Desiccated coconut is the pulp of the coconut, which is dried manually or by specialized equipment. This product is valuable because it is a raw material for making coconut oil, making cakes, jams, candies and by-products that can be used as animal feed or as fertilizer.
Nutrition facts
Coconut meat is high in fat and calories while moderate in carbs and protein. The nutrition facts for 1 cup (80 grams) of fresh, shredded coconut meat are:
- Calories: 283
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Manganese: 60% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Selenium: 15% of the DV
- Copper: 44% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 13% of the DV
- Potassium: 6% of the DV
- Iron: 11% of the DV
- Zinc: 10% of the DV
Coconut is rich in several important minerals, especially manganese and copper. While manganese supports enzyme function and fat metabolism, copper assists bone formation and heart health.
Health benefits of disiccated coconut
Boost heart health
Coconut contains coconut oil, which may boost HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Improvements in these markers may reduce your risk of heart disease.
Aid weight loss
Studies suggest that the MCTs in this fruit may promote feelings of fullness, calorie burning, and fat burning, all of which may support weight loss.
Aid digestive health
Coconuts are high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy. Since these fruits are likewise high in fat, they can help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Additionally, the MCTs in coconut meat have been shown to strengthen your gut bacteria, which may protect against inflammation and conditions like metabolic syndrome.
What’s more, coconut oil may reduce the growth of harmful yeasts, such as Candida albicans, which can cause serious infections.
Other benefits
- Stabilize blood sugar: This fruit may lower your fasting blood sugar and alter your gut bacteria to aid blood sugar control.
- Improve immunity: Manganese and antioxidants in coconut may help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. This fruit’s MCTs may also have antiviral, antifungal, and tumor-suppressing properties.
- Benefit your brain: The MCTs in coconut oil provide an alternative fuel source to glucose, which may aid people with impaired memory or brain function, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease.
