GRATED DEHYDRATED COCONUT SUGAR-FREE ARTISINAL MADE

Rich in fiber and MCTs, it may offer a number of benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and digestion. Yet, it's high in calories and saturated fat, so you should eat it in moderation. Overall, unsweetened coconut meat makes a great addition to a balanced diet.

At 187 calories per ounce, dehydrated, shredded coconut -- also called desiccated coconut -- provides you with energy to get you through the day. Dehydrated, shredded coconut makes for a healthful addition to your diet because it helps maintain healthy tissue and fights disease.

Use dehydrated, shredded coconut to add fiber to your meals. Dietary fiber bulks up your food, helping to stave off hunger between meals. It also helps prevent digestive disorders, including constipation and hemorrhoids. Americans consume an average of just 14 grams of fiber daily -- far less than the 38 grams recommended daily for men and the 25 grams recommended for women, according to Colorado State University. An ounce of dehydrated, shredded coconut adds 4.6 grams of fiber to your daily intake.

Iron

Dehydrated, shredded coconut also contains iron, a mineral important for healthy circulation and tissue maintenance. Iron helps drive new cell growth, and also helps new cells develop into functional tissue. It also plays a role in the transportation of oxygen in your blood and helps your muscle tissue store oxygen for future use. An ounce of dehydrated coconut boosts your iron intake by 0.94 milligrams, providing 12 percent of the recommended daily iron intake for men and 5 percent for women, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Healthy Fats

Dehydrated, shredded coconut also contains fat -- 18.3 grams of total fat per 1-ounce serving. An animal study, published in the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology" in 2012, found that coconut oil helped to lower the levels of harmful blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats. An additional animal study, published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2012, notes that coconut oil may also help maintain healthy bone tissue and fight osteoporosis. While the effect of coconut oil on humans requires further investigation, shredded and dehydrated coconut might benefit your health due to its fat content.

Consuming More Dehydrated Coconut

Use dehydrated, shredded coconut to add texture and flavor to a range of dishes. Pair coconut with fresh fruit -- such as mangos or raspberries -- to boost the nutritional value of hot or cold cereals. Blend shredded coconut into your smoothies to add tropical flavor, or lightly toast the coconut for use in salads or wraps. Alternatively, add shredded coconut to nut butter -- try blending a mix of macadamia nuts, almonds, and shredded coconut in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency, then use it as a decadent topping for whole-grain toast or oatmeal.

Important Notice

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Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than what is shown on our website. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. Please see our full disclaimer below. The information provided for this product is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with your physician or qualified healthcare practitioner before making any significant change in your diet. Coconutmex assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.