Why are coconut flakes useful and how to make it at home

Under the Queen of Sheba, coconut milk was called "the elixir of youth." It was extracted from coconut, which is known for its beneficial properties. In modern use, all parts of the nut have found use. Strong ropes are made of fibers, liquid is used as a drink, and shavings are obtained from the pulp. The benefits and harms of coconut are a subject of controversy in food forums and conferences.

What is coconut flakes

The processing mechanism begins with splitting the fruit, then the pulp is extracted. It is ground on a grater or crushed on industrial equipment. After the milk is squeezed out, the resulting raw material is dried at high temperatures. The resulting white granules are called coconut flakes. The peculiarity of this product is that it retains all the qualities and nutrients that the nut is rich in.

Types and varieties of coconut flakes

In industrial production, shavings are prepared in different ways. The variety depends on how the resulting cake is sieved and what remains as a result:

• coarse is the least valued on the market, it is a type of coarse grinding, small specks can be found in it;
• medium is medium in size, saturated with fat, leaving a greasy mark on the napkin;
• The fine variety is the most expensive variety, it is small, crystal white, unsweetened, and high in fat.

In order to increase the sales of the product, manufacturers add a sweetener to the bags with chips, this reduces its beneficial properties.

The chemical composition of coconut flakes

The benefits and harms of coconut for the human body is determined by what substances the nut contains. Its pulp, rich in nutrients, contains:

• more than 20 amino acids;
• vitamins B, A, E;
• trace elements, which include: magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, selenium;
• saturated fatty acids;
• essential oils;
• antioxidants.

The pulp contains dietary fiber that benefits the digestive system.

Nutritional value and calorie content of coconut flakes

Coconut oil, which is extracted from the pulp, is beneficial because it has a plant base. This product has its own beneficial properties, and most of all it contains fine chips.

The calorie content of 100 g of the product is high due to the fat content: 690 kcal.

100 g of the product satisfy the body's daily need for full fat intake.

Useful properties of coconut flakes

The quality of the product is determined by the set of useful components that are rich in nut pulp.

The pulp contains all the B vitamins:

• B1 thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin: responsible for metabolic processes, participates in the breakdown and synthesis of proteins, has the ability to regulate natural growth and development;
• vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid: water-soluble vitamin, participates in the processes of fat breakdown, synthesis of ketone bodies, promotes the production of adrenal hormones, which play an important role and benefit the entire body;
• vitamin B6, or pyridoxine: plays a special role in the synthesis of amino acids, the main property is participation in the assimilation of protein foods;
• vitamin B7, or riboflavin: useful in the formation of erythrocytes, influences the formation of defenses, is necessary for the growth of nails, hair, normal skin condition, participates in the production of thyroid hormones.

The trace elements that are rich in coconut, determine the degree of its benefits or harm to the body. Compounds of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron are involved in the construction of bone tissue, the development of muscle mass, and the formation of skeletal bones. Many elements have a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, nails, human skin.

The pulp is especially rich in manganese content, which has a beneficial effect on the construction of connective tissues. The lack of this substance leads to a slowdown in physical development, affects the reproductive properties of the system, restores its natural functioning.

It should be noted the benefits of dietary fiber, which are rich in nut pulp. Fiber actively affects the entire human digestive system. They help assimilation, digestion of food. Their main property is considered their help in removing toxins, cleansing the intestines.

Chips as an additive are recommended for people who suffer from urological diseases.

It is often used by those seeking to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Are coconut flakes good for weight loss?

The pursuit of slimness makes women look for products with useful properties and taste. Chips meet many requirements. Despite its high calorie content, it is popular with those who follow the rules of a healthy, balanced diet. The fats in the pulp are of vegetable origin, which means they are quickly and easily absorbed.

There is a theory due to which a special nutrition system arose called "high in fat, low in carbohydrates." Chopped pulp is a product that illustrates the basic properties of this system. With a low carbohydrate content, it saturates the body with healthy fats and makes you feel full for several hours in advance. This is the benefits of coconut for women.

Is it possible to use coconut for pregnant and lactating women

During the period of bearing a child and further feeding, the female body especially needs vitamins and nutrients. Coconut and its derivatives benefit the mother's body by saturating it with vegetable fats that are beneficial for growth and development, do not harm the fetus, and help improve metabolic processes at the amino acid level.

Allergies can be a contraindication to use. If there is a suspicion of an allergic reaction in the mother or child, the use is recommended to be discontinued due to the risk to both.

Coconut flakes for children

The benefits of eating coconut for children have several reasons:

• due to the high content of lauric acid, it helps to fight colds, increases the body's defenses, which is beneficial in the fight against seasonal epidemics;
• due to the content of the vitamin complex, it increases the effect on the construction of bone tissue, and this is a tangible benefit for a growing body;
• eating the dried pulp increases the production of serotonin and endorphin, which helps to improve the emotional background.

