We are all aware of the superfood coconut and its amazing benefits on our overall health. But how many of us are aware of its fantastic derivative, the coconut butter? Coconut butter is a lesser-known yet a very nutritious superfood that can get included in your diet. Here is all that you need to know about this incredible superfood.
We all know that coconut oil comes from coconut meat. But what is coconut butter? Coconut butter gets made from the coconut flesh that gets ground to make into a paste that is spreadable. Coconut butter has all the fat, fiber and nutrients intact, unlike coconut oil(1).
Coconut butter is rich in many nutrients. Below are some coconut butter nutrition facts based on a serving size of 33 g of coconut butter.
Coconut butter has many benefits on our health. The top 10 amazing coconut butter benefits are given here just for you.
Sounds contradicting that fat can help in losing weight! However, it can be true if the fat is a healthy fat. The fatty acids in coconut butter are medium chain fatty acids. These are burnt to produce energy, unlike the long-chain fatty acids. Also, coconut butter acts as a metabolism booster due to this. It does not mean, however, that you must go all over the coconut butter! But, if had in moderation it can work wonders in reducing weight.
[Also Read : Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Weight Loss]
Coconut butter contains lauric acid. Lauric acid is known to be a preventive against various viral infections. Coconut butter benefits the body by protecting against viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.
Coconut butter has medium-chain fatty acids. Hence, it does not need bile for digestion. Walls of the small intestine readily absorb it and send it directly to the liver. In the liver, it gets immediately used as a fuel.
Again, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut butter help in increasing the good cholesterol levels in the body and also helps in getting rid of the bad cholesterol.
Coconut butter helps in increasing good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is a leading cause of heart diseases worldwide. Coconut butter benefits the body by reducing the amount of bad cholesterol and providing protection against heart diseases
The lauric acid in the coconut butter is the superfood that is considered next to the mother’s milk as an immunity booster. Coconut butter benefits the body by increasing the immunity and preventing many diseases.
The medium-chain fatty acids are more quickly absorbed by the body thus generating energy. Coconut butter benefits athletes and sportspersons by boosting their performance.
Coconut butter, when used as a mask, can give immense benefits to the skin and hair. Using the coconut butter for hair boosts hair growth, prevents dandruff and works as a conditioner. Also, using coconut butter for skin as a mask makes your skin glow and brighten up instantly. Coconut butter lotion is available these days, which can be beneficial for the skin.
[Also Read: Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Hair Growth]
Coconut butter contains the right amount of fiber. It may be helpful in facilitating digestion by providing some of the daily fiber requirement.
Coconut butter offers 5% of the daily recommended dietary iron value. It is the right amount and can pile up nicely when combined with other foods. Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells production. Also, iron is necessary for the proper supply of oxygen to the body organs. Lack of iron may result in anemia. Coconut butter benefits the body by providing some of the daily iron requirement.
Making homemade coconut butter is extremely easy. And it tastes awesome. You need just one ingredient and a blender to make it. So easy! This homemade, raw coconut butter recipe is lip-smacking.
Organic coconut butter can be made similarly by using shredded organic coconut in place of the regular one. It will ensure you get a pure form of coconut butter and not the one that is chemical laden.
Here are a couple of delicious coconut butter recipes that you will love.
You can use coconut butter in other different ways
Coconut butter can be used safely by most people. However, some points are worth noting while including it in the daily diet.
Coconut butter is one of the superfoods popular these days. Coconut butter benefits on the body are fantastic if used reasonably. It can provide you with many nutrients and can be beneficial for your general health. Coconut butter is healthy as well as tasty and can be included in all types of cuisines and also in your daily diet. You can enjoy the taste and yet reap on the many coconut butter benefits.
Coconut butter is very different from coconut oil. Coconut oil is produced from the coconut meat, whereas coconut butter gets obtained by grinding the dehydrated desiccated or shredded coconut till a creamy butter forms.
Coconut butter is very beneficial for health. It provides us with various essential nutrients.
Enjoy coconut butter as it is in the raw form or can get used in any recipes of your choice. The only thing to be remembered is that it should not get used for deep frying.