What is Green Coconut? Nutritional Value and Benefits

Green coconutis the same as the more common brown and hairy ones. Both are made of coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera) income.

The difference is determined by the ripening time of the coconut. Green coconut immature, brown ones are fully ripe.

Green coconuthas much less meat than mature ones. Instead, it is used for refreshing and healthy juice.

Coconut Maturation Stages

It takes 12 months for the coconut to fully mature. However, it can be eaten at any time after seven months.

It is mostly green until fully ripe. Green coconut meat It is still developing, so it mostly contains water.

During maturation, its outer color gradually darkens.

Its interior also goes through several stages:

in six months

Bright green coconut contains only water and no oil.

eight to ten months

Green coconut has more yellow or brown spots. The juice becomes sweeter, and jelly-like flesh is formed, which gradually thickens and hardens.

From the eleventh to the twelfth month

The coconut starts to brown and the flesh inside thickens, becomes tough and develops its high fat content. Coconut is much lower in water.

What Are the Benefits of Green Coconut? 

Has beneficial nutrient content 

Green Coconut Juice and its tender flesh is full of electrolytes and micronutrients. Green coconut Its nutrient content changes tremendously as it converts and transforms from water to mostly meat.

A 100 ml or 100 gram serving of coconut water and coconut meat has the following values:

Green coconutThe micronutrients and their benefits are as follows; 

Manganese

ManganeseIt is an essential mineral that works as a cofactor in development, reproduction, energy production, immune response and regulation of brain activity. Studies show that manganese supports bone mineral density when combined with calcium, zinc and copper nutrients.

Virgin

VirginHelps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function.  

Iron

IronSupports energy and focus, gastrointestinal processes, immune system and body temperature regulation.  

Phosphorus

PhosphorusIt is an essential mineral that works with calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. In addition, the body needs it to filter waste and repair tissue and cells. Phosphorus is very important for people with hyperphosphatemia caused by impaired kidney function.

Potassium

Potassiumprevents high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. It's also known for its role in maintaining muscle mass (one of the reasons it's considered an essential electrolyte that helps the body repair after exercise). 

Lauric Acid

Lauric acid supports antioxidant activity and good cholesterol. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, oxidative stress and protect against Alzheimer's disease. 

Selenium

Research seleniumIt has been shown to protect against heart disease, thyroid disease, and mental decline. It also strengthens the immune system, acts as a powerful antioxidant, and may reduce the risk of certain cancer and asthma symptoms.

C vitamin

C vitamin regenerates other antioxidants in the body. Antioxidant and immune function, research has shown that vitamin C helps prevent or treat numerous health conditions.

Magnesium

MagnesiumIt plays several important roles in the health of the body and brain. Every cell needs it to function. It is involved in more than 600 reactions in the body, including transforming muscle movements and converting food into energy. 

Zinc

Studies zincIt shows that it is essential for the activity of more than 300 enzymes that aid metabolism, digestion, nerve function, and many other processes. 

Lif

Each cup of coconut meat contains almost 25% of the recommended daily allowance of fiber. Most of the fiber in coconut meat is insoluble, which is the type of fiber that can help heal a number of different gastrointestinal issues and improve overall gut health.

Fat

Most of the fat in coconut meat is saturated fat. However, this is mostly made up of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) or medium chain fatty acids.

MCTs are important because the body more easily converts them into energy that it can use more quickly compared to other sources of fat.

Prevents dehydration 

Green coconuthas a similar sugar and electrolyte composition as oral rehydration solutions, so it can be used to reduce fluid loss from mild diarrhea.

Good for heart health

green coconut watermay help improve metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by high blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, as well as low HDL (good) cholesterol and excess belly fat.

In a three-week study in rats with metabolic syndrome induced by a high fructose diet, drink green coconut water improved blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and insulin levels.

The researchers also noted higher levels of antioxidant activity in the animals' bodies, which they suggest may protect against oxidative damage to blood vessels.

Rich in antioxidants 

Home green coconut Both meat and juice can reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage to cells antioxidants It is rich in phenolic compounds.

Zinc, copper, manganese and selenium Like the vitamins and micronutrients in coconut, they also help support the body's natural antioxidant defense system.

Rich in natural fibers

Green coconut It helps you feel full for longer. This is because coconut is a fruit with a high fiber content. Green coconutThe fiber obtained from cedar can aid the digestive process and is effective in weight loss.

Rich in B vitamins

Green coconut meat It contains B vitamins along with many minerals. Green coconutThe vitamin B content of spp. is effective in energy formation and the production of red blood cells.

How to Use Green Coconut 

A young green coconut It contains approximately 325 ml of water. It has a softer outer shell and inner shell, so it is easier to open than the hard and brown ones.

To drink the juice, use a pointed coconut opener to pull the kernel out and drink the water through a straw or pour it into a glass.

Green coconut Its juice and meat are delicious and refreshing. It can be used in desserts such as ice cream. 

Green Coconut Harms

In addition to having a number of health benefits, there are some possible risks from consuming coconut meat. More often than not, these risks come from overconsumption rather than from eating in moderation.

oils

Eating a lot of coconut meat means that a person will consume too much fat, including polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fats.

Gaining weight

Because coconut meat is high in calories, it can also cause weight gain if people eat too much and don't reduce their calorie intake elsewhere in their diet.

Allergies

The possibility of having a coconut allergy is always a slim one. Coconut allergy is rare but can cause anaphylaxis.

As a result;

Green coconutis a young coconut that has not completely matured and turned brown. It has a high water content and a soft flesh. It is a nutritious food.

It prevents dehydration and contains antioxidant nutrients and compounds that help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease.