14 COCONUT USES YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT.

Coconuts always make me picture the beach. Long stretches of white sandy shore, the calming lap of waves, beautiful views out to the horizon over the ocean, tall palms bending in the breeze, and plenty of sunshine.

Coconuts have become the fruit (that’s right, they’re a fruit, not a nut!) of the moment recently, in no small part due to their versatility. Their possible uses go way beyond the culinary ones.

Coconuts mainly grow near the equator in the tropical climates in parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. In the United States, you’ll find them in Hawaii and Florida.

Coconut? Will it Help With Weight Loss?

Just like in the world of fashion, food trends fluctuate every year. And for 2017, Whole Foods predicted it's going to be the year of coconut everything. It's going way past your basic coconut water. Think coconut butter, chips, ice cream. Coconut everything, everywhere.

But if you think the new health food fad is the key to helping you drop pounds this year, you might want to read the fine print. We spoke with nutritionists to find out whether going cray-cray for coconut is worth the hype.

It Can Help Crush Cravings

As it turns out, coconut has properties that can keep you fuller longer. “The fat content in coconut is a medium-chain triglyceride, which helps with satiety,” says Lisa Cohn, R.D. consultant for miVIP Surgery Centers. Plus, the fruit provides sugar for quick energy while the fat digests slowly. That winning combo gives you long-lasting energy and prevents hunger and cravings by keeping your blood sugar levels in check.

Cohn recommends adding jarred or fresh coconut to juices and smoothies, and coconut flakes to hot or dry cereals, fresh salads, and cooked dishes. 

8 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Coconut

Benefits of Coconut oil from Dr. Axe. Let us know what you think?