HEALTHY EATING - Why is coconut good for you?

Why is coconut good for you?

Coconut is full of diverse health benefits from protecting against heart diseases to preventing tooth decay!

Some experts believe coconut can do the following for our health:

• Protect against heart disease by increasing good cholesterol and lowering the ratio of bad and good cholesterol.
• Helps treat malnutrition because it is easy to digest and absorb.
• Kills disease-causing bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses because of the
  antimicrobial effects of its fatty acids.
• Helps diabetics by slowing sugar release into the bloodstream.
• Prevents strokes and brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• Boosts metabolism and increases energy because it is more likely to be burned as fuel than stored as body fat.
• Prevent tooth decay - coconut oil fights bacteria responsible for tooth decay and could be a healthy, non-chemical additive in toothpaste and mouthwash, Irish research suggests. Scientists found that when the oil was treated with digestive enzymes it became a powerful killer of mouth bugs that can lead to dental caries.

The cons:

While protection against heart disease is one of the claimed benefits of coconut oil, the Heart Foundation strongly recommends avoiding it. "Coconut oil, milk and cream are all high in unhealthy saturated fat, which raises bad cholesterol levels, clogs the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease," says Barbara Eden, the Heart Foundation's senior manager of food supply. "Our recommendations are based on good-quality scientific evidence and don't recommend eating foods high in saturated fat. There are many healthier oils that don't raise cholesterol levels or increase the risk of heart disease." DAA spokeswoman Tania Ferraretto agrees and says the evidence of any health benefits from coconut oil is inconclusive.

How much coconut oil?

The Coconut Research Center's Dr Bruce Fife recommends one to three tablespoons of coconut oil a day for health maintenance. It can be used for frying and baking or it can be added to foods such as popcorn instead of butter.

At a glance

Coconut meat (raw): The super high-fibre content acts like a probiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the intestines and keeping you regular.

• Fresh coconut juice: Rich in electrolytes, it aids in hydration, providing minerals essential for bodily functions such as movement and brain function.
• Coconut oil (from the meat): Said to have numerous benefi ts, from protecting against heart disease to helping with weight management.
• Coconut cream/milk: High in lauric acid, it may boost your immune system and protect against viral and bacterial infections.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/health+foods+az/why+is+coconut+good+for+your+,24010