Contrary to what one could think, coconut is not actually a nut, but the core of the coconut fruit (much to the pleasure of people dealing with a nut allergy!). The term coconut refers to the edible white part of the fruit, which is also known as copra. By grinding this tasty part and mixing it with boiling water, you obtain coconut milk - which is not to be confused with coconut water, that is naturally found inside the coconut!
Rich in fiber and minerals
Coconut, when eaten fresh or dried, is rich in dietary fiber, in addition to being an interesting source of several minerals such as manganese, copper, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. It is naturally low in sugar, unless you opt for a commercial version in which sugar has been added. However, it is possible to find dried unsweetened coconut in most grocery stores for a healthier option!
What about its fat content?
The lipid content of coconut is not insignificant considering that more than one-third of its weight comes from fat, 89% of which is in the form of saturated fat. This is rather rare in the plant kingdom, as saturated fats are found almost exclusively in animal products. Lipids are essential to life and they are an integral part of a healthy and varied diet, but it remains essential to limit its consumption of saturated fat in order to maintain adequate blood cholesterol!
In conclusion
Coconut brings an exotic and delicious taste to several recipes and can definitely be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. With regard to coconut oil and coconut sugar, it should be kept in mind that even if they come from a more natural source, they are still to be consumed sparingly to increase the flavor of dishes!
Enjoy coconut in Granola with blueberry or in Overnight Oats with mango!