Consumption of coconut helps to lose weight and benefits beauty –

Water, pulp and peel. Everything takes advantage of the coconut, that tropical fruit. The benefits are also diverse: hydration, rejuvenation, satiety and (who knew) weight loss! But it is logical that the beneficial results depend on the ingested amount of each of the parts of the coconut.

Water super hydrates

Undoubtedly, the liquid extracted from the still green fruit is a gift from nature. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it hydrates and nourishes the body in the first sip. “That happens because the Coconut Water it has a composition close to that of blood plasma, being easily taken into the cells”, explains nutritionist Erika Almeida, from Ação Nutri Consultoria, in São Paulo.

The result appears on the skin: “It’s a drink that helps prevent wrinkles, blemishes and the signs of age”, says sanitary doctor and post-graduate in nutrology Marcio Bontempo, from Brasília. Author of the book “The Medicinal Power of Coconut and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil” (Ed. Alaúde), he points out that water has vitamin E, an antioxidant capable of combating excess free radicals, the dreaded enemies of smooth skin.

There is another good reason for you to be faithful to coconut water: diuretic, reduces fluid retention and swelling. And it also helps to rejuvenate. But go slowly: despite having few calories (46 in a 200 milliliter glass), it should not replace plain water. Drink no more than three glasses (600 milliliters) a day. Boxed water is a good alternative as long as it is free of dyes and preservatives.

The pulp gives extra energy

Consumed after exercise, coconut water replaces mineral salts lost with sweat, especially potassium – one glass (200 milliliters) has 500 milligrams of the mineral used in muscle contraction and relaxation. That’s why a lot of people who do physical activity uses it as a natural isotonic.

A mature pulp is another great part for anyone who works out. But, warning: it should be reserved for before training, as it has a lot of calories (354 in 100 grams). “The advantage of the pulp is that it works as a source of quick energy, improving physical performance”, says sanitary doctor Marcio Bontempo.

The oil dries the fat

Just like the pulp, coconut oil is not skinny. It has 126 calories in one tablespoon (15 milliliters). But look at this: it’s touted as a great weight loss supporter. Research from Columbia University, in the United States, showed that combining the product with a low-calorie diet melts abdominal fat seven times more. The secret? Extracted from ripe pulp, it carries mostly saturated fat. You read that right: saturated!

Most of it, however, is medium-chain triglycerides – a type of fat that, when it reaches the liver, quickly turns into energy and, therefore, is not accumulated in the form of fat. Already lauric acid (another substance present in the oil) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, leaving the body less resistant to weight loss. “Coconut oil also increases satiety, reduces the exaggerated release of insulin and favors the proper functioning of the intestine”, says nutritionist Lucyanna Kalluf, from the Institute of Personalized Prevention, in São Paulo.

It’s too little? Coconut oil is also thermogenic – that is, it accelerates the burning of stored fat. And softens the craving for candy. Detail: prefer the cold pressed version. “This manufacturing process preserves the beneficial properties of the oil, considered a functional food, which, in addition to nourishing, prevents diseases”, says sanitary doctor Marcio Bontempo. But it can be used for cooking. Even subjected to intense heat, it keeps its therapeutic properties intact. Use up to two dessert spoons a day to prepare food, replacing common oil, or raw in fruit salad or, even, mixed in juice, yogurt or shake, leaving a smooth coconut flavor. Prefer not to risk it? There is the option of capsule oil – the recommendation is to consume two to four units per day.

Flour is a fiber winner

Rich in fiber (2.5 grams in a tablespoon/10 grams), coconut flour it also quenches and sweeps toxins out of the organism, favoring the diet. Made from the brown film that forms part of the shell and with a little pulp, it has a lower dose of lauric acid than the oil, but it is another coconut derivative capable of keeping the intestine healthy. It is gluten-free, has 54 calories in a tablespoon and can partially replace the wheat flour recommended in bread, cake and pie recipes, without the risk of heavy or dry preparations. On the contrary: “Slightly moist, coconut flour gives lightness and softness to the dough”, says nutritionist Erika Almeida. You can also use the pure flour, mixed in the juice or sprinkled on the fruits.