Are you looking for a versatile ingredient that is good for your health? Look no further than 3 tbsp (15g) of unsweetened shredded organic coconut, which comes in at just 100 calories. This tropical fruit is packed with nutrients that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to being low in calories, organic coconut contains fiber, minerals, and healthy fats that your body needs to function properly. It's a great source of manganese, copper, and iron, which are important for maintaining strong bones and healthy blood flow. Coconut also contains lauric acid, a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) that has many health benefits.

In this article, we'll explore some of the reasons why unsweetened shredded organic coconut should be a part of your diet.

Rich in Fiber

Fiber is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in digestion and gut health. Just 3 tbsp of unsweetened shredded organic coconut contains 4 grams of fiber, which is about 16% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Fiber can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce constipation. The fiber in coconut can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for people with diabetes. Additionally, fiber is known to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Contains Important Minerals

Unsweetened shredded organic coconut is a good source of minerals that are essential to our health. For example, each serving contains: - 10% of the recommended daily intake of manganese - 5% of the recommended daily intake of copper and iron

Good Source of Healthy Fats

Not all fats are created equal. Unsweetened shredded organic coconut contains healthy saturated fats that can improve brain function, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Specifically, coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly absorbed and used by the body for energy. In fact, some studies have shown that consuming MCTs can increase fat burning and promote weight loss. So don't be afraid to add a little coconut to your diet!

Helps in Weight Management

Looking to manage your weight? Coconut can help! As we mentioned earlier, the healthy fats in coconut can increase fat burning and promote weight loss. Additionally, the fiber in coconut can help you feel full, which can reduce your overall food intake. Some studies have even suggested that consuming coconut oil (which is high in MCTs) can reduce belly fat specifically. So if you're looking to lose weight, consider adding a little coconut to your diet!

Boosts Metabolism

In addition to helping with weight management, the MCTs in coconut can also boost your metabolism. Specifically, they can increase energy expenditure (i.e. the number of calories you burn), which can help you burn more fat over time. One study found that people who consumed MCTs burned more calories than those who consumed long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). So if you're looking to improve your metabolism, consider adding some coconut to your diet!

Supports Digestive Health

As we mentioned earlier, coconut is a good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Specifically, fiber can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, some studies have suggested that coconut oil can improve gut health by reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria. So if you're looking for a food that can promote good gut health, consider adding some coconut to your diet!

Improves Heart Health

Coconut can also improve heart health in a number of ways. For example, the MCTs in coconut can help lower cholesterol levels, which is important for maintaining good heart health. Additionally, the fiber in coconut can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. Some studies have even suggested that consuming coconut oil can increase levels of HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and reduce levels of LDL (the "bad" cholesterol). So if you're looking to improve your heart health, consider adding some coconut to your diet!

Provides Energy

Unsweetened shredded organic coconut is a great source of energy. Specifically, the MCTs in coconut can be quickly absorbed and used by the body for energy. Additionally, coconut contains vitamins and minerals (like manganese and magnesium) that are important for energy production. So if you're looking for a natural source of energy, consider adding some coconut to your diet!

Suitable for Keto and Paleo Diets

If you're following a ketogenic or paleo diet, you'll be happy to know that unsweetened shredded organic coconut is a great ingredient to have on hand. Because it's low in carbs and high in healthy fats, it's the perfect addition to any keto or paleo recipe. Additionally, because coconut is naturally sweet, it can be used to add flavor to your cooking without adding any sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Versatile Ingredient

One of the best things about unsweetened shredded organic coconut is that it's incredibly versatile. You can use it in a variety of recipes, from smoothies and baked goods to curries and stir-fries. Not only does coconut add flavor and texture to your food, but it also provides a wide range of health benefits. So don't be afraid to get creative with your cooking and experiment with different ways to incorporate coconut into your diet!