The fairly recent up-trend in Coconut-derived products is now a huge global industry; from Coconut Waters, to Oils, (cooking, body and beauty products), Milks, Creams and Plant-based Dairy alternatives, Spreads, Butters, the list goes on.
But Why?
Here’s an excerpt from the Report Linker Market Research company which I stumbled upon whilst starting to write this blog post. There is a link at the end of it to read the whole report, if you are interested. It’s pretty fascinating to see how global trends dominate markets and the amount of money which changes hands.
“The global coconut products market was valued at US$ 10,627.8 million in 2018 and is projected to reach US$ 30,587.5 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period.
Coconuts are highly nutritious as they are high on fibres; vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6; and minerals such as sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and selenium. Coconut products, i.e., products extracted or derived from coconuts have the following health benefits: –
- improve cardiovascular health
- promote blood sugar control
- aid in weight loss
- boost brain function in Alzheimer’s disease
- Coconut water boosts kidney health
- provides a cardio-protective effects
- offers rehydrating effect post-exercise
- aids in maintaining blood pressure levels
- aids in diabetes management
Additionally, increase in demand for coconut products such as coconut milk, coconut water, and desiccated coconut in the food and beverages industry is one of the major factors driving the market. Food and beverage manufacturers worldwide have invested heavily in research and development to utilise coconut products to enhance the characteristics, taste, or nutritional value of their products.
Consumers in developed countries are focused on fitness and health. Active and health-conscious consumers have shifted their preference toward natural alternatives to caffeinated and sugar-based energy drinks. Thus, the demand for coconut water as a natural energy drink is growing rapidly due to its nutritional properties, such as electrolytes and nutrients. Therefore, increasing health awareness, coupled with the advantages of coconut products, is driving the growth of the global coconut products market.
Coconut oil is a colourless and tasteless product, which is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts. Based on extraction, it is divided into two types, unrefined and refined or virgin coconut oil.
According to the report published by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), coconut oil has been reported to have positive impact on people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease as it reduces the cognitive deficiencies related to the disorder. Further, a study by the University of Cambridge revealed that coconut oil lessens the risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases.
Coconut oil increases the high-density lipoproteins (HDL), i.e., good cholesterol, levels, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Moreover, the fatty acids present in coconut oil facilitate burning of harmful body fats, thereby providing energy for brain and body functioning.”
Coconut Oil : Saturated Fat
Yes, it is saturated, but no, it isn’t a bad fat? The truth is the good stuff far outweighs the bad where coconut oil is concerned and like most things if you look hard enough, you’re bound to find something to complain about.
Does Coconut Oil Make You Fat?
Onbiously, if you sat and ate a whole tub of Coconut Oil every day, that would not be the best idea. It is recommended to eat about a spoonful every day. It’s the type of fats you are consuming which you need to be looking at when considering your dietary requirements. The ones you need to stay away from are excessive amounts of long-chained fatty acids, and man-made trans-fats such as margarine and other hydrogenated vegetable oils. Coconut Oil is actually the one that contains good Cholesterol.
Cholesterol – The Good & The Bad
(A Brief Summary by The Heart.org)
Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. One is low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. The other is high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. The amount of each type of cholesterol in your blood can be measured by a blood test.
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol, because it contributes to fatty build-ups in arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition narrows the arteries and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease, or PAD.
HDL (Good) Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol can be thought of as the “good” cholesterol. (So, in the case of HDL cholesterol, higher levels are actually better.)
Experts believe that HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the LDL is broken down and passed from the body. But HDL cholesterol does not completely eliminate LDL cholesterol. Only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.
A healthy HDL cholesterol level may protect against heart attack and stroke. Studies show that low levels of HDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet.
A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HDL (good) cholesterol is linked with fatty build-ups within the artery walls, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
So… Back To Coconuts
Cooking: You can use virgin coconut oil (high in beneficial saturated fats and medium chain triglycerides) for most mid-temperature cooking. However, coconut oil has a smoke point of about 350 degrees F (171 C), which means it is not suitable for high temperature cooking. Other choices include virgin olive oil and even butter in small amounts.
Coconut Oil And Butter Nutrition Facts
Coconut oil is made entirely of fat, mostly saturated. One tablespoon has around 14 grams. Coconut butter is made from the whole coconut, so it also contains saturated fat, around 10 grams per tablespoon. Here’s the nutrition table for one tablespoon (bearing in mind a heaped teaspoon not tablespoon is around 10 grams):-
Juicy Lucy’s Balls
Yes, Juicy Lucy’s Balls contain approximately 10-20g of Coconut Oil, depending on which one you have, but rest assured, all the ingredients are extremely good for you. Let us know which one is your favourite!
