significant reduction in waist circumference ().

   During an observational study of 20 overweight men, a decrease in waist circumference was found by 2.86 cm. as a result of consumption of 2 tbsp. spoons of product per day for 4 weeks ().

10. Possesses antioxidant properties

    Free radicals are active molecules produced in cells during metabolism. Their production increases during stressful situations or injury. If their optimal amount is exceeded, the body switches to a state of oxidative stress, which threatens cell damage and an increased likelihood of developing diseases ().

    Work carried out with the participation of animals exposed to toxic substances has shown that coconut juice contains antioxidants that can modify free radicals, depriving them of their ability to harm health (, ,

    Scientific research has found that coconut water (the liquid inside the palm seed) can lower blood glucose levels in animals with diabetes (, ,). One of these studies found lower levels of hemoglobin A1 in rats given the liquid in question, which ensures long-term optimal blood sugar levels (). Along with a decrease in glucose levels, a decrease in indicators of oxidative stress was noticed ().

    Human studies are needed to confirm these results. Despite this, coconut water can fit into a meal plan for people with diabetes by providing 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of carbohydrates per cup (240 ml). Coconut is a source of magnesium, which can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes (an intermediate condition where glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed).

11. Ability to prevent the formation of kidney stones

    Getting enough fluids is important to prevent the formation of kidney stones. There is a theory that coconut juice may be healthier for the body than plain water.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Description

Scientists say that the coconut palm is one of the most ancient plants on Earth that has survived to this day. The height of the tree reaches 25 meters, the leaves are up to 4 meters long, feathery, similar to fans.

Coconuts are not nuts at all, but, strictly speaking, dry kernels of the coconut palm. Inside they contain pulp and milk (or juice). An unripe (less than 5 months) nut contains about half a liter of clear, sweet and sour liquid - it is called coconut milk. When the nut ripens, this liquid thickens and turns into white, elastic pulp. Coconut pulp is called copra. The diameter of coke nuts reaches 30 cm, and the weight is 2-4 kg.

Spreading

The coastal and tropical parts of Southeast Asia are considered to be the birthplace of the coconut palm. Cultivated coconut grows in India, Polynesia, the Caribbean, Hawaii, South Florida and Southern California. Coconut is a plant of sea coasts.

Beneficial features

Coconut oil contains a lot of lauric acid, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels.

Application

“The tree of a thousand uses” is the name given to the coconut palm in the tropics.

Coconut is very tasty and healthy. The whole nut is used in cooking: coconut water is used as a refreshing and tonic drink; alcoholic drinks are prepared on its basis; Coconut pulp is added to sweets, used for breading fish and meat, as well as in salads, soups, pies and many other dishes.

In addition, all parts of the coconut are used in medicine. Coconut restores strength, strengthens the immune system, improves vision, and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Coconut water can replace saline solution and has antipyretic properties. It is recommended for use for urolithiasis and diabetes.

Coconut milk, obtained by squeezing the crushed pulp, is fattier than coconut water and, according to oriental doctors, stimulates the cardiovascular system.

Oil is another beneficial product of coconut. It is most often used in cosmetics - as a skin care product. Coconut oil smoothes wrinkles and makes skin glowing. Body massage tiles based on coconut oil are, without exaggeration, “heavenly pleasure”.

In addition, coconut oil helps the absorption of calcium, so it is recommended to use it to strengthen teeth and bones and to prevent osteoporosis. Coconut oil does not contain cholesterol. It is quickly absorbed and reduces the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.

Coconut, in addition to coconut milk and edible pulp, provides another useful product. This is the so-called coir or coir - fibers containing lignin. Long (15-33 cm) fibers are used to make ropes, mats, and fishing nets. Short waste is also a strong and durable material. They fill coconut mattresses with it.

Calories and nutritional value of coconut

Calorie content of coconut - 354 kcal, dried (in flakes) - 592 kcal.

Nutritional value of coconut: proteins - 3.33 g, fats - 33.49 g, carbohydrates - 6.23 g

The nutritional value dried coconut meat: proteins - 5.3 g, fats - 47 g, carbohydrates - 44.4 g

No one knows where the true homeland of this plant is, because its seeds independently, with the help of ocean water and directed currents, spread along all the coasts located in the tropical zone. People call it a heavenly gift, and in Latin it sounds like “monkey.” And in general, this nut is not a nut at all, if you look at it, but an ordinary stone fruit, the pulp of which is under a reliable shaggy shell...

