Benefits of coconut : Colombian sweets with this ingredient

Learn about the health benefits of coconut and its presence as a basic ingredient in the preparation of Colombian sweets.

Coconut is a great tasting fruit that can be harvested every three months, making it easy to find at any time of year. Furthermore, due to the health benefits of coconut and its great versatility, it is currently used in a variety of ways in medicine, cosmetics, cooking and baking.

Thus, coconut is one of the most commonly used Colombian fruits in the preparation of homemade Colombian sweets, especially on the country's coasts. For example, we have Colombian coconut candy, which is a traditional recipe from grandmothers, very simple but delicious.

There are also other types of coconut-based sweets such as coconut balls, cookies, matecadas, etc. They are all excellent for any occasion and can make you enjoy special moments.

Below, we mention the benefits of coconut and some Colombian sweets that contain it.

Benefits of coconut and Colombian sweets made from this fruit

Health benefits of coconut

Coconut contains various healthy elements. Among them: minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. In addition to vitamins (E, C and B) and fiber. For this reason , it is a very beneficial fruit for health. Among its main benefits are (La Vanguardia, 2022):

Strengthens the immune system : especially coconut water for its high lauric acid content and its antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

• It helps control blood sugar levels because the components of this fruit stimulate the absorption of insulin in the body.
• Benefits of coconut in digestion: because it contains fiber, it improves intestinal transit and thus facilitates the digestive process.
• Protects the heart: It can help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Thus, it contributes to keeping blood pressure levels under control.
• It is detoxifying: it helps the kidneys in the purification process and cleanses other organs in the body.

Colombian sweets made from coconut

Taking these great benefits into account, we will now mention the most characteristic Colombian sweets that have this ingredient:

• Colombian cocadas or coconut candy: this is a favorite in Colombia, especially on the coast and during Holy Week. During this season they are sold in many places along with other typical sweets (Colombia.com, n.d.).
• Coconut rice: unlike other Latin American countries, it is consumed only as a dessert. In Colombia, it is an accompaniment to savory dishes such as fried fish and patacones (Panagua, 2020).
• Coconut balls: they are a popular dessert on the coast and island areas. This easy-to-make dessert has become a great alternative at parties and events (El Rincón Colombiano, 2022).
• Nucita Coconut Wafer : With its tropical aroma, it reminds us of Colombian bakeries in a single bite (MyColombianCocina, n.d.).
• Other sweets: In Colombia you can get other coconut-based sweets that you can delight in, such as coconut panelitas , Supercoco , and Supercoco chocolates .

Coconut is a highly appreciated tropical fruit due to its great nutritional potential. It can be used in many ways and forms. Because of this, in addition to cooking, it is also widely used in beauty products and cosmetics; it is even an ingredient for the production of medicines. For this reason, it is present in various Colombian products.

Bibliographic references.

 

Colombia.com. (sf). Coconut candy (Colombia) . https://www.colombia.com/gastronomia/recetas-colombianas/dulce-de-coco-r206

The Colombian Corner. (2022). Coconut balls . https://elrinconcolombiano.com/bolitas-de-coco/

La Vanguardia (2022). Coconut: nutritional value, benefits, properties and how to know when it is at its best. Retrieved from: https://www.lavanguardia.com/comer/materia-prima/20180702/4893/fruta-coco-propiedades-beneficios-valor-nutricional.html

MyColombianCocina. (sf). Coconut cookies . https://www.mycolombiancocina.com/recipes/panaderia/320-galletas-de-coco

Panagua, L. (2020). Colombian Coconut Rice Recipe. RecetasGratis . https://www.recetasgratis.net/receta-de-arroz-con-coco-colombiano-35552.html