Celiac disease and gluten sensitivities are at their peak today, as unhealthy eating habits increase. as known celiac patients They are sensitive to gluten in wheat and cannot eat anything made from white flour.
It is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, which we can call the savior of celiac patients and gluten-sensitive people. coconut flour.
In addition to having a low carbohydrate content, flour also has an impressive nutrient profile. Thanks to this nutrient content, it provides many benefits, such as regulating blood sugar, improving digestion and heart health, and weight loss.
Newly recognized in our country, "What is coconut flour good for", "Is coconut flour healthy", "Coconut flour use", "Coconut flour making" Information will be given about.
What is coconut flour?
coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water There are many healthy products derived from coconut, such as Coconut flour is one of them.
This gluten-free flour is made from dried and ground coconut. first time hcoconut milkProduced in the Philippines as a by-product of
It is an excellent source of protein. It contains more fiber than wheat flour.
Coconut flour not only preferred by celiac patients, those who cannot eat gluten, leaky gut syndrome Those with digestive problems such as diabetes and nut allergies also prefer this flour.
Nutritional value of coconut flour
It is an important source of a variety of nutrients, including healthy fats. 30 grams coconut flour calories and nutritional content is as follows:
Calories: 120
Carbs: 18 grams
Sugar: 6 grams
Fiber: 10 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fat: 4 grams
Iron: 20% of the daily value (DV)
What Are the Benefits of Coconut Flour?
Using coconut flour There are numerous reasons for; It can be used in many recipes due to its rich nutritional content, low calories and gluten-free.
Coconut flourAlthough it does not cause digestive problems or an autoimmune response like other grain flours, it is rare.
Here benefits of coconut flour...
Contains high amounts of lauric acid
Coconut flourIt contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid. Lauric acid is a special fatty acid, its most important task is to activate the immune system and thyroid glands.
The antimicrobial properties of this fatty acid are being studied for viruses such as HIV, herpes or measles. It is also used in the industrial field.
Regulates blood sugar
Coconut flourIts fiber content is high, which helps regulate blood sugar.
Fiber-rich foods slow the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream, which stabilizes blood sugar.
Good for digestion
Coconut flourIts high fiber content is beneficial for digestion. Most of the fiber content in flour is insoluble fiber, this type of fiber adds bulk to stool.
It ensures the smooth movement of food in the intestines and prevents constipation. Coconut flour It also contains soluble fiber; This type of fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Lowers bad cholesterol
Coconut flourIts fiber content helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which play an important role in heart health.
Good for heart health
Coconut flour It is also beneficial for heart health. Along with its ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood triglycerides, it provides a type of fat, lauric acid, which is thought to help kill the bacteria responsible for plaque buildup in the arteries. This plaque is associated with heart disease.
Kills harmful viruses and bacteria
in coconut flour Lauric acid prevents some infections. When lauric acid enters the body,monolaurin It forms a compound known as.
A study with test tubes determined that lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
These compounds Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida albicans It is particularly effective against infections caused by yeast.
Affects metabolism positively
Coconut flourContains MCTs, known as medium chain fatty acids. MCTs are important nutrient and metabolic regulators in the body and are easily digested once it enters the body. It goes directly to the liver and positively affects the metabolism.
It reduces the risk of colon cancer
Coconut flourThe reason why it reduces the risk of colon cancer is its fiber content. Studies have determined that this flour reduces tumor growth.
Lauric acid is used to treat acne because it has an antimicrobial effect. It prevents the growth of bacteria that cause acne and therefore skin inflammation.
Does coconut flour weaken?
Coconut flour It provides fiber and protein, two nutrients that reduce hunger and appetite. Therefore, it helps to lose weight.
As mentioned above, this flour contains MCTs, which go directly to the liver and are used to produce energy. Therefore, it is less likely to be stored as fat.
How does he use coconut flour?
Coconut flourcan be used in both sweet and savory recipes. It can be used as a substitute for other flours when making bread, pancakes, cookies, cakes or other baked goods.
Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than other flours. Therefore, it cannot be used as a one-to-one replacement.
E.g; 120 grams of all-purpose flour 30 grams coconut flour Use it mixed with Since it is denser than other flours, it does not bind easily. Therefore, it should be mixed with other flours or used. coconut flour 1 egg should be added to the recipes used.
How is coconut flour made?
Coconut flourYou can either buy it or make it yourself at home. As the name suggests, flour coconutis made from. Coconut flourIf you're wondering how to make it at home, follow the recipe below.
Coconut flour recipe
Soak the coconut in water for four hours. Pulse it with the help of a blender until it is smooth. Put the coconut-water mixture in a cheesecloth and squeeze it.
The liquid you obtain by filtering through cheesecloth hcoconut milkStop. You can keep it in the fridge to use in other recipes.
Line the baking tray with greaseproof paper and lay the coconut in the cheesecloth on the tray. Cook until dry. Take it out of the oven and pass it through the blender again.
Home coconut flour as well as almond flour It is preferred by those who cannot eat gluten because it is gluten-free. There are some differences between the two. So which one is healthier?
Although both are suitable options for baking or using in different ways, coconut flourIt contains more fiber and lower calories than almond flour.
Almond flour, on the other hand, is richer in vitamins and minerals, and the amount of carbohydrates is lower. It contains slightly more calories and fat.
almond flour, coconut flour can be used instead. Again coconut flour It is not as absorbent as it is, so it is necessary to use it by reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe it is used in.
Although they are both protein-containing flours, they create a different texture when cooked. Almond flour is more crunchy, less soft and has a stronger flavor. coconut flour has a milder flavor.
Coconut flourIt absorbs more water than almond flour, is denser and creates a softer product. You can use both together if you want.
What are the harms of coconut flour?
Those who are allergic to coconut, coconut flour should not use. It can cause severe allergic reactions in such individuals.
Coconut flour It is a gluten-free flour and is made from coconut. It is rich in fiber and MCTs, regulates blood sugar, and is beneficial for heart and digestive health. It helps to lose weight and fights some infections.