Yes, we are talking about coconut - an exotic, but no longer outlandish “nut” for us, whose delicate taste and extraordinary aroma have been valued since time immemorial. Numerous beneficial properties of coconut are also known, which are actively used in cosmetology, folk and traditional medicine.

Composition and calorie content of coconut

The pulp, milk, and aromatic coconut oil are eaten, both raw and cooked. At the same time, the pulp can act as a dessert or a main nutritious dish, because the calorie content of coconut is about 365 kilocalories per 100 grams of product. According to average statistics, coconut pulp consists of 4% protein, 5% carbohydrates, 36% fat and 9% fiber. The remaining 46% is water. The energy value of coconut milk is low - 20 kcal per 100 g.

Coconut is rich in B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic and folic acid, pyridoxine, as well as ascorbic acid - the main fighter against colds, tocopherol - the main antioxidant obtained from food and biotin - an essential component of lipid and protein metabolism. In addition, coconut pulp and milk contain a lot of essential elements for health, such as potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, fluorine, selenium and iodine.

Useful properties of coconut

The local population of countries where coconut palms grow or are cultivated have been taking full advantage of the beneficial properties of coconuts since ancient times. For example, the pulp of the nut helped to cope with diarrhea, was used as food for poisoning, and once upon a time it was even used to treat cholera. Drops are still prepared from it to help with ear pain. The milk cures diseases of Venus, and the ashes from the shell dry and disinfect purulent wounds and ulcers.

In tropical countries, tonic cocktails are prepared from coconut milk, which actually help cope with fatigue and also increase male strength. The substances contained in milk and butter do not accumulate in the body: they are quickly processed and converted into clean energy. For the same reasons, it is recommended to drink milk regularly for athletes and people who work physically.

Both the pulp and milk of the nut contain a minimum of sugars, so they are not excluded from the diet of patients with diabetes, but, on the contrary, are even recommended. In modern medicine, coconut juice in combination with glucose is used intravenously to maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration. Milk also improves the functioning of the excretory system, has a strong diuretic and antibacterial effect, and helps dissolve kidney stones.

The benefit of coconut for our body also lies in its ability to improve blood quality and normalize blood vessels, reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of developing atherosclerosis, and have a positive effect on the circulatory system in general.

Regular consumption of coconut helps to cleanse the intestines of toxins, normalize digestion, not give any chance to influenza, measles and other viruses, improve immunity, and is also an excellent prevention of osteoporosis.

Coconut oil is a magical remedy for cosmetologists. It moisturizes and nourishes the skin, slows down its aging, and also restores damaged hair and normalizes oiliness.

Harm of coconut

Coconut is tasty, aromatic, healthy and nutritious. In addition, when ripe, the fruits are not fed with any chemicals: they are environmentally friendly. But there is still one BUT: people who are overweight or following a low-calorie diet should limit the consumption of high-calorie pulp and oil.

What are the benefits of coconut (video)

Today, anyone has the opportunity to try coconut, the benefits and harms of which are actively discussed by nutritionists. Many people think of this fruit as a nut, but in reality, it is just a very specific fruit. The pulp of the product can be used for food not only fresh, but also in the form of shavings or flour. Coconut sugar, aromatic oil and various extracts based on drupes are becoming increasingly popular today. Don’t forget about the milk, which is inside a dense shell.

Useful properties of coconut pulp

It is not for nothing that coconut is considered a royal fruit in some countries. Thanks to a unique combination of substances that other food products cannot boast of, its use can guarantee the following results:

• The body's resistance to viruses, bacteria and various infections increases. This property of coconut is provided by lauric acid, the presence of which can only be boasted by the milk of a nursing woman.
• The combination of boron, bromine and magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. These substances are contained not only in the fresh pulp of the product, but also in coconut flour and fruit shavings.
• Eating coconuts has a positive effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels. It can be included in the diet not only as a preventive measure, but also in the presence of specific problems.
• The pulp of the fruit is rich in plant hormones. They promote the penetration of nutrients into cells, which has a positive effect on their functionality and condition.
• Coconut, the benefits and harms of which were known to the inhabitants of exotic islands hundreds of years ago, can still be used to combat helminths. Its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agents are actively used by some supporters of traditional medicine.

