Are Coconuts Bad For You?
Short answer
Coconuts are very good for you. They offer benefits across multiple body systems and can be consumed in multiple ways.
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Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The health benefits of coconuts are controversial but by looking at all of the facts and details it is clear to see that they are one the healthiest foods on earth. The controversy lies in the fact that coconut provides you with saturated fats – fats that are generally thought of as harmful to the cardiovascular system. It’s important to understand that the saturated fats that can damage your heart are made up of long-chain fatty acids. Not all saturated fats are created equally, though, we just lump them together this way when reading labels because the bad stuff is talked about constantly.
Saturated fats can be made up of short-, medium- or long-chain fatty acids. These refer to the length of the molecule chain itself and each chain length effects the body differently. Short-chain and medium-chain molecules benefit the body positively while certain long-chain molecules pose problems for the cardiovascular system.
Let’s focus on medium-chain fatty acids like contained in coconut. Medium-chain fatty acids induce a ketogenic state in the body - a state in which the body burns fat for energy. This can improve brain function and metabolism. This metabolism boost can help to improve weight loss. If including coconut in your diet for weight loss, you will have to cut back in other places since it is high in calories. A 2009 study by Henderson et al. found that the ketone bodies produced during ketosis can also benefit those with degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Coconut can also fight off diseases caused by toxins or free radical exposure because of the antioxidants it contains. The antioxidant properties in coconut can prevent damage in cells caused by oxidative stresses that can lead to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Coconut can also stabilize blood sugar, regulate hormones, and boost the immune system fighting off illness and killing bacteria.
If you eat the coconut flesh, sometimes found as coconut butter, flakes or flour, you will also add fiber to your diet. One cup of shredded coconut contains 7.2 grams of fiber which can help to resolve digestive system concerns and bulk up stool. Fiber also binds to cholesterol in the small intestine preventing it from reaching the bloodstream.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergic reaction
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constipation
Benefits
- improved cognition
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boosts metabolism
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helps with weight loss
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protects the brain against degenerative diseases
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lowers cholesterol
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improves digestion
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boosts immune system
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prevents oxidative stress damage
Our Wellness Pick
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Terrasoul Coconut Chips
- Organic ingredient
- Raw superfood
- Non-GMO
- Large quantity pack
- Natural snack
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Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-14-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-14-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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