Coconut provides medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs).. Coconut can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. Keep in a cool, dry place in your pantry. The main phenolic compounds identified include (20): Lab tests on coconut meat have shown that it has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging activity (20). There should be around 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup. Nutrition Facts of Coconut, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, and Coconut Oil. The female participants did not experience a significant reduction (16). Children (Basel). Shredded coconut is great for baking and adds a touch of natural sweetness and moisture to cookies, muffins, and quick breads. Coconut drinks are already slightly sweet, so you won’t miss the added sugar. Sprouse AA, van Breemen RB. This article tells you everything you need to know about coconut meat, including its nutrients…. The fat in coconut comes primarily from lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. (15), Whole Coconut Occasionally, your grocery store may sell whole coconuts, but it’s far easier to buy shredded or flaked coconut. Fans of coconuts these days are raving about the health and beauty powers that range from consuming coconuts both externally and internally. It is metabolized quickly and instead of fat sticking to your belly, it gets burned off as energy. Coconut is high in fat but not in the dangerous kinds of fats, such as trans-fats. Other than the oil they eat, their diet and exercise patterns were the same. The fluid is also rich in minerals: magnesium is responsible for a number of important biological functions, like regulating the heartbeat and supporting the nerves; potassium is important in regulating the kidneys, brain, heart and muscles; phosphorus is important to keep the bones and teeth healthy; iron is useful in making our red blood cells and is responsible for the carrying of iron in the bloodstream. With its rise in popularity, however, it is getting easier to find whole coconuts or coconut pieces in local markets. In spite of studies showing coconut oil may reduce cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, some scientists are not convinced by its benefits. Coconut sugar is derived from coconut sap. 16 muscular system diseases you should know about, Lower abdominal pain in women: Causes and treatments, Crepitus neck: Neck cracking and popping sound in neck, What causes bladder pressure and how to relieve it, Why is my urine orange? While it’s true that coconut milk calories might be higher than other milk substitutes, coconut milk — along with its close relatives coconut oil and coconut water — is among the best sources of medium-chain fatty acids. But many brands of shredded coconut add some sugar during processing. Another study conducted with males found after four weeks of taking coconut oil the average waist circumference reduced 1.1 inches.