Health Benefits of Coconut

Health Benefits of Coconuts

Unless you live in the tropics, you do not know how good young green coconuts and coconut water are.

Young green coconut is rich in good saturated fats, as high as 70% fat but 90% of that is good saturated fat. It has not been shown to raise cholesterol levels or heart disease. It may even raise HDL, the good cholesterol.

It only becomes harmful when coconut oil is hydrogenated turning it to transfats.

In countries like the Philippines and Thailand, where coconut is abundant, coconut milk is a common ingredient in cooking.

It is said that coconut milk is close to human breast milk in pH,  fat and nutrient content. It is a good source of calcium, manganese, selenium, zinc and iron. Coconut water in the cavity of the nut measures the same pH as human blood.

Both coconut milk and oil contain lauric acid. The only other source of lauric acid in abundance is human breast milk. Lauric acid is considered antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal. 

Coconut milk has also been shown to eliminate many fungi, yeast and protozoa, including several species of ringworm and to be an effective agent used against bacteria and viruses.

The antiviral property of coconut is now being tested in treatment for various chronic ailments with no known cure such as HIV. If you suffer from a chronic viral condition, check with your doctor before drinking coconut milk regularly for supplemental preventive treatment from viral infections and strengthening of your immune system.

If you live in a country that does not grow coconut, procuring coconut, especially young green coconut, can be difficult.  Check for an oriental store where you live. You may be able to find coconut milk in cans.