7 Amazing Coconut Malai Benefits For Hair And Skin

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Medically reviewed by

Bajaj Finserv Health

Nutrition

5 min read

Synopsis

Coconut malai is the soft and fleshy part of a coconut. Coconut malai uses in summer go from cooling your body to improving gut health. Read to know why you can also eat coconut malai for weight loss.

Key Takeaways

  • Eat malai of coconut and cool your body in the summer!
  • Improve your heart and gut health by having coconut malai
  • Consume coconut malai for weight loss and better digestion

We all know that drinking coconut water is refreshing, especially during summer. But were you aware that eating coconut malai is also beneficial to beat the high temperatures? While most of us gulp down coconut water, we tend to discard the coconut malai or ‘meat.’ This creamy and soft layer inside the tender coconut shell actually offers several health benefits. While you may know the advantages of consuming coconut water, oil, or milk, be aware that coconut malai is equally essential.

With more people today realizing the importance of natural fluids, there has been a steady increase in tender coconut consumption, especially in the summer. In fact, tender coconuts total 15% of the total coconut production in India, with states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal producing the majority.

To beat the scorching heat of the sun during summer, it is important to keep your body cool. This is the main reason that tender coconut is so popular during these months. Coconut water benefits your body by preventing dehydration and energizing it. The next time you stop by the roadside to drink coconut water, do not forget to eat the malai of coconut!  

Here are a few reasons why eating coconut malai is beneficial for your health.

Burns Your Fats Cells

When you eat the malai of coconut, it keeps you satiated for a long time. This helps reduce your calorie intake as the fiber present in coconut malai keeps you from overeating. Consuming a cup of malai can provide approximately 3g of protein. This can help in building your muscles.

Since this coconut meat also contains vitamin B, your metabolism also improves considerably. Have it for weight loss and see how you shed those extra pounds! Be careful not to overeat coconut meat as that may lead to weight gain. Take care to eat malai in balanced proportions.

Improves Your Immunity

Since it contains anti-inflammatory properties, eating coconut malai can ward off infections. It helps lower your body’s inflammation and boosts your immunity levels. It also contains manganese, which plays an important role in building bones and connective tissues. For proper functioning of the brain and nerve cells, your body requires adequate amounts of manganese too. Eat coconut malai and keep your diseases at bay!

Additional read: Important Vitamin E Benefits

Cools Your Body During Summer

Combat excess heat by eating coconut malai. While coconut water may remain on your list as your favorite summer drink, do not forget to eat the delicious white flesh. Like coconut water, coconut malai too has cooling properties. This is absolutely necessary during peak summer months. Not only does this energize your body, but it also refreshes it. If you are looking for healthy ways to beat the heat, there is nothing like eating a cup of coconut malai. It provides your body with required fluids and prevents dehydration.

Supports Good Heart Health

It contains traces of coconut oil. This may help decrease your bad cholesterol and improve your good cholesterol levels. You may be aware that coconut oil benefits your body by increasing your HDL levels. A study reveals that daily consumption of virgin coconut oil can raise good cholesterol [1]. Keeping your cholesterol levels in control can prevent the risk of heart disease [2]. By enhancing your good cholesterol levels, it helps in boosting your cardiovascular health. Eat malai or coconut for the proper functioning of your heart.

Additional read: Drink for a healthy heart

Enhances Digestion

Coconut meat is one of the fiber rich food that smoothens your digestion. This way, your gut remains healthy, thereby preventing digestive ailments. The fiber content present in coconut malai regulates proper bowel movements. Eating coconut malai strengthens your gut bacteria and aids in fighting inflammation. Since the meat flesh is rich in fats, it is capable of absorbing many vital nutrients such as vitamins E, D, A, and K. As you can see, there are umpteen coconut malai uses. Not only can you take coconut malai for weight loss, but also for good overall health!

Coconut

Contains Minerals Vital For Good Health

While it is rich in manganese, it is also packed with many other essential nutrients. It contains copper that can improve your cardiovascular health and help in the formation of bones.

If you consume a cup of fresh coconut malai, your body gets the following nutrients: 

  • Carbohydrates: 10g 
  • Fiber: 7g 
  • Fat: 27g 
  • Sugar: 5g 
  • Protein: 3g

Several other minerals in coconut malai vital for the proper functioning of your body include: 

  • Potassium 
  • Zinc 
  • Selenium 
  • Iron 
  • Phosphorous
Additional read: Magnesium Rich FoodsWays to eat coconut malai

Prevents Oxidative Stress

When there is a lack of balance between antioxidants and free radicals in your body, it causes oxidative stress. Free radicals help fight infections by preventing germs from entering your body. When an imbalance occurs, these radicals begin damaging your body cells. In oxidative stress, free radicals begin to outnumber antioxidants in your body.

It is packed with numerous phenolic substances that can eliminate free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative stress. A few compounds present in:

  • Salicylic acid 
  • p-Coumaric acid 
  • Gallic acid 
  • Caffeic acid
Additional read: Vitamin C Fruits and Vegetables List

As you now know, there are several coconut malai uses for better health. So, remember to ask for it from the vendor when you buy tender coconuts. Whether you eat malai for weight loss or to boost your heart health, make sure to eat it in a balanced way. Whether for weight loss or cardiovascular health, or even diabetes and blood pressure, you can now get proper health advice with ease. Simply get a doctor consultation within minutes on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book an in-person or video appointment on this platform or app and address your concerns without delay. Here you can trust experienced specialists to resolve your health issues and get you back on track!

Published on 6 Jun 2022Last updated on 21 Apr 2023
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745680/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5686931/

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

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