COCONUT: HEALTH BENEFITS AND RISKS EXPLORED BY EXPERTS
Perspective from Faith Seke
PhD, Agronomy and Crop Science (ongoing), Master's degree, Food Science and Technology · 1 years of experience · South Africa
Benefits
- Coconut helps in weight loss. Its medium chain triglycerides may help to lose excess body fat.
- Coconut is high in manganese which is an essential mineral for bone health and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Coconut may also promote blood sugar. It contains low carbs and it is high in fiber and fat, therefore helping in stabilizing blood sugar.
Possible Side Effects
- Coconut might trigger allergic reactions to people who are sensitive to coconut oil and coconut palm pollen.
- Consuming too much of coconut might result in increased blood cholesterol levels and this might trigger the occurrence of chronic heart illnesses.
→ Coconut: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.
→ Love Coconut? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more
Perspective from Livia Dickson Chen
PhD in Nutrition · 11 years of experience · Brazil
Benefits
- Coconut helps in weight loss. Coconut is low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, which increases satiety. But beware, coconut is a food rich in calories, so consumption should be done in moderation. Coconut oil helps with weight loss because it is a source of medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which are quickly metabolized in the body. Coconut water is excellent for those who want to lose weight because it has very few calories and can replace drinks such as juice and soda.
- Coconut helps in strengthening the immune system. Coconut has substances such as lauric acid, which prevents the proliferation of fungi, viruses and bacteria. Also, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory.
Possible Side Effects
- Individuals on diets that are restricted in saturated fats should avoid coconut oil as coconut oil raises LDL with no known beneficial effects.
→ Coconut: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.
→ Love Coconut? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more
This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.