Coconut: Contraindications, Benefits And How To Take It

Did you know that coconut is one of the healthiest foods in the world ? If you have easy access to this wonder, consider yourself a lucky person. Researchers discover more and more evidence that the unique combination of fatty acids found in coconut has a very positive and profound impact on overall health.

Coconut Health Benefits

Don’t you eat coconut? Check out 5 reasons why you should include coconut in your diet:

The saturated fats in coconut oil have many medicinal properties

The reason coconut has been so criticized by those interested in good health is that almost all of its fatty acids are fats that people now connect with high saturated cholesterol and heart disease.

This is a myth that has been widely disposed of and many large-scale studies have been done to disprove the idea that saturated fat clogs arteries and leads to heart problems.

It was discovered that the fatty acids in coconut go directly to the liver from the digestive tract and are not used as a source of quick energy and are transformed into compounds called ketone bodies, which can have a therapeutic effect in brain disorders , such as epilepsy or Alzheimer’s disease.

Coconut-based diets are among the healthiest in the world

While coconut is still considered an exotic type of food in the United States, there are many cultures where it is a dietary staple – equivalent to wheat or corn in the US. And these cultures have thrived on this diet for many generations.

The best example is the inhabitants of Tokelau, a small population in the South Pacific, who consume a diet that is 60% coconut-based and practice cooking with one of the highest concentrations of saturated fat in the world. However, they are in good health and show no evidence of heart disease.

Coconut oil increases energy and burns fat

Many people who have a hard time reaching an ideal weight find that coconut can actually help them . The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure, sometimes up to 5%, or equal to 120 calories per day. This extra expense can be a powerful weight loss aid.

If you want in this article we will show you more information regarding  Coconut Oil: Discover its Utilities, Benefits and Contraindications

Coconut has antimicrobial properties

A substance called lauric acid makes up about 50% of the fatty acids found in coconut oil and is digested by means of a monoglyceride called monolaurin. These two substances were shown to kill harmful pathogens in the body , including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This includes dangerous bacteria like Staphylcoccus aureus and Candida albicans , which are responsible for fungal infections.

Coconut oil is a natural appetite suppressant

Another reason coconut can lead to a healthy diet is that it naturally suppresses your appetite , which can aid in overall reduction in total calories. One study showed that when different amounts of TCM-rich coconut were eaten by men, those who received the most ate an average of 256 fewer calories per day. This is believed to be due to ketone bodies formed when coconut is digested, which has been shown to reduce hunger naturally.

Maximum amount of coconut daily

People need a moderate intake of certain substances to be able to maintain an optimal state of health, that is why we must eat a balanced and healthy diet, since only in this way can we control the levels of our body.

So, when we talk about coconut we have to know that due to its composition we must limit the amount we eat of this fruit on a daily basis, since although it has quite beneficial vitamins and minerals, coconut also contains fatty acids that in excess can be harmful.

An adult person should have a daily fat intake of only 3 and a half tablespoons a day for a maximum of 2-3 weeks. However, there are studies that take into account the measurement of fatty acids according to people’s weight, so the equivalence would be one gram of fat for each kilogram of body weight. Therefore, the consumption of coconut should be up to five tablespoons for a 70 kg person and six and a half tablespoons for a person weighing 90 kg. Though it’s not forever

Coconut contraindications

In general opinion, it is known that coconut is a food that is generally considered beneficial to our health, so many people use it as a primary ingredient in a weight loss treatment.

People who use coconut in their diet claim and defend this fruit on the grounds that it is a food rich in unsaturated fats , that is, healthy fats, which do not affect cholesterol, are good for heart function and can even contribute to weight loss in the body.

In this way, most people are unaware that coconut actually does contain unfavorable effects on the body and if it is not consumed as it should be, we can cause diseases and serious problems in our body. Coconut contains calories and saturated fat, which in excess can be a problem for the arteries, the heart and our body weight.

Thus, there are also those who defend that the fats contained in coconut are triglycerides, which can be burned easily and quickly, as well as containing an acid called “lauric”, which helps reduce cholesterol. But, nutritionists claim that there is not enough research that actually proves whether coconut can cause this effect or not.

Athletes, on the other hand, tend to use coconut water after their workouts because this is a better option to avoid dehydration, it does not contain fat and it is a liquid rich in minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which is true until certain point. Coconut water is hydrating, which is a good property to drink after exercise, although it is not zero calories like water, coconut water is better than drinking a soda full of sugars, but research proves that it is not more beneficial or more hydrating than water.

