The Powerful Nutritional Value and the Appeal of Coconut - Nutritionist's Column Vol.95
Coconuts are the fruits of the coconut palm, and are sometimes called palm fruits in Japan.
Coconut products, such as sweets and oil, are now commonly seen in supermarkets.
Common products made from the coconut fruit include coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut oil.
The center of the coconut is liquid, which can be drunk as coconut water.
The inner endosperm is processed into a variety of foods, including coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut powder.
In addition to the fruit, the flowers, leaves, and wood are also used for a variety of products depending on how they are processed.
When the nectar of the flowers is boiled down and the water evaporated, a liquid sugar called "coconut syrup" is produced, and when it is boiled down further and crystallized, it becomes "coconut sugar."
The outer fibers of the fruit are called coconut fiber and are used for ropes and other things.
The leaves and wood are also used as building materials, making coconut a plant with no waste as all parts can be used.
Nutritional benefits of coconuts Coconuts often grow naturally near the sea and grow by absorbing the minerals contained in seawater.
Therefore, it is rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Some of the nutritional benefits of coconut include:
1. Energy Charge <br data-mce-fragment="1">Coconut is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), which are quickly converted into energy in the body and are said to be useful for sustained energy supply.
2. Diet <br data-mce-fragment="1">The medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) mentioned above have the effect of promoting lipid metabolism and have been reported to promote fat burning.
3. Antibacterial and antiviral properties <br data-mce-fragment="1">It contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be expected to boost immunity.
4. Improves intestinal environment <br data-mce-fragment="1">Coconut is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes intestinal health and helps improve bowel movements.
5. Improves swelling <br data-mce-fragment="1">It is rich in potassium, which helps to expel sodium, which causes swelling, from the body, making it useful for improving swelling.
It also helps prevent high blood pressure caused by excessive salt intake.
Nutritional value of coconuts varies depending on manufacturing process
Depending on how it is processed, coconut can be transformed into a variety of products.
Oil, milk, powder, and coconut water each have slightly different nutritional ratios, so we'll introduce them here.
■Coconut oil <br data-mce-fragment="1">Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the endosperm of coconuts. It begins to solidify and turn white at temperatures below 25℃.
When heated, it quickly softens and turns into a colorless, transparent, smooth oil.
Besides being used in food, it is also used in dishwashing detergent and as a moisturizer for skin and hair.
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Its main components are saturated fatty acids, and it is especially rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs).
MCTs are metabolized faster than other common fatty acids, meaning they are broken down quickly and converted into energy quickly.
It also contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid.
Lauric acid has antioxidant effects, boosts immunity, and is known to have antibacterial effects against bacteria and viruses.
■Coconut milk <br data-mce-fragment="1">Coconut milk is made by scraping off the endosperm that is attached to the inside of the shell of a mature coconut, soaking it in water and boiling it, and then squeezing out the exudate.
Although much of the fiber is removed, the minerals and fatty acids are preserved.
You can drink it as is, cook it with ethnic desserts and spices, or use it in dishes where you want to add richness.
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Although it has less than coconut oil, it is still rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs).
It is rich in minerals such as potassium, which regulates fluid retention and excretion and reduces swelling, and iron and copper, which are expected to improve anemia.
■Coconut powder <br data-mce-fragment="1">The endosperm part of a coconut is scraped off, dried and powdered.
It is naturally sweet and can be used as a flavouring or sweetener without adding sugar.
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Coconut is rich in minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium, etc.), dietary fiber, protein, etc.
■Coconut water <br data-mce-fragment="1">Coconut water is the liquid endosperm extracted from young unripe coconuts, and is also known as coconut juice.
Its main component is water and it has a refreshing flavor.
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It is rich in minerals and is said to be a natural sports drink.
Although it is low in calories, it is rich in minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium.
It is also attracting attention as a diet and detox water.
Coconuts are environmentally friendly and packed with nutrients that are good for the body, including many minerals, dietary fiber, and medium-chain fatty acids.
There are many different coconut products available, so I hope this will be helpful when you are thinking of incorporating coconut into your daily lifestyle.
Coconut powder is also used in GRØN's product "Functional Soup Purple Yum Dream."
Not only do you get the gentle sweetness of coconut, but you can also get plenty of protein, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Everyone, please give it a try!
If you are suffering from menopausal symptoms, try to be aware of ways to naturally increase DHEA through your lifestyle.
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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara
A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.
With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.
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