Health Benefits of Coconut

Coconut health benefits have been getting lots of attention in recent years.Â While there was a panic at one point about the high level of saturated fat in coconuts, studies have shown that there isnâ€™t as definitive a link between saturated fat and heart disease as researchers once thought.

While much of the saturated fat we consume in our diets is made up of long-chain fatty acids, the saturated fat in coconuts is made of medium-chain fatty acids, which go to the liver to provide a quick source of energy or are turned into ketones; and some research indicates that ketogenic diets have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimerâ€™s.

Also, the fatty acids in coconuts (specifically lauric acid and its derivative monolaurin) can kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But even when it comes to â€œgood fats,â€ keep in mind that too much of a good thing is probably not a good thing â€” a healthy lifestyle is always about balance.

Raw coconut meat is an excellent source of dietary fiber and manganese, a mineral that is responsible for strong bones, healthy skin, and blood sugar control. Manganese also helps protect against free radical damage. Coconuts can even make you feel fuller so youâ€™re less tempted to eat more than you should at mealtimes.