Wellness
Coconuts:
Unlike many other fruits that are high in carbs, coconuts provide mostly fat. They also contain protein, several important minerals, and small amounts of B vitamins. However, they’re not a significant source of most other vitamins. The minerals in coconut are involved in many functions in your body. Coconuts are especially high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. They’re also rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells.
Much of the fat in coconut is in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Your body metabolizes MCTs differently than other types of fats, absorbing them directly from your small intestine and rapidly using them for energy. One review on the benefits of MCTs in people found that these fats may promote body fat loss.
Coconuts contain lauric acid, which when digested forms a substance called monolaurin. These substances help fight against fungi, viruses and bacteria to keep infections away. They’ve even been shown to help kill the bacterias that fight yeast infections.
