Coconut may not be a complete source of protein, but its still packed with amino acids. Containing 1. For your muscles, it builds connective tissues and maintains elasticity in the body, even in the heart. Threonine also supports healthy tooth enamel, and it speeds up healing from wounds or injuries throughout the whole body. Coconut contains almost 9. You might know that coconut oil is good for you, but you may not know how much to take or how to eat it. This article has the answers. Coconuts are famous for their flavorful white meat and milk. These fruits are not only delicious, but theyre packed with fiber and minerals, including. How to Eat Coconut Oil. Medical research has shown that coconut oil is a better choice than any other saturated fat. How To Cook Brown Rice On Stove. It may provide a wide range of health benefits. Coconut Sprouts EAT it, then PLANT it At the raw permaculture community of Jewel of the Sun in Costa Rica, International living foods chef Eric Rivkin. I interrupted the reading of this piece to go to a cabinet drawer and take out and eat some shredded organic coconut flakes I had forgotten about. In terms of overall protein content, there are 3. Coconut oil contains virtually no amino acids and 0 grams of protein. An Unknown Source of Dietary Iron. Coconut is also a great source of iron, especially for a fruit. Two tablespoons of raw coconut butter contain 6 percent of your iron needs, while 12 cup of fresh meat contains 1. Iron is needed to ensure optimal blood flow to the muscles and for optimal energy needed for exercise. Its completely possible to eat a vegan diet and get enough iron the important thing is to eat a variety of sources. Fights Abdominal Weight Gain. Coconut may not help you drop a significant amount of pounds, but it has been shown to reduce body fat in the abdominal region. This pertains to raw unsweetened coconut, not sweetened varieties or other highly refined sources of coconut like the ice cream or flavored milks. Coconuts fats are used by the liver for energy, and they help reduce insulin surges in the body, unlike sugary processed foods or refined grains. This can lead to a reduced amount of fat stored in the stomach, which often happens due to erratic insulin levels. The fiber and medium chain tryglyceride fats in coconut also help boost the metabolism due to the way they are used during digestion. Not only does this give you energy, but also creates a thermogenic effect in the body where your calorie burn is increased naturally. Keep in mind, this doesnt apply for eating coconut in excessive amounts, but instead to using it in small to moderate servings in place of sugary foods, refined grains, processed foods, fast food, etc., so use a few tablespoons a day to see how you benefit. Folate Powerhouse. Folate is a B vitamin we need for healthy metabolism and red blood cell function. Its also essential for healthy brain development in infants. Coconut meat contains 2. Avocados, asparagus, bananas, spinach, and beans are also great sources of folate too. Plentiful Potassium. Potassium is an incredibly important mineral for our health. It reduces high blood pressure and aids in water balance in the body to counteract too much sodium bye bye bloat. We need 4,7. 00 milligrams of potassium a day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best source, and coconut is a great option. The tropical fruit contains 2. Coconut water is even higher, while coconut flour and butter are a bit lower. Fiber. To add to the list of benefits, coconut is even a fantastic source of dietary fiber. Fiber keeps you regular which improves your energy, takes care of your heart, and can even help whittle your waistline too. Coconut meat contains more fiber than wheat bran or any other grain per serving In 2 tablespoons of coconut butter, youll get 5 grams of fiber, while 2 tablespoons of coconut flour will give you 7 grams, and the meat of the coconut contains around 1. Coconut oil contains no fiber. Easy to Digest. Best of all, due to the way your body processes coconut, it is very easy to digest compared to meat, eggs, and even some nuts, seeds, and beans that may not be as tolerable. What you digest from food is just as important as what you eat, so always choose foods that are easier on your digestive system while supplying you with nutrients at the same time. How to Enjoy Coconut You can use coconut in a variety of ways, since its one of the most versatile foods out there in terms of available forms. For instance, you can use coconut flour in place of other flours, or stir some into your morning oatmeal. You can even put a couple tablespoons in a smoothie to thicken it up and add fiber in a flash Or, try mixing it with non dairy milk and coconut yogurt to make an instant dessert pudding. Top some fruit with coconut yogurt, use coconut shreds in your raw vegan snacks, and be sure to try coconut butter in oatmeal, smoothies, right off the spoon, or used in place of cows milk butter. Of course, if you can get your hands on some fresh coconut meat, please do enjoy the purest form of this amazing food for all of us its the best While you neednt go crazy with serving sizes, coconut is a great food to eat in small doses daily and in addition to a diet full of vegetables, greens, other fresh fruits and other healthy fats. See all of our coconut recipes for more ideas to use this marvelous other white meat and tell us, whats your favorite way to enjoy coconut Lead Image Source Esme VosFlickr.