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Is shredded coconut healthy?
At 187 calories per ounce, dehydrated, shredded coconut -- also called dessicated coconut -- provides you with energy to get you through the day. Dehydrated, shredded coconut makes for a healthful addition to your diet, because it helps maintain healthy tissue and fights disease.
Is shredded coconut good for diabetics?
Fresh coconut eaten in moderation is a good dietary option for diabetics. In case you don't have fresh coconut, then roughly 28-30 grams of dried coconut is equivalent to a 2-inch square of fresh coconut. Avoid the variety you get from your supermarket's baking section, as it includes added sugar.
Is shredded coconut sweetened?
There are two types of shredded coconut out there: sweetened and unsweetened. The sweetened coconut has sugar added to it before the fresh coconut is dried, so it is fairly moist and quite sweet, with a strong coconut flavor.
Is coconut healthy or unhealthy?
Coconut is generally regarded as a source of healthy fat. The meat contains protein and fiber, as well as some essential minerals such as: Iron. Manganese.
Does shredded coconut raise blood sugar?
The glycemic load for a 55-gram serving is 4. So you'd have to eat a lot of coconut for it to dramatically raise your blood sugar.
Does coconut affect blood sugar?
Research has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and improve other health markers in animals with diabetes ( 8 , 9 , 10 ).
What is the difference between shredded coconut and coconut flakes?
Unlike shredded or desiccated, flaked coconut is much larger. The coconut is shaved into long, wide flakes. Toast these flakes or use them as-is in all sorts of recipes—like this beautiful coconut cake—for added flavor and texture. Buy flaked coconut here.
Is unsweetened coconut high in sugar?
Coconut is good for diabetes because it is beneficial for regulating blood sugar levels. It is low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber and fat. Opting for unsweetened coconut products is better as they don't have a high sugar content, saturated fat and low carbs making them perfect for people with diabetes.
Is shredded coconut high in fructose?
The 2/3 cup (100 g) serving tested by Monash showed that it was high in Oligos, Fructose and Polyols.
What are the disadvantages of eating coconut?
Side effects and Precautions while Consuming Coconut:Higher doses of coconut water increase blood potassium levels, causing irregular heartbeat and kidney problems.Some peoples are allergic to Coconut milk and its products. ... Coconut oil can cause nausea if consumed in excess.
Is coconut a junk food?
Coconut is made of up of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fats, but is mostly saturated fat. Typically, saturated fats are considered unhealthy and, according to the American Heart Association, too much saturated fat can increase your cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Is coconut healthier than sugar?
People feel it is more nutritious than regular table sugar. In reality, coconut sugar is almost identical to regular cane sugar in terms of nutrients and calories and is not a very healthy option to consume.
Is shredded coconut high in carbs?
The nutrition facts for 1 cup (80 grams) of fresh, shredded coconut meat are ( 1 ): Calories: 283. Protein: 3 grams. Carbs: 10 grams.
Can coconut be taken in diabetes?
Yes, coconut water is good for people with Diabetes. Because tender coconut water has a low glycemic index and minimal natural sugar, it won't cause a spike in your blood sugar and therefore does not cause Diabetes.
Is shredded coconut high in cholesterol?
Is Coconut High in Cholesterol? You'll only get cholesterol in your diet from animal-based foods. Coconut is naturally free of cholesterol, whether you have raw coconut meat, coconut milk, coconut water or coconut oil.
Types of Coconut
Coconut flakes are what you might see most often at the supermarket. But there’s also coconut water, milk, oil, sugar, and flour.
Coconut Oil and Weight Loss
You may have heard that it’s good for weight loss or low-carb diets. But there are no magic foods that help you lose weight. And coconut oil has nearly 100 calories per tablespoon.
The Bottom Line
Coconut water is fine, and coconut flakes are OK occasionally. But you should avoid or limit coconut oil because it’s so rich in saturated fat. Canola, olive, and peanut oils are better choices. And always follow the nutrition plan your doctor or diabetes educator gave you.
Dietary Fiber
A 1-cup serving of shredded coconut provides 4 grams of dietary fiber. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Fiber reduces your risk of constipation and hemorrhoids by encouraging proper digestion and regular bowel movements.
Iron
Coconut is a good source of iron, and a 1-cup serving supplies 1.8 milligrams of the 8 milligrams men need each day and the 18 milligrams women require. Iron is crucial for the formation of hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that is responsible for getting oxygen to each part of your body.
Zinc
One cup of shredded coconut provides 1.7 milligrams of zinc toward the daily goal of 8 milligrams for women and 11 milligrams for men. Zinc is a mineral crucial to the strength and health of your immune system, and it also plays a critical role in wound healing.
Considerations and Serving Tips
Because 29 grams of the total fat in a serving of shredded coconut are saturated, the food should be viewed as an occasional treat. Regularly consuming too much saturated fat can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.
If your recipe just calls for "coconut," which one do you choose? Here's your guide to getting coconutty with everything from sweetened to shredded coconut
If your recipe just calls for "coconut," which one do you choose? Here's your guide to getting coconutty with everything from sweetened to shredded coconut.
Coconut-White Chocolate Cheesecake
Friends have suggested over and over that I submit this creation to a magazine because it's so good. For the best texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. —Jamie Harris, Danville, Illinois
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Jacqueline is a blogger and writer, passionate about sharing the latest in helpful tips and trends in food and cooking. In her spare time, you’ll find her trying new restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen.
Fiber
Just 1 cup (80 grams) of shredded coconut provides 7 grams of fiber, which is over 20% of the DV ( 6 ).
May boost heart health
Coconut meat contains coconut oil, which may boost HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Improvements in these markers may reduce your risk of heart disease ( 7 ).
May aid digestive health
Coconuts are high in fiber, which helps bulk up your stool and supports bowel regularity, keeping your digestive system healthy ( 6, 17 ).
Choosing the healthiest products
Many dried and prepackaged coconut products are heavily sweetened, which significantly increases the sugar content.
Shredded Coconut
Dried, shredded coconut is often added to baked goods, candies, and other sweet treats to give them the unique flavor of coconut. People seem to either love the taste of coconut or hate it. If you are a coconut lover, read on to see if it is okay to be enjoying shredded coconut on a regular basis.
Coconut Oil
The increasing popularity of coconut oil is due in part to a growing awareness that fats are not as bad for us as was previously thought. It is now believed that healthy sources of dietary fat are essential for our overall health. In moderation, coconut oil is seen as a "healthy fat."
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is the liquid that comes from the meat of a ripe brown coconut.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is the liquid from the inside of unripe green coconuts. Coconut water has begun to enjoy increasing popularity as a substitute for sports drinks due to its lower sugar content.
