Coconut tastes fantastic and comes packed with nutrients loved by your skin and hair. No matter in which form you’re consuming it, this fruit only adds a delight to your diet. Fresh coconut has its own rich taste but it’s best consumable within 48 hours because it can attract a type of bacteria, Salmonellae. This is why coconut is dried which not only kills bacteria but also increases the shelf life to up to 6 months. Let’s explore dry coconut benefits for skin and hair and how to make its powder.
An Overview of Dry Coconut Benefits for Skin and Hair
Dry coconut contains nutrients that nourish your skin and hair. These nutrients include:
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
- Vitamins (including Vitamin E, small amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, and Vitamin K)
- Tons of antioxidants
- Essential fatty acids
- Minerals (including copper, selenium, iron, and zinc)
- Capric, Caprylic, and Caproic Acid— acids present in coconut with antimicrobial properties.
Let’s dig deeper to see how these nutrients can transform your hair and skin.
Dry Coconut Benefits for Skin and Hair | How To Make Its Powder Share on XDry Coconut Benefits for Hair
Here is how eating dry coconut can improve your hair health:
Strengthens Hair
Proteins present in coconut help fortify the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends. Zinc present in coconut provides the building blocks required for healthy hair follicle development and strengthens the foundation of hair. This mineral also helps in the production of keratin, a protein that strengthens and protects hair strands.
Vitamin E reduces cell damage and improves circulation, which helps in delivering nutrients to hair. The combination of these nutrients makes dried coconut a natural supplement to make your hair stronger.
Makes Your Hair Shiny
Dried coconut contains essential fatty acids and Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This lipid profile nourishes your hair and adds a luster to it. These fatty acids also restore dry hair, improving its look.
Copper present in coconut prevents hair dryness and improves their elasticity so they do not get brittle.
Prevents Premature Hair Loss
Most people lose hair because they do not consume enough hair-friendly nutrients and stay in a damaging environment. Antioxidants present in coconut protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, keeping the scalp healthy and potentially preventing premature hair loss. Zinc protects against hair loss caused by breakage. A healthy amount of iron in the body is another crucial nutrient that prevents premature hair loss.
Nutrients in coconut, such as Capric, Caprylic, Caproic Acid, and MCT also have antimicrobial properties. So, taking these components helps you guard yourself against microbial infections on your scalp that can cause hair loss.
A combination of hair strengthening and anti hair fall properties make coconut an ideal fruit to prevent premature hair fall.
Prevents Premature Greying of Hair
Healthy aging is beautiful but we should not make our body deprived of nutrients to cause premature aging. So, watch your diet and see if you are feeding your body right.
Your body gives you signs when it lacks nutrients. For example, copper deficiency causes hair to lose its pigment which results in premature hair greying. So, eating dried coconut along with other healthy foods is a good way to add copper to your diet.
It not only improves your overall health but also prevents the whitening of your hair.
Dry Coconut Benefits for Skin
Now, let’s check out how consuming dry coconut improves your skin.
Contains Anti-Aging Properties
Dried coconut is loaded with antioxidants, such as salicylic acid, caffeic acid, and Vitamin E. Along with many other health benefits, these antioxidants maintain the structure of collagen healthy.
Collagen is a protein found in bones, hair, muscles, and tendons. It keeps your skin firm and prevents wrinkling and sagging. This way consuming this fruit regularly prevents the signs of premature aging.
Moisturizes Your Skin
Coconut contains fatty acids and MCTs that work wonders for skin hydration. These fats penetrate deep into the skin, locking in moisture and leaving it soft and supple. This is why coconut is added in many beauty products but it is better to keep your skin nourished through a healthy diet.
Repairs Your Skin
Vitamins E and K present in coconut aid in repairing damaged skin cells. Regular use can make your skin smoother and healthier. Vitamin E also has wound-healing properties. So, improves the overall texture of your skin.
Contain Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Coconut has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can be beneficial in preventing infections and controlling acne breakouts. Its lauric acid content contributes to this antimicrobial effect.
How to make dry coconut powder?
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Fresh coconut
- Grater or food processor
- Baking sheet
- Oven or dehydrator
- Blender or food processor (for grinding)
Time needed: 7 hours
Making desiccated coconut or dry coconut powder is a simple process that involves drying and grinding coconut meat. Here’s a basic guide to make this powder at home:
- Prepare the Coconut
Remove the shell to get the coconut meat.
- Grate the Coconut
Use a grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment to grate the coconut meat. Aim for fine, consistent shreds.
- Drying Process
Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 120-150°F / 50-65°C) or set up a food dehydrator.
Spread the grated coconut evenly on a baking sheet or dehydrator trays.
Place the baking sheet in the oven or load the trays into the dehydrator.
Dry the coconut for several hours (usually 4-6 hours) or until it becomes dry and brittle. Stir or toss the coconut occasionally for even drying. - Cooling and Grinding
Once the coconut is completely dried, remove it from the oven or dehydrator and let it cool down to room temperature.
Transfer the dried coconut to a blender or food processor.
Pulse or blend the dried coconut in short bursts until it turns into a fine powder. Be careful not to over-process, or it may release too much oil and become pasty. - Storage
Allow the powdered coconut to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Properly stored, homemade dry coconut powder can last for several weeks to a few months.
How to Consume Dry Coconut?
Dry coconut powder can be used in various recipes, including curries, desserts, smoothies, or as a topping for various dishes. You can get it in shaved, flaked, and shredded forms.
Conclusion
Dried coconut is not only a treat to your taste buds but it comes loaded with nutrients that are essential for your hair and skin, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These components have antimicrobial, antioxidant, skin protecting, hair repairing, and hydrating properties. So, adding this delight to your diet is a fun way to get prettier skin and hair. Try consuming it for a month and notice a difference!