So well, we can conclude that coconut has its beneficial properties , is low in sugar levels and is rich in protein, but can cause damage to our health if ingested excessively, since it represents a very considerable contribution. of saturated fats, which are a determining factor in the human body.

So, what we must take into account with this fruit is that it can provide us benefits, but we must ingest it properly. We do not have to get carried away by one or two properties and think that if we consume the fruit daily we can maximize those benefits. Since, in the same way as they can contain good things, there are also other factors that if provided in large quantities will counteract the positive effect of the fruit.

You have to do your research before starting to consume a type of food as a treatment or recurrently as part of a routine, since sometimes we can do it in the least adequate way and end up suffering from the side effects and alternate damages that an excess of certain substances can cause us in our organism.

Coconut allergy

Coconut allergy is difficult to predict, like any other type of allergy, the person must be attentive to the effects that may be caused in their body by having contact with coconut, either external or internal.

However, an allergy to coconut is a rare type of allergy , although coconut is considered to fall into the category of nuts, so an allergic reaction to a nut can raise suspicions that this fruit can also cause them , then knowing this should be cautious.

Contraindications of coconut consumption

Conditions for which it is contraindicated

As we have already mentioned , the negative effect of coconut is determined by the amount of saturated fat it has in its composition, which if ingested without measure can develop many health problems.

If we give our body a very large portion of saturated fat on a daily basis, we can begin to suffer excessive weight gain, our arteries will become clogged by accumulations of fat and therefore our heart can begin to develop diseases due to its function will be affected, in the same way we can suffer from high cholesterol levels and arthritis problems.

Negative effects of coconut pulp

Coconut pulp is the edible part of the coconut that is inside its shell, it is white in color and its texture is dry and a little stiff. This part of the coconut can be the most harmful if consumed in excess, since in a cup of 80 grams of coconut pulp, we can get up to 23.8 grams of saturated fat . In this way we can suffer negative effects such as:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • High cholesterol level
  • Development of type 2 diabetes
  • Artery problems
  • Joint problems

Therefore, it is pertinent to consider that the consumption of this fruit should be limited if you want to follow a daily consumption or something like that, such as a treatment. On the other hand, if it is sporadic consumption, there is no problem if there is no other source of fat in the diet.

Side effects of coconut consumption

In certain cases the consumption of coconut can cause problems for people , sometimes people may have allergic reactions to this fruit and present symptoms such as: hives, itching, inflammation, nausea, vomiting and redness of the skin.

However, in case of excessive consumption the unfavorable symptoms are related to gastrointestinal problems, weight gain, increased cholesterol and heart disease.

Ways to enjoy coconut

Did we convince you that coconut is a good idea? Check out the main ways to get the most out of it!

White Coconut (Squash)

The pigments responsible for the white color of coconut meat are very rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids fight heart disease and prevent the formation of tumors in the intestine, reducing the risk of cancer; they have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory action . In addition, they have a strong presence in the liver by stimulating the production of enzymes that improve immunity and fight carcinogens.

Coconut water

In addition to being refreshing, coconut water is rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, very important minerals for our health. Coconut water ( as well as banana ) is good for the heart and other muscles, because it prevents cramps .

Thanks to the presence of various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, coconut water fights various diseases such as heart disease, atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer. In addition, kidney functions are controlled, as well as blood glucose levels and blood circulation.

The immune system becomes stronger , the skin and body are rejuvenated, the intestine works better, and the good bacteria are preserved.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil strengthens the immune system, improves thyroid function, and reduces the level of fatigue, among other benefits. Coconut oil is also used to flavor and aroma a number of dishes from around the world. And you must have heard of its ability to hydrate , which is why oil is offered for massage on the skin or applied to the hair .

It is a basic ingredient in various body products, such as soaps, lotions, and creams. Being more than 90% fat, coconut oil does not alter its chemical structure at high temperatures, unlike vegetable oils, and remains healthy while cooking dishes.

More information on coconut oil:

Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is extracted from the fluid of the coconut palm flowers. Besides being a delight, what makes it very nutritionally special is its low glycemic index – lower than honey , and much smaller than white sugar. On the other hand, it is full of vitamins and is an excellent substitute for common refined sugar .

Raw, unadulterated, unfiltered, preservative-free and 100% natural coconut sugar is known to be the healthiest and most sustainable sweetener in the world .

More information on coconut sugar .

Coconut milk

Coconut milk contains many vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes , such as potassium, calcium, and chloride. Half of the middle fatty acid chain in coconut milk is made up of lauric acid, which is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial.

Coconut milk can help boost the immune system. It is a dairy product alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk. This vegetarian drink does not contain soy, gluten or nuts.

More information on coconut milk .

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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