Pulp and granules are introduced into the child's diet starting from 2 to 3 years in the absence of contraindications. Before starting the introduction into the diet, it is necessary to consult with a pediatrician to eliminate the risk of harm to the child's body.

Is coconut flakes allowed for gastritis and pancreatitis?

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are dangerous in that any overdose of the most harmless product can cause harm.

Coconut and its derivatives are contraindicated in pancreatitis due to their high carbohydrate content. These elements are harmful to the pancreas, which cannot cope with digestion, which is why there is a danger of developing an exacerbation. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that involves avoiding foods high in fat and protein.

Gastritis follows a different pattern: coconut and its derivatives help to improve the functioning of the digestive canals due to the content of coarse fiber. This mechanism is aimed at ridding the body of harmful substances that slag the intestines. Contraindicated for those with fructose intolerance and allergic reactions.

How to make coconut at home

The healthiest foods are those made at home. The process of self-cooking coconut flakes begins with the choice of a nut. Opening it at home is not easy. This will require a hammer and screwdriver. A soft hole is found on the fruit, a screwdriver is driven into it with a hammer, and coconut water is poured through this hole. Many people confuse this liquid with coconut milk... Milk is obtained in an additional way after extracting the pulp from the nut.

After draining the water, the coconut is tapped with a hammer, several holes are made over the entire surface, then the nut is split into 2 parts.

The resulting halves contain white flesh. It is carefully removed, cleaned of debris, washed, grated. This is a blank, which is then poured with water and left to infuse for a while. After that, the milk is squeezed out, filtered. In this way, coconut milk and pulp are obtained, which, when dried, become granules. They are dried on parchment in an oven at 50 ° until tender.

Choosing a coconut

To cook the pulp yourself, you need to choose a nut that will have beneficial properties.

Outward signs of a good fruit, the properties of which will benefit:

• flat surface (a nut without flaws is evidence of a useful product);
• dry fiber (indicates the ripeness and readiness of the nut);
• lack of smell (a pungent smell is a signal that the nut is spoiled, such pulp loses its beneficial properties, is harmful from use).

Chipping process

On an industrial scale, special equipment is provided for the manufacture of pellets. In Indonesia, the process is done by hand.

Coconut face masks

Due to its extremely useful composition, coconut pulp is used in cosmetology. Coconut oil is recognized as one of the lightest vegetable oils and the most beneficial for the skin, as it has a regenerating properties and a high ability to fill the skin with nutrients. The benefit of such a mask is a toned and fresh look.

For cooking use:

• 2 tbsp. l. pulp;
• 2 tbsp. l. kiwi puree;
• 1 tsp cream.

The ingredients are mixed, applied to the face, washed off after 20 minutes. This composition is beneficial for the skin with its regenerating properties. The benefits of coconut flakes for the skin are moisturizing and nourishing with a simultaneous effect of narrowing pores.

How to use coconut flakes and what you can make from it

The main area of ​​application of coconut flakes is culinary production. Sweets with this additive are loved by many for their delicate structure and soft taste. Main Uses: Sprinkle, roll and add to sweet desserts as a main ingredient.

Coconut Chip Cookie Recipe

Coconut cookies are the hallmark of many coffee shops and pastry shops. This dessert can also be prepared at home.

Ingredients:

• shavings - 80 g;
• butter - 70 g;
• 1 egg;
• sugar - 2 tbsp. l;
• flour - 150 g;
• soda - 1 pinch.

The softened butter is mixed with sugar, add an egg, soda, beat. Mixed with flour and coconut. Leave for 10 minutes so that the ingredients are completely softened. Small ovals are formed from the dough, placed on a baking sheet. Bake in oven at 180 ° C until golden brown. These cookies are good for breakfast.

Harm of coconut flakes and contraindications to use

Like all foods high in fat, shavings can be harmful to the body.

Its use is contraindicated in children under 1 year old, since it can harm the still unformed children's digestive tract. It is harmful to eat coconut and its derivatives in large quantities for people who have high cholesterol levels.

The product may be harmful to those who have allergic reactions to food.

How to choose the right coconut flakes

The choice is best made in a supermarket chain with a proven track record. The packaging must be transparent so that the condition of the granules can be assessed: they must have an even white color. A change in shade indicates the spoilage of the product, non-compliance with production technology and storage rules. Such shavings can harm the body.

How and how much can you store coconut flakes

A product that was purchased in a store is stored for up to 12 months from the date of manufacture. The high fat content does not imply a longer shelf life.

It is recommended to store shavings, which are prepared on their own, in glass jars with a tightly screwed lid. Proper storage helps to preserve all the beneficial properties of the product throughout the shelf life.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of coconut flakes depend on the principle of preparation, shelf life, and human health. Eating in moderation will not harm you. Recipes using coconut are common among those who appreciate the delicate flavor and softness of coconut. These desserts tend to improve mood and give pleasure.