But the fruit of a coconut is something extra special: It serves as a so-creamy vegan swap for plant-based desserts and dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, adds crunch to granola, and shines in simmer sauces (if you haven’t tried coconut curry shrimp, you’re seriously missing out). Wellness-wise, we’re just getting started. Here are the top five healthy reasons you should start eating coconut today, according to nutrition experts Susan Hewlings, Ph.D., RD, and Kelly Springer, MS, RD, CDN. “Coconut is also relatively high in fat, which helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins D, E, A, and K,” she explains. “This is important because vitamins D and K may be associated with a more diverse, and therefore more resilient, gut microbiome.” A stronger gut microbiome means better digestion, immunity, and overall health. Try adding a few spoonfuls of shredded coconut to your oatmeal or yogurt in the morning to reap these benefits. Since coconut oil has a significant amount of fat, Springer adds that it will also help your body to absorb vitamins E and A, which are both antioxidants known to protect and restore the skin. (Note that coconut oil is comedogenic, which means it can clog pores, so you should avoid using it on acne-prone areas.) RELATED: The 8 Best Foods to Eat for Healthy-Looking Skin “Oils contain more than just the fatty acids that comprise them, including other nutrients and vitamins, which may also have an impact on cardiovascular risk,” she says. “Additionally, dietary fats provide energy, are key to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, provide cell structure, are the base for many hormones, serve as carriers throughout the body, provide ‘padding’ and protection for organs, and so much more. Coconuts contain essential nutrients found in these dietary fats and provide a healthful source of saturated fats while also providing antioxidants.”
