Coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe. It is more than just a fruit in Ghana hence bearing the name “the tree of life”. It brings happiness to the citizens in every corner of the country. Friendly machete-wielding men and women conduct the business. Besides that, these farmers are found nearly in every corner of Accra in Ghana. You wouldn’t miss them with wheelbarrows, pan overhead, or even on a cart. The salesmen have an attractive style of cutting open the coconut. This gives a staring emotion to the buyers. Therefore, they buy even before having a test of the nut for the “great misery” found inside. Despite playing an important role in improving food security, coconut has some health benefits. This article is about the health benefits of coconut.
Boost Immunity
The nutrients found in coconuts are essential in boosting the body’s immune system. The coconut oil/milk and the flesh are sources of nutritious fiber, minerals like sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Also, coconut oil is a nutritious source of vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These vitamins are essential to the body. The reason is that the body needs for external sources. The coconut water and the meat contain a vital component of potassium for the body. The nut is a complete food with vitamins, calories, and minerals. The lauric acid found in coconut increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL). On top of that, they reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, which prevents vessel blockage on coronary arteries.
Healing Qualities
Coconut oil intake helps in preventing illness. This happens by mounting a resistance effect on both the disease and viruses. Some parts of the nut are used for preventing dark circles under the eye and skin infections. They also serve as a moisturizer and softening the natural skin. Thus, preventing skin from drying. The health benefits of coconut are countless.
The healing properties extend to the alleviation of diseases such as irregular menstruation, kidney stones, flu, dysentery, bronchitis, and asthma. The use of nut oil also does treatment of burns and blisters. It also soothes sunburns and skin tone. The high amount of saturated fatty acids is found in coconuts. It plays a vital role in the liver from the digestive system after being absorbed by the body.
Effect on the brain
The fatty acid realizes a therapeutic effect on brain disorder in the ketone bodies found in the liver. Anti-cancer properties are also found in coconuts. Urinary tract infections are prevented using coconut oils. They improve the flow of urine amongst preventing diseases like scalp infections and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Research done has found that daily coconut consumers are healthier than their counterparts.
