Become a staple of healthy cooking, coconut invaded our dishes.
Water, oil, milk, dried, fresh ... It is tasted in all its forms and at any time of the day.
Here are 8 reasons to love (and adopt!)
- Coconut is one of the poorest fruits in sugar
This exotic fruit is atypical. Its flesh contains only 5.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, even less than strawberry (7 g of sugar / 100 g), apricot (8g / 100 g) or grapefruit (9 to 10 g / 100 g).
But that does not mean that coconut is low calorie.
On the contrary: it delivers 354 Kcal / 100 g, much more than the date (282 kcal) or the banana (89 kcal).
This record is explained by its considerable lipid content: more than 35% of the fleshy part of fresh nuts (60% in dried coconut).
Not surprisingly, from a botanical point of view, coconut is not a fruit but a huge seed.
- It does not contain cholesterol
And contrary to what we thought, his lipids are not bad for the cardiovascular system. They certainly contain a lot of saturated fatty acids, but these are medium chain (lauric acid) and not long chain like those of animal fats (butter, cheese ...).
Several studies confirm that they do not increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Brazilian researchers even suggest that they reduce blood pressure .
- Coconut oil is a slimming ally
Extracted from the dried walnut pulp, " the coconut oil is made of 100% lipids, but these are very digestible," says Emmanuelle Cazé, dietician at the Alliance Pornic thalassotherapy center.
Its specific fatty acids are rapidly metabolized by the body. In other words, they are used instantly by the cells, and not stored. Its consumption can even help to lose weight because it increases the energy expenditure at rest. So then do not deprive yourself on the condition of choosing virgin, and unrefined.
- Coconut slows down Alzheimer's disease
The medium-chain fatty acids, which are also found in breast milk, are known to improve cognitive abilities, "says Dr. Mary Newport, American neurologist author of Alzheimer's disease, and if there was treatment? (Josette Lyon ed.)
They cause the liver to produce more ketones, compounds that protect neurons in the brain. Of course, they do not reverse the course of the disease, but they slow down its progression.
- Coconut butter is good for your health
What is called " coconut butter " is actually solid coconut oil because kept in the refrigerator. It can be warmed up without worry because it does not brown and does not generate toxic products.
Perfect to give a note of exoticism to sautéed shrimps or fried vegetables. And as food absorbs less than other fat, it allows light cooking.
- Its pulp is full of vitamin E
Unlike other fresh fruits, coconut does not excel by its vitamin C content. It never exceeds 3 mg / 100 g, a pared portion compared to currant (40 mg), lemon ( 53 mg) and blackcurrant (up to 200 mg).
In contrast, the sacred fruit of Hindus is full of vitamin E (0.7 mg / 100 g), which gives it a good antioxidant power. It also provides a lot of minerals, especially potassium and phosphorus (380 mg and 104 mg / 100 g respectively), as well as magnesium (36 mg / 100 g), useful for fighting fatigue and stress.
- Coconut water is an excellent source of hydration
From the young nut, coconut water is very thirst-quenching in summer. The Brazilians drink it directly in the fruit, using a straw, to rehydrate on hot days.
Subtly perfumed, it can be drunk pure or serve as a base for cocktails. It is also particularly indicated after the sport to recharge the body with minerals.
It is preferably purchased without added sugars.
- Coconut milk is ideal for lactose intolerant
Obtained by pressing grated walnut, coconut milk is very energetic: 210 kcal / 100 g (against 23 kcal for coconut water). But it advantageously replaces milk or cream in salty or sweet dishes in case of lactose-free diet.
An interesting alternative to soy milk. There are even coconut milk vegan yogurts (Coconut Collaborative).
