Does the coconut make you fat? Myths and facts about this tropical fruit

Coconut is a tropical fruit that instantly refreshes. On a very hot day or resting on the beach, there is no way to enjoy a rich coconut and the water it contains. It is a very popular fruit for how delicious it is and for the many benefits it has for our health.

However, there are those who prefer not to consume it due to the myth that coconut makes you fat. How true is this? In today's article we present a list of the myths and realities around coconut and the best way to consume it.

Does the coconut make you fat? Myths and realities

The coconut is born from the coconut tree, a common palm in the tropics. As with all fruits, there are different levels of ripening. A coconut in good condition to be consumed is very hard and when you shake it you can hear the movement of the water inside.

Coconut water, coconut pulp and oil are consumed. Coconut milk is also obtained by crushing the pulp until its juice is extracted. The pulp can be eaten even though it is gelatinous, but its exact point of maturation is when it is completely hard.

Facts about coconut

Coconut and everything that can be consumed from it has multiple uses and benefits. You can drink the water from the coconut and it is an immediate moisturizer for very hot days. The pulp is eaten whole, raw, grated, roasted, or crushed to obtain coconut milk.

This tropical fruit is believed to have health benefits and its cosmetic use helps the skin and hair, however it is also said that coconut makes you fat and it is not recommended to consume it in excess.

1. Coconut water is high in nutrients

Coconut water is as refreshing as it is high in nutrients. To obtain coconut water you have to make two holes and simply drink it. It is highly hydrating and also provides energy.

All this because coconut water is high in potassium, iron and calcium, which helps the body to quickly regain hydration. It is also a diuretic, so it helps not retain fluids in the body that cause swelling in hot weather.

2. Coconut is good for intestinal and stomach health

Coconut has properties that help maintain good stomach and intestinal health. Coconut has a very high fiber content, especially in the pulp. This contributes to good digestion and is excellent for relieving heartburn.

In addition, this property in coconut allows good intestinal health, so its regular consumption is recommended to regulate constipation problems. Coconut milk also contains this benefit.

3. Coconut can cause weight gain

The answer to whether coconut is fattening is... Yes. Although coconut has a high fiber content, which has been attributed to it as a fruit that can contribute to weight loss, on the other hand it is true that it has a very high caloric intake.

Coconut provides around 350 calories per 100 grams. Because of this, coconut is considered one of the fruits with the most calories per serving. So the reality is that its consumption should be limited and accompanied by a healthy diet and regular exercise.

4. Coconut oil is good for skin and hair

Coconut oil is high in Vitamin E, so it is very good for the skin and hair. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that, when applied to the skin, hydrates and softens it in an immediate and lasting way.

Coconut provides shine to hair, as well as intense hydration, so using it in the form of an oil is also a good way to take advantage of the benefits of coconut. You can also take advantage of the coconut water and apply it together with the shampoo for best results.

Myths about coconut

In recent decades, the coconut and its many uses have become popular. The pulp and water are consumed, the oil is used for cooking, its juice is extracted to drink it as milk and it even has uses in the cosmetic area as well.

But it must be said that there are many myths and misconceptions around the coconut. To know if this is true or not, you have to analyze the properties of this fruit. There are many myths and facts about the properties, benefits and harms of coconut, let's see which are true and which are not.

1. Coconut oil is better than olive oil

It is believed that olive oil can be substituted for coconut oil in cooking. Lately, coconut oil has been used in various recipes as an alternative to olive oil, believing it to be healthier or with more nutrients.

This is not necessarily true. While coconut oil is high in so-called good cholesterol, it doesn't actually provide any different or extra benefits to using olive oil. On the other hand, you can achieve a slight variation in the flavors of the dishes.

2. Coconut oil should be consumed on an empty stomach and in large quantities

A common myth is that to enjoy its benefits you have to consume it in high amounts. Some people recommend consuming coconut oil on an empty stomach and by the spoonful to be able to perceive an immediate benefit from its properties.

We know that everything in excess can be harmful, and this does not exempt the coconut. The regular and moderate consumption of coconut is beneficial for health. However, consuming it in excess is not recommended, precisely because of its high caloric intake.

3. Coconut oil causes cardiovascular problems

Coconut oil has been contraindicated by many doctors for raising cholesterol. Therefore, it is believed that coconut oil and all coconut derivatives can cause cardiovascular problems caused by high cholesterol.

Although the consumption of coconut oil can raise cholesterol, this would only happen in conjunction with the consumption of other fats. In addition, the rest of the coconut does not have any type of damage or does not contain cholesterol, so the pulp and water are totally alien to this myth.

4. Coconut helps you lose weight

A very popular myth is that coconut helps you lose weight. This myth is one of the most widespread about the properties of this fruit and is based on the high fiber content it contains, which could help reduce fat.

However, coupled with this fiber content, coconut has a high caloric content so its usual consumption without a Regular physical activity and healthy eating habits could have the opposite effect due to the amount of calories you contains.

Bibliographic references

• del Cañizo, JA. (2002). Palms. Editions Mundi-Prensa.
• Werth, E. (1933). Distribution, Origin and Cultivation of the Coconut Palm (in periodical: Ber. Deutschen Bot. Ges.