Coconut: how to eat, properties and benefits

Coconut is a tropical fruit and a nutritional treasure that is having a good time.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
22 February 2024 Thursday 16:27
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Coconut: how to eat, properties and benefits

Coconut is a tropical fruit and a nutritional treasure that is having a good time. It seems that coconut is everywhere again, and so many beneficial health products are obtained from few fruits. From the coconut you can drink the water it contains or you can eat the fresh pulp and you can obtain oil, butter, milk and flour.

With a thick and hairy shell, the coconut flesh is white and has an unmistakable aroma. 100 grams of pulp provide us with 342 calories; Yes, it is one of the most caloric fruits but with endless nutritional properties. Among the many benefits of coconut, its antioxidant properties, its ability to regulate blood pressure and reduce triglycerides stand out. It is also rich in fiber and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamins E, C, and B).

Taking into account its nutritional properties, its occasional consumption and in moderate quantities, the WHO recommends it for everyone: children, young people, adults, athletes, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly.

Coconut grows on coconut trees, the most cultivated palm tree in the world. Its origin is found on islands with a tropical climate, and there are different types of coconut trees that are classified as giant, dwarf and hybrid. But how can we know if the coconut is ready? Well, shaking it. If you do not hear the typical splash of water inside, it is because the coconut is dry and the pulp is rancid. The coconut is preserved for two months. After opening, it should be consumed on the same day or stored in a covered container with water for no more than five days.

Coconut has a lot of beneficial properties for our body: bactericidal, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, protects our liver, stimulates our immune system and protects the heart according to the Spanish Heart Foundation.

The main benefits of this fruit are in its seed, which, when it reaches maturity, contains many vitamins, minerals and trace elements, that is, essential nutrients for our body.