Health Benefits of Desiccated Coconut
Desiccated coconut is an ideal source of healthy fat that contains no cholesterol and contains selenium, fiber, copper and manganese.
- One ounce of desiccated coconut contains 80% healthy, saturated fat.
- Selenium is a mineral that helps the body produce enzymes, which enhance the immune system and thyroid function. Selenium has been found to protect against heart disease, male infertility, reduce free radicals in the body and lower cancer risk. The recommended daily allowance is 55 micrograms and one ounce of desiccated coconut provides 9.4% of this requirement.
- Copper supports energy levels, metabolism, helps in the creation of red blood cells and collagen. It also has naturally occurring antioxidant properties and protects the body from osteoarthritis. A single ounce of the desiccated coconut provides 25% of the daily-recommended serving.
- The body requires fiber in order to maintain healthy blood pressure and heart function. Fiber reduces the risk of stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. An ounce of desiccated coconut provides 5 grams of fiber. Men should consume 38 grams and women should consume 25 grams daily.
By incorporating it into your daily diet, you can benefit from the nutritional properties while enjoying the sweet and savory flavor.
Common Uses
Desiccated coconut can be used as an ingredient in savoury and sweet recipes both to impart a coconut flavour and texture and as a topping or coating.
Dried coconut is delicious eaten by itself as a snack, added to hot or cold cereal, and as an addition to baked goods.
It can also be used in smoothies, sprinkled on salads, or stirred into sautéed vegetables.
It is also a common ingredient in Thai and Indian dishes. Sambhar, Cakes, Chutney, Fritters, stuffing in Pakodas, Pattice, Used to coat sweet balls. Gravies containing desiccated coconut are popular in Southern India. Desiccated or flaked coconut can be added to muesli, cookies, cereal breakfast too.
Here are alternatives desiccated coconut uses:
1. Fudgy coconut brownies
2. Blackberry & coconut squares
3. Coconut cupcakes
4. Gingerbread cake with caramel biscuit icing.
5. Coconut cookies
6. Snowy coconut loaf cake
7. Coconut loaf cake and many more savory cakes and cookies
Low fat or High Fat Desiccated Coconut?
The value of Desiccated Coconut lies at the fat content. Desiccated Coconut is categorized into Full Fat (High Fat/HF) or Reduced Fat/RF (low fat). A full fat Desiccated Coconut has a minimum of 60% fat, any lesser is a reduced fat desiccated coconut. Full fat Desiccated Coconut has higher monetary value than the reduced fat. In the past, coconut fat or coconut oil has been mistakenly believed for causing heart disease. Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which have been taking the blame for problems caused by trans fats
How to store Desiccated Coconut?
Due to less moisture content, the shelf life is longer compared to fresh coconut. It can be stored in plastic bags and refrigerated, will stay good for 6 months.
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