epikur ingredients
Coconut – The tropical fruit with amazing effects on your intestines and your well-being
The coconut , the fruit of the coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera ), is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Today, it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, including Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Brazil. The plant is an essential part of agriculture and culture in these regions, as nearly all parts of the coconut palm can be used, from the wood to the leaves to the fruit.
Ingredients of coconut
The coconut is rich in nutrients, although its contents vary depending on the part of the fruit (pulp, water, oil). The most important ones include:
Pulp (copra):
- Fats: Contains about 60-65% fat, mainly medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) such as lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid.
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10–15%, mainly fiber .
- Protein: Approx. 7%.
- Minerals: potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus.
Coconut water:
- Electrolytes: potassium, Sodium, calcium, magnesium.
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (e.g. riboflavin, niacin).
- Sugar: Natural fructose (approx. 2–6%).
Coconut oil:
- Medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs): Mainly lauric acid (approx. 50%), which has antimicrobial effects.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant.
General effect of coconut
Coconut and its products have numerous positive effects on health:
- Energy source: MCTs from coconut oil are quickly metabolized by the body and provide quick energy without being stored in fat deposits.
- Antimicrobial properties: Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
- Skin and hair care: Coconut oil is often used for skin and hair care because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Immune system: Coconut products can strengthen the immune system by fighting harmful microorganisms.
- Heart health: Despite their high fat content, coconut products can have positive effects on cholesterol due to the special properties of MCTs.
Effect of coconut on the intestines
Coconut has special effects on intestinal health:
- Promotes healthy intestinal flora : The antimicrobial effect of lauric acid can support the balance of intestinal flora by reducing harmful bacteria and protecting beneficial microorganisms.
- Fiber: Coconut flesh is rich in fiber, which can aid digestion, stimulate peristalsis, and prevent constipation.
- Anti-inflammatory: The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil can reduce inflammatory processes in the intestines, which could be beneficial in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Rehydration: Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, which can help with rehydration after diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset.
- Protection of the intestinal mucosa: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut products can protect the intestinal mucosa from damage.
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References
- Dayrit, FM (2015). Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid, coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride: Implications in human health . Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 92(1), 1-15.
- DebMandal, M., & Mandal, S. (2011). Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.): In health promotion and disease prevention . Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 4(3), 241-247.
- Pehowich, DJ, Gomes, AV, & Barnes, JA (2000). Fatty acid composition and possible health effects of coconut components . West Indian Medical Journal, 49(2), 128-133.
- Zhuang, P., Zhang, Y., He, W., et al. (2020). Dietary coconut oil consumption improves lipid metabolism by regulating the gut microbiome . Food & Function, 11(2), 1879-1889.