Health Benefits of Coconut

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

12 Jun 2007 08:10 AM

I am allergic to coconut (and pineapple and shrimp), which really is not that unusual, unless you were born and raised in Hawaii. Yes, the jokes start to fly once I tell people about my food allergies. All kidding aside, when I informed my daughter's pediatrician about my many food allergies shortly after she was born he recommended that we not introduce shellfish or other tropical fruits into her diet until she was at least 3-years-old.

My daughter turned 3 a few weeks ago. Two days ago we attended a party that featured a gigantic white coconut cake. I'm not sure my daughter would have thought much of it (her weaknesses is chocolate), but the massive confection was placed on top of a pasture of green, shredded coconut. Once she found out that other kids were eating the coconut "grass" she immediately went in for the steal. It took everything in me not to steer her little body away from the table. I resisted. She shoved a few handfuls of the "grass" into her mouth and... she's still alive. Forty-eight hours later she shows no signs of an allergic reaction. Hooray!

I'm relieved; not only because I would never want my daughter to suffer the same severe reaction that I have when I ingest coconut, but also because coconut offers so many health benefits. I've learned that when you are allergic to a certain food you instantly become an expert regarding its pros and cons. For years coconut and coconut oil has gotten a bad rap for clogging arteries. But if you do the research you'll find that coconut is very healthy. It's true; coconut oil is classified as a saturated fat, but on the flip side, it also contains a type of fatty acid called lauric acid, which metabolizes directly in the liver and produces a variety of health benefits. (Nursing moms know that lauric acid is found in human breast milk.) Coconut oil is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Here are some other benefits of coconut oil:

· Improves digestion

· Improves nutrient absorption

· Promotes weight loss

· Regulates blood sugar levels

· Reduces bacterial, viral and fungal infections

It's important to note that not all coconut oils provide health benefits. Health benefits are found in unrefined virgin coconut oils. Refined, bleached and deodorized coconut oil is void of vitamins, antioxidants and lauric acid, which reduces the health benefit.

Just something to ponder the next time you are chomping on a coconut macaroon, coconut shrimp, or coconut bread. Each contains coconut flakes and coconut oil, which can reduce diarrhea and help fight Crohn's disease.

Related Articles:

Food Allergies

Food Allergies in Babies

Coconut Fried Shrimp

Kids in the Kitchen: Coconut Cupcakes

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger