What Are the Benefits of Eating Shredded Coconut?

The coconut tree is so valued in some parts of the world, it's known as "The Tree of Life," and shredded coconut reflects that name. Eating raw, shredded coconut has a number of health benefits since it's high in healthy saturated fat and rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Fights Disease

• The fruit is helpful for the prevention and/or treatment of viral infections such as influenza and the measles as well as yeast infections such as thrush. It can also help relieve arthritis, control diabetes, and prevent osteoporosis.

Fiber

• Adding shredded coconut to food is a good way to get more fiber in your diet, which helps you feel fuller while eating less and supports regularity.

Skin

• All coconut products are good for your skin. They fight blemishes such as acne and age spots, and help the skin rejuvenate itself. They can even protect against skin cancer.

Coconut Oil

• Shredded coconut is a source of unrefined coconut oil, which offers such health benefits as increasing your metabolism rate and keeping your hormones balanced.

Versatile

• You can easily blend shredded coconut into all kinds of food—cakes, cereals, curries, and fruit salads are just a few—for extra flavor.

Considerations

• If you're eating shredded coconut for better nutrition, buy an all-natural or organic brand. The kind that is sold in conventional grocery stores contains extra sugar and preservatives.