Coconut is a tropical fruit which can be used in many ways. It’s benefits are countless and surprising, here are the top 15 uses & benefits of coconut for health, skin & hair.
Coconut is a member of palm tree family. It is also called ” Tree of life “. Some researches shows that it is originated from south east Asia. Coconuts are grown in the tropical regions.
Coconut is a fruit whose every inch is useful such as its flesh or meat is eaten in fresh or dried form, it’s water is full of nutrients and a great source of hydration.
It’s outer cover is used as a charcoal for cooking purpose, it’s oil is used in cooking, beauty products and medicines. It is also a good source of electrolytes. In India coconut is used almost in every spiritual and traditional ceremony.
COCONUT IS USED IN THESE FORMS :
- Coconut flesh or meat
- Coconut water
- Coconut oil
- Coconut milk
- Coconut butter etc.
COCONUT FLESH :
Coconut flesh or meat comes from both immature coconut which is green in color and from mature which is brown in color.
USES & BENEFITS OF COCONUT FLESH :
BOOST IMMUNITY :
Coconut helps to improve your immune system. As it contains two essential compounds that has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties called caprylic acid and lauric acid. They both can fight with variety of diseases and virus keeping your body’s immune system strong.
Also see these 12 Foods that boost immunity in a natural way.
RICH IN FIBER :
Coconut is rich in fiber content and fiber helps to improves digestion. It also helps to prevent constipation & improves cholesterol level. 1 small bowl of coconut contains around 7 grams of fiber.
Check these 15 high fiber foods that you can add to your diet.
RICH IN VITAMINS AND MINERALS :
Coconut is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as B1, B3, B5, C and minerals. Coconut also contains carbohydrates, proteins, copper, manganese and calcium, and all of these are essential for healthy functioning of body.
BONE HEALTH :
Coconut can make your bones healthy. Coconut itself contains calcium which is essential for bone health also it improves the ability of body to absorb calcium. Consuming coconut on daily basis can make your bones strong and prevent you from the risk of osteoporosis ( a condition in which bones becomes weak and are more prone to breakage ).
Also learn how to make vegan calcium powder at home.
ORAL HEALTH :
Coconut improves oral health because of its anti-bacterial properties. Chewing coconut flesh or meat kills bacteria in mouth and makes your teeth and gums healthy.
COCONUT WATER :
Coconut water comes from both the mature and immature coconuts but mature coconut contains small amount of water whereas immature coconut contains good amount of water in it . One normal sized immature coconut contains around 200-400 ml of water.
BENEFITS & USES OF COCONUT WATER :
BOOST METABOLISM :
Coconut water helps to boost metabolism which means you can burn calories at a faster rate. Coconut water is low in fat and has less calories, you can use it as a substitute for ready made energy drink after your hard workouts. Coconut water also contains potassium and has less sodium which lead to less water retention.
SKIN CARE :
Coconut water can hydrate you very well from inside and makes your skin glowing naturally. Coconut water also contains vitamin C which helps in collagen production, providing firmness to the skin. If you apply coconut water topically it will make your skin wrinkle free, remove excess oil and gives you glow.
DETOXIFY BODY :
Coconut water can be used for flushing out heavy metals and toxins out of the body because it is alkaline which helps to clean body from inside. Consuming coconut water provides you instant energy, containing all the essential nutrients which are required for better hydration and body cleansing. You can also use coconut water as a base for your detox drink.
Also learn about these 8 detoxifying foods that helps to detoxify your body naturally.
FIGHTS WITH FLU AND VIRUS :
Coconut water contains lauric acid which helps in fighting with flu. To increase the efficiency of your immune system it is important to hydrate your body. Coconut water can hydrate your body very well during flu or virus as it contains all the essential electrolytes. Consuming coconut water during flu or virus will help you to recover faster.
Also see these 5 diy natural home remedies to treat cough and cold easily.
HYDRATING :
Coconut water is a very good source of providing hydration to your body. As it contains 92% of water , it can hydrate you very well during hot summer days. It would be better if you consume coconut water from the fresh immature coconut as it contains various salt that are only found in sea.
Also check out these 8 water rich foods you should add to your daily diet to stay hydrated.
COCONUT OIL :
Coconut oil is extracted from the dried coconuts. Just like coconut flesh and water it also provides benefits to the body in many ways.
SKIN CARE :
Coconut oil has so many benefits for skin. It can be used for treating variety of skin problems. You can simply apply coconut oil in these ways :
- Apply coconut oil for stretch marks
- Apply it as a night cream
- Apply it before going into swimming pool as it will protect your skin from the harmful chemicals present in the pool
- Apply it on your lips to prevent or treat dryness
- Use it as an insect repellent
- Use it as a diaper rash cream for babies
- Use it as a natural makeup remove etc.
HAIR CARE :
The way coconut oil has so many benefits for skin, similarly it can do wonders for your hair. You can simply apply coconut oil on your hair and scalp. It will provide following benefits :
- Prevent and reduces dandruff
- Moisturizes scalp
- Provide shine to your hair
- Improves hair growth
- Nourishes hair follicles.
HAIR SPA USING COCONUT OIL :
As you know coconut oil is very beneficial for improving hair health along with its benefits, there is one more thing which is hair spa. You can easily do hair spa at home using coconut oil.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION :
Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Applying coconut oil topically on the affected area helps to reduce inflammation and pain. It also provides strength to muscles.
IMPROVES SLEEP :
Applying coconut oil on forehead or massaging it on your scalp before sleeping can give you a better sleep because it improves blood circulation and provides relaxation to the nerves.
You can also know these 7 Home remedies to get a good sleep at night
SIDE EFFECT OF EXCESS INTAKE OF COCONUT :
- It can increase cholesterol because it contains saturated fats
- Excess intake may cause weight gain
- It may cause upset stomach
- It may cause acidity.
