FAT!!!
That's right, coconuts are composed of mostly fat. And not just any old fat, but that super scary crazy spine tingling SATURATED FAT!!! OMG!!! Crazy right? Now stop freaking out for a second and let me explain something. This saturated fat is very, very, VERY good for you. I've said a million times and I'll say it again: fat doesn't make you fat. The fat in coconuts not only gives the fruit an amazing taste, but it also does many positive things for your body. The saturated fats in coconuts (or specifically the oil in coconuts) isn't a long chain fatty acid like we find so often in products made with hydrogenated oils, but instead are medium chain fatty acids which behave quite differently. These fatty acids have been shown to have anti-oxidant properties, as well as the ability to speed up your metabolism. That's right, eat fat to burn fat, sounds great doesn't it?
Now you may be remembering all those times you've heard that saturated fat will destroy your heart, clog up your veins, and in general destroy your circulatory system. I'll say this right now: there is no proof that the saturated fats in coconuts will cause any harm on bad cholesterol levels or overall heart health, and in fact there is much evidence to suggest the contrary. Trans fats from hydrogenated oils are the real killers out there, not the natural saturated fats in coconuts. In fact, by consuming the fats in coconuts, you're actually encouraging your body to use fat as an energy source, which may help you shed a few pounds. And to all who are still in the dark about the powers of fat, it's an EXCELLENT energy source. It's actually better than any carbohydrate, because it has more energy per unit of mass. Cool, right?
But coconuts don't just stop at the fat benefits. They're also rich with vitamins C, B1, B2, and B3. This convenient vitamin package will help boost immune system health and support a fast burning metabolism which will keep you energized, strong, and of course, lean. Coconuts are actually quite low in sugar compared to most fruits as well, which is a welcome change from the normal enormous insulin spike you get when eating apples, grapes, or bananas. In terms of overall calories, coconuts are actually a very calorie dense food, and I bet you can guess why: the fat of course! This means they're an AWESOME energy source, but make sure you plan your daily diet accordingly, because a coconut could bump you over your daily caloric goals quite easily. Here's the nutritional information for a coconut:
| Nutrition Facts | |||||
| Serving Size 1 cup of shredded | |||||
| Amount Per Serving | |||||
Calories from Fat 241
Calories 283 | |||||
| % Daily Values* | |||||
| Total Fat 26.79g | 41% | ||||
| Saturated Fat 23.758g | 119% | ||||
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.293g | |||||
| Monounsaturated Fat 1.14g | |||||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||||
| Sodium 16mg | 1% | ||||
| Potassium 285mg | |||||
| Total Carbohydrate 12.18g | 4% | ||||
| Dietary Fiber 7.2g | 29% | ||||
| Sugars 4.98g | |||||
| Protein 2.66g | |||||
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That's a bunch of calories, eh? But don't be afraid, believe me it's worth it to fit coconut into your diet. It's extremely good for you and tastes absolutely delicious. It's definitely one of the most interesting fruits out there, and will always be one of my favorites. But remember though, if you ever travel to Hawaii, or another place where coconuts grow rampant, that more people are killed each year by a coconut to the head than are killed by sharks.
And with that, I say, GOOD LUCK!
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