Dry Coconut – Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Dry coconut, also known as copra, is a versatile and nutrient-rich food widely used in traditional cuisines and health remedies. Packed with healthy fats, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it supports heart health, boosts energy, and aids digestion. Its long shelf life and robust flavor make it a staple ingredient in various dishes, from desserts to curries, and an essential component in the production of coconut oil and flour. 

What is copra?

The copra portion of a coconut is typically extracted from a dried coconut fruit. The dried coconut contains the white meat, or copra, which is in constant contact with the coconut water.

Copra can be used to manufacture coconut oil, juice, or consumed in its raw form.

The rich flavour and distinctive perfume of copra, the dried coconut fruit, set it apart. They provide numerous health benefits due to their high nutrient content.

Nutritional profile of dry coconut:

1. Coconut flesh is packed with nutrients that are good for you. Here is the nutritional breakdown per 100 grammes:
2. Calories: Protein 3.3g, carbs 15.23g, sugar 6.23g, fibre 9g, fat 29.7g, monounsaturated 1.43g, polyunsaturated 0.37g. Total calories 354.
3. Copra has the following amounts of vitamins: vitamin B1 (6%), 0.066 mg; riboflavin (2%), 0.02 mg; niacin (4%), 0.54 mg; pantothenic acid (6%), 0.300 mg; vitamin B5, 0.054 mg; vitamin B6, 4%; folate, 7%; vitamin C, 4%; total, 3.3 mg.
4. Copra contains the following minerals: calcium (1%), iron (19%), magnesium (9%), phosphorus (16%), potassium (8%), 356 mg, and zinc (12%).

Health benefits of dry coconut:

Improves Cognitive Performance

Each of us only excels to the level of our IQ. The brain is in charge of more than only our mental processes, including our actions, decisions, memories, and emotions. Despite its almost supernatural command abilities, the brain is still merely a biological organ. Our own health depends on its condition. When mental health isn't treated seriously, it can cause neurological problems. So, coconuts are an excellent choice for ensuring that our brain is both safe and well-nourished. It has also been associated with alleviating Alzheimer's disease symptoms.

Heart-healthy Benefits

Researchers have found that the high consumption of coconuts among Polynesians correlates with a much reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. Many households in Southern India use coconut oil as their primary cooking fat because of the widespread belief that it has no effect on blood cholesterol levels. The beneficial effect on cholesterol levels contributes to improved heart health and extended life.

Powerful Antioxidants

Nowadays, antioxidants are commonly found in diet. They are lauded for their ability to neutralise cancer-causing free radicals. Another source of oxidative stress is free radicals. The antioxidant content of coconut meat is high. Gallic acid,  salicylic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid are all examples of these antioxidants.

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Beauty benefits of dry coconut: 

Coconut oil is an excellent skin moisturiser. If you use copra or coconut oil as a mask on a regular basis, your face will get more hydrated, more elastic, and whiter.

Sunburn and dark skin can be efficiently treated with dry coconut as well. Use coconut oil right after coming in from the sun if you want to maintain your tan.

Coconut oil is effective in eliminating dandruff and restoring healthy, lustrous hair. To use, grate the copra into little pieces, press out the water, and distribute the grated copra throughout the hair. After an overnight incubation and a shampooing, dandruff should be noticeably decreased.

Desiccated coconut milk preparation.

Desiccated coconut has a high nutrient value by definition. As a result, it is always recommended to incorporate it into one's diet. Many creative uses for desiccated coconut allow you to do this.

Here's how to make coconut milk from dried coconut:

• Put 2 cups of dried coconut into 4 cups of water.
• Make sure the water is hot, but not boiling.
• Blend it for several minutes while adding hot water and shredded coconut. Make sure the power and speed are both maxed out.
• Use a mesh colander to strain the mixture. The coconut meat should next be pressed through a thin cotton towel.
• Add some berries or half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, to this delicious beverage.

What products can be made from dried coconut?

1. We can make coconut milk, coconut oil, and dried coconut jam from the copra of the dried coconut fruit.
2. The copra is shredded and the juice is extracted to make coconut milk. Popular in baked goods, cakes, and stews because to its milky appearance and greasy flavour.
3. Coconut oil is extracted by boiling coconut milk under high pressure. Coconut oil has numerous applications in medicine and the kitchen, including the treatment of skin conditions.
4. Delicious dried coconut jams are created by shaving the copra into fibres and boiling them with sugar.
5. Sticky rice and sweet and sour salad are common accompaniments to dishes including shredded copra.
6. Although dried coconut juice is less intense in flavour than its fresh counterpart, it is more commonly employed in cooking than as a beverage.

Conclusion:

Dry coconut is a powerhouse of nutrition and culinary versatility, offering numerous health benefits while enhancing the taste of meals. Its uses range from being a healthy snack to a key ingredient in cooking and baking. So, include coconuts in your daily diet for optimal wellness.