Coconut known as “nariyal” in Hindi is a fruit that belongs to the Cocos nucifera (1) palm. known for its great versatility as seen in the many uses of its different parts and found throughout the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of water and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. There are a lot many health benefits of coconut discussed here.
Coconut benefits for skin, hair and health benefits of coconut
Health Benefits of Coconut
Controls diabetes
It improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. It controls diabetes by positively affecting the hormones for blood sugar control. This slows down the rise in blood sugar levels and helps to reduce glycemic cravings.
Overall health
People who consume coconut daily are healthier when compared to those who don’t. In some countries it is a dietary fiber that people have thrived on for many generations (2).
Boosts energy
It helps to increase energy by burning fat. People who consistently use coconut products have a stronger ability to go without eating for several hours with no effects of hypoglycemia and attains maximum health benefits of coconut. It also promotes healthy thyroid function and helps to relieve the symptom of chronic fatigue.
Treat abdominal fat
Coconut benefits help in treating dangerous fats in the abdominal cavity. Abdominal fats are the most dangerous of all the fats and are associated with various diseases.
Boosts immunity
Coconut nutrition is excellent for the immune system. It is antiviral, antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic. Intake of coconuts oil can help the body to mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that cause illness (3).
Fiber content
It is high in dietary fiber. Coconut fiber slows down the release of glucose and transports it to the cell where it is converted into energy.
Fights cancer
Coconut nutrition has also proven to have anti-cancer properties. It is especially beneficial to treat colon and breast cancer.
Keeps hydrated
Coconut water contains crucial electrolytes that help in maintaining hydration. It is a better alternative to water as it is tastier than plain water and is loaded with nutrition.
Treats epilepsy
Health benefits of coconut are best known for treating epilepsy in children. The diet involves eating little carbs and large amounts of fat which can lead to increased concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood. This diet can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children.
Beneficial during pregnancy
is sterile and is very good for pregnant ladies. It improves the immunity and health of the mother and baby and prevents infection and other diseases. It also boosts the levels of amniotic fluid to improve the overall health of the fetus.
Healthy bones and teeth
Eating coconuts regularly supports the development of healthy bones and teeth. It improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium and manganese which aid bone development.
Benefits of coconut for skin
Effective on dry hands
benefits can also be used to treat dry and parched hands. Regular dish washing often dries out the skin and makes them unsightly. Apply virgin coconut oil on the hands to get beautiful and smooth hands.
Fights dryness
Coconut oil, if used on the skin prevents dryness and flakiness and keeps it moisturized and supple. It also supports the skin and works to repair the damage it has acquired over time. Use of coconut malai cleanses and neutralizes the toxins, fungi, and bacteria on the outer layers of the skin which not only detoxifies but also builds the skin’s natural immune system and protection (4).
Clean skin
Eating it hydrates the skin and makes it youthful and supple. Take a teaspoon of raw, uncooked coconut oil and massage the skin with it. This will minimize the outbreaks of skin, rashes, and irritations and will beautify the skin from inside when taken internally.
Promotes blood circulation
Eating coconut regularly boosts oxygen in the skin and promotes blood circulation. This allows proper breathing of the skin and promotes healthy and flawless complexion.
Reverses effect of tanning
The Health Benefits of Coconut water helps to reverse tanning. Mix fullers earth with coconut water and apply it all over the skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Apply this face pack twice weekly to get a tan free skin.
Removes eye makeup
Coconut oil can also be used to remove eye makeup. Put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and wipe your eyes with it. It effectively removes the tough eye makeup by breaking down the ingredients in the eye makeup.
Treats oily skin
Coconuts water washes away excess oil from the skin and keeps the skin tone more even. water is also very effective on acne, black spots and blemishes. Make a face pack by mixing half a tsp of turmeric, 1 tsp of sandalwood powder and coconuts water. Apply it on the face thrice weekly to get clear and glowing skin.
Body scrub
Mix some coconut oil and a cup of brown sugar and stir well. Finally scrape the shell, add a few drops of essential oil and mix it. You can also mix 1 tbsp of coconut water and lentils to make a paste. Rub it gently on the face for 2 minutes and then wash off.
Benefits of coconut for hair
Prevent scalp infections
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconuts protect the scalp from dandruff, lice and itchy scalp which often slows down the hair growth.
Healthy hair
It can also help you to get shiny and silky hair. Vitamin K and iron content in the health benefits of coconut maintain the health of the hair and impart shine to it (5).
