Coconut and its products have become a hot trend for good reason. A cup of coconut provides 5 grams of fiber and sizable amounts of iron, zinc, manganese, potassium and copper. One cup of coconut meat provides 10% of the RDA of iron for women and 22 % for men. This important mineral is required for proper transport of oxygen throughout the body. There are many ways to incorporate coconut into your diet including coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut milk and coconut water. Coconut water provides ten percent of the RDA for potassium which helps maintain cardiac health. Coconut flour is higher in fiber than all-purpose flour, which drops the glycemic index and makes it a better choice for diabetics.
Coconut meat contains a large amount of saturated fats. While increased intake of highly saturated fats, like coconut, are not recommended for daily use, these saturated fats are medium-chain triglycerides that are metabolized differently and have health benefits. Medium chain triglycerides go straight to the liver to be turned into quick energy. This digestive process makes coconut oil the best choice for those with digestive disorders like Chron’s and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Remember, however, that fat is still fat and eating too much is not recommended. One of the fats in coconut is lauric acid which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents.
Resources:
Lisa Thompson
Sara Ipatenco for SFgate
Authority Nutrition