6 Reasons We Could All Be Eating More Coconut

The coconut craze is nothing new. By now you’ve probably roasted veggies in coconut oil, snacked on crunchy coconut chips, hydrated with coconut water or added a dollop of coconut cream to a smoothie. In addition to being versatile, research continues to show that this super seed (yes, coconut is a seed) is also super good for you. While we certainly haven’t been shy about loading up on coconutty goodness in our day to day, a reminder of all its super powers is never a bad idea. Here’s a roundup of the latest research to fuel your coconut fervor.

1. Coconut Gives You Energy
   That’s right, nosh on a few chips for some extra pep in your step. This works because coconut is rich in a specific type of saturated fat called medium-chain triglycerides or MCT’s. MCT’s are hot right now for many reasons including being easily converted by the body into energy.
2. Coconut Oil Contains Fatty Acids That Boost the Immune System
   Feel a cold coming on? Coconut may help. Research shows that when digested, lauric and caprylic acid (two special fatty acids inherent in coconut) are converted into antiviral agents in the body that help fight pathogens, viruses and bacterial infections.
3. Coconut Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
   Trying to minimize sugar cravings? Challenged by the dreaded 3 p.m. energy slump? Consider adding coconut to your morning and afternoon meals. Because coconut is high in fat it slows down the digestion and absorption of food thus lowering the overall glycemic load. This helps to level out blood sugar and protect against the dreaded crash.
4. Coconut Can Help You Drop Belly Fat
   That’s right, eating coconut, which is high in saturated fat, can actaully help you lose fat – especially in the belly region. We were skeptical too, until we did our According to a study published in ISRN Pharmacology, men who consumed virgin coconut oil each day for four weeks had a reduction in belly fat of about 1 percent.
5. Coconut Can Help You Burn More Fat
   Not only can coconut help shed stubborn belly fat, it also helps you burn more fat overall. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, coconut oil increases fat oxidation, the process where fats are broken down to be used as energy.
6. Coconut May Improve Memory and Brain Health
   The research is still out on this one, but in several animal studies, coconut oil was shown to improve cognitive function including memory and learning skills. In a study published this year, extra virgin coconut oil was shown to not only be protective against neurodegenerative disease such as dementia but also be “brain food” for increasing overall function.