Coconut is a seed, fruit and nut, all at once and why not? With the numerous benefits along with its versatility, coconut makes for a great addition to many dishes. From coconut oil and coconut sugar to coconut milk, there are so many ingredients you can prepare with it to make many delicious dishes. Be it refreshing coconut water, a tall glass of pina colada or a bowl of mouth-watering Thai curry, without coconut all of it is just not worth it. And these are some of the most delectable reasons for us to celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2.
Besides being an amazing ingredient, coconut boasts of various health benefits too that are sure to get you hooked. A coconut contains about 35% coconut oil, 50% water, 10% carbs and about 3.5% protein along with its kernel being rich in minerals and fats. Let's look at the many health benefits that coconut comes with:
1. Lower Cholesterol: Coconuts are very rich in dietary fibre and antioxidants that helps lowering the cholesterol levels.
2. Weight Loss: As per various studies, the MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) fats of coconut are immediately used and not stored in the body that can ultimately leads to faster weight loss.
3. Improves Metabolism: Use of coconut in preparing various dishes along with traditional Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, cumin may improve metabolism and digestion.
4. Good For Skin And Haircare:Coconut oil is said to be one of the best skin care products. With anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, it is used in healing wounds, scars.
(Also Read: 11 Best Coconut Recipes | Easy Coconut Recipes | Nariyal Recipes)
With so many benefits and more, coconut boasts of its versatility in culinary world too. From delectable ladoos, barfis, coconut soups and coconut rice to some exotic curries and chutneys, coconut is one ingredient that makes for a great treat.
We've got an interesting coconut recipe by famous YouTube chef Alpa Modi, shared on her channel 'Something's Cooking With Alpa'. Here are chocolate coconut rolls cookies that require no cooking or baking at all, so even kids can prepare it at home on their own. Powdered biscuits, butter, coffee, cocoa and chocolate syrup mixed together and made into a soft dough with milk, then stuffed with a mix of cardamom, sugar and coconut and chocolate chips, rolled and cut into desired shapes. This is a perfect treat to celebrate World Coconut Day with kids at home. A delicious treat with the goodness of coconut is all one needs. Let us know how you liked it in the comments section below.