What's the Big Deal About Coconut

Every once in a while a vegetable, fruit, or nut seems to come out of nowhere and becomes an overnight rockstar among the healthy eating community. Sometimes it’s due to our fascination with an exotic vegetable, a new appreciation for different cultures, or in the case of the coconut, it’s because we’ve re-discovered a food we had forgotten about. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, coconut oil gained rapid popularity among health food enthusiasts as an ingredient in cooking, baking, and skincare. The unique composition of coconut oil, which contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), was seen as beneficial for metabolism and energy production. Coconut’s popularity grew quickly due to its potential health benefits, versatility, and the rise of trends such as the ketogenic diet and natural skincare. However, before World War Two coconut oil was a very common edible oil. Since the establishment of European coconut plantations in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific in the 19th century coconut oil was used widely in Europe and North America until supply interruptions around 1940. Following the close of the war, vegetable oil producers who had replaced coconut oil in the Western marketplace were successful in preventing coconut oil from making a comeback. Of course, you can only keep a good thing down for so long. As food science progressed and the demand for healthier foods increased, food innovators realized some of the secrets to better food were locked away in the past. Although new technology made food production easier and faster, many of the reliable techniques previously used in baking, farming, and manufacturing still have value. Additionally, progressive science meant that old prejudices toward some ingredients could be discarded. For innovators like the family behind Sport Pux, the increased demand for healthier snack foods was an opportunity to experiment with old food manufacturing techniques using modern technology and nutrient-dense ingredients that were once misunderstood. The mandate in creating the Sport Pux brand was to create a sports performance bar that could also serve as an everyday healthy nutrition bar with the best superfoods providing the most health benefits. One of the things our team discovered was the nutritional and health benefits of coconut, as well as its versatility as an ingredient make it an amazing ingredient for various dietary lifestyles. Why Coconuts are Awesome! The coconut in Sport Pux bars has many potential athletic benefits such as hydration for proper muscle function during intense exercise, healthy fats to reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery, a steady source of energy to the muscles to improve endurance, and a great source of antioxidants to reduce inflammation in the body. Although these benefits are athletic-specific, coconuts have numerous nutritional and health benefits that everyone can enjoy. Studies have shown that the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut milk and coconut oil can have positive effects on heart health and promote feelings of fullness, which can help prevent overeating. Similarly, the fiber in coconut can also have a positive impact on health. A diet high in fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and also promote feelings of fullness. Sport Pux is one of many healthy food manufacturers to see the value in coconut. As an ingredient, coconut is very versatile. Coconut is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It’s also vegan, making it a popular ingredient in plant-based diets. Coconut can be used in a variety of ways, from coconut oil for cooking, to shredded coconut for baking, and can be used to replace less healthy ingredients in recipes, like white flour or sugar. Coconut flour, for example, is gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in fiber. As an alternative to refined sugar, coconut sugar is lower in fructose and has a lower glycemic index. Coconuts are so nutrient-dense that the list of health benefits from just this one fruit is almost limitless. Healthy fats: Coconuts are a great source of healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are easily digested and rapidly absorbed by the body, providing a quick source of energy. Sustained energy: The combination of healthy fats, dietary fiber, and naturally occurring sugars means coconuts can provide sustained energy release over time. This supports stable blood sugar levels and prevents spikes and crashes. Allergy-friendly: Coconuts are free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, and nuts. For food manufacturers using coconut as an ingredient allows them to cater to a wider consumer base. Natural flavor and texture: The flavor and texture of coconut are unique. You would have a hard time finding another ingredient used equally well in spicy South Asian meals and sweet American candy bars. The truth is the natural sweetness and rich, creamy texture of coconuts enhance the flavor profile of almost anything paired with it. As a result, using coconuts reduces the need for added sugars and artificial flavorings. These are just a few examples of the versatility of coconuts and it’s why Sport Pux has made coconut an important ingredient in all of our products.