• The beneficial substances in the pulp of the fruit have a positive effect on the state of the endocrine system and improve the functioning of the digestive organs. The nutritious product also helps with atherosclerosis, problems with blood circulation, and dermatitis.

Tip: Coconut pulp contains a lot of fatty acids necessary to maintain normal brain function. Introducing fruit into the diet of older people significantly reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and age-related mental changes.

• Any products made from coconut pulp are considered effective aphrodisiacs. They are indicated for both men and women who want to improve the quality of their sexual sphere.

Research has shown that coconut flour contains almost all of the listed substances. True, in processed products their volume can be significantly lower than in fresh and juicy pulp.

Useful properties of coconut oil

You can eat not only coconut pulp, a processed product in the form of shavings or flour, but also nutritious oil. It has a special texture, rich chemical composition and numerous beneficial properties. These qualities of the product are manifested both when the mass is taken internally and when used externally.

1. The benefits of coconut for women are manifested in the normalization of hormonal levels, stimulation of metabolic processes and digestion. All this leads to physiological weight loss up to weight normalization. To do this, it is enough to eat a tablespoon of the product daily.
2. The nutritional composition saturates dishes with useful substances and gives a feeling of satiety. The unusual appetizing aroma helps to change the taste characteristics of familiar food.
3. Taking the oily mass internally is an excellent prevention of colon cancer. Studies have shown that this action destroys the vast majority of potentially dangerous cells.
4. Coconut flour is actively used in home cosmetology. Compositions made from these ingredients help heal wounds, eliminate small cuts and cracks, and restore skin after acne. Oil can be used as a guide during massage. All the beneficial substances from it will be absorbed through the skin into the body during the session.

If you follow all the technical recommendations, the healing composition can be prepared independently, at home. Just keep in mind that coconut flakes, the benefits and harms of which are comparable to those of the pulp, are not at all suitable for making oil. A high-quality and properly prepared product is easily absorbed by the human body and is not deposited on the walls of blood vessels.

Harm and danger of coconut pulp

Fruit pulp in its pure form rarely causes allergies or other negative manifestations, but you should not abuse it. In this form, coconut is not even considered a dietary product due to its high fat content. Here are a few more points to keep in mind:

1. Large volumes of pulp can provoke an exacerbation of diseases of the liver, gall bladder, and duodenum.
2. Sometimes the product causes inflammation of the intestines or digestive disorders.
3. If initially there were problems with digestion of food, and coconuts enter the body in unlimited quantities, the mass will begin to settle in the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, this will lead to signs of allergies.
4. As for contraindications, the introduction of the product into the diet in any volume is prohibited in case of phenylketonuria and acute diseases of the liver and gall bladder.

During pregnancy, eating coconuts is not prohibited. But it is better not to give them to children under 3 years of age in any form. At such a tender age, coconut sugar, flour, shavings or fresh pulp can cause severe allergies. If these products are consumed by a nursing mother, this will increase the volume of milk produced and reduce the risk of the child developing a negative response to the fetus in the future.

The benefits and harms of coconut sugar

Coconut sugar appeared on our market not so long ago, so its positive and negative aspects remain unknown to many housewives. Unfortunately, even experts cannot come to a common opinion on it. While some claim that this is the healthiest form of processed fruit, others claim that nothing remains in it after processing.

In general, coconut sugar has nothing to do with the fruit itself. It is extracted from the nectar of coconut palm flowers, which is dried in the sun to form a thick syrup. In general, processing is complete. True, in order to give the product a more familiar look of sand or granules, it is sometimes additionally dried or frozen.

As for the benefits, coconut sugar boasts the following properties:

• Flower nectar is rich in vitamins and minerals. Due to the fact that it is subjected to gentle processing, these elements are preserved unchanged.
• It has a unique taste, which many people like more than its usual beetroot counterpart. By the way, to get the maximum benefit from the product, the usual sweetener will have to be completely replaced with coconut sugar.

Eating coconut in any shape or form stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphin. This leads to improved mood naturally. Introducing the fruit or its derivatives into the menu allows you to prevent the development of depression and eliminate its signs at the initial stage.

The benefits of coconut for the body also extend to the liquid inside the nut. This is special water into which drops of vegetable oil fall as the coconut ripens. In its composition, it is in no way inferior to the fruit itself, and in purity and effectiveness is comparable to saline solution. You can simply drink it to quench your thirst or use it as a remedy for diabetes mellitus or urolithiasis.