Coconut is the term used to reference the coconut palm, the fruit or the seed. This can be found throughout the subtropic and tropic area. This drupe is known for being extremely versatile and is in the diet of many people. Calories in a coconut will depend on the form, preparation and with what it is consumed.

In the culinary world, this drupe is used in many different forms: water, milk, oil, toddy and nectar, heart of palm. When this food is in water, milk or cream, oil or dried forms, it tends to have fewer calories. This is also because the serving size is typically smaller in these cases.

One piece includes 159 calories and an ounce has just 100. A cup of shredded coconut has more than 250. If a person consumes just one half of this fruit, they will take in more than 700. This number doubles to a high count of 1400 when a full one is consumed.

There are so many nutritional benefits packed in this tropical fruit. For this reason, people are urged to look beyond the calorie intake. It is packed with omega-6 fatty acids that are beneficial to the body. Another benefit is that they do not have any cholesterol and their sodium content is less than 20 mg. The fruit is rich in manganese and includes more than half of the recommended daily intake for it.

It has phosphorus, potassium and iron, as well as calcium, magnesium and zinc. It also has a high level of protein. The high fat content and calories make this ideal for a person who is looking to build muscle or gain weight. The fruits give energy that lasts for a long time. There are benefits when it comes to the outer self as well: softening the skin, helping with dandruff, keeping scalp and hair healthy, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Lauric acid is in the meat of this fruit. This is known to fight off bacteria caused by intestinal parasites. It also protects against infections ranging from small to large, HIV to the common cold. In water form, it can aid in kidney and bladder function.

Consuming this fruit can combat constipation, gas, ulcers and other stomach and digestive problems. It is believed to support function of the thyroid and prevent goiters. Likewise, it can get rid of kidney stones, reduce symptoms caused by pancreatic disorders, protect against osteoporosis and cancer, and reduce epileptic seizures.

A drawback is that these include high amounts of saturated fats, which is not as healthy as other types of fat. Still, most fatty acids in this come from the lauric acid, which is both antiviral and antibacterial. Generally speaking, this is considered a healthy and natural food that should be incorporated into the human diet. Calories in a coconut may seem high, but the fruit has so much to offer. It is best when it is raw and natural, as hydrogenated oil and other treated products are less effective and may be unhealthy.