Based on chemical analysis of young coconut flesh, it appears to have a relatively high water content, above 80%, and a fat content above 5%. Compared to horticultural crops, the water, fat, and protein content of young coconut flesh is close to that of avocados, with a water content of 84.3%, a fat content of 6.5%, and a protein content of 0.9% (Directorate of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, 1981).
Furthermore, young coconut flesh contains carbohydrates, crude fiber, galactomannan, phospholipids, and several macro- and microminerals.
Young coconuts have a relatively high content of omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids, making them a viable alternative for meeting the needs of these two types of fatty acids.
Table 1. Weight of omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids in young coconut flesh of several hybrid coconut varieties*
Furthermore, for consumers seeking high ALTJ consumption, especially those at risk of high LDL cholesterol, young coconut flesh can be an alternative.
Young coconut flesh contains 15 amino acids, 10 of which are essential. These ten essential amino acids are threonine (THR), tyrosine (TYR), methionine (MET), valine (VAL), phenylamine (PHE), ileucine (ILE), leucine (LEU), lysine (LYS), histidine (HIS), and arginine (ARG). HIS and ARG are not essential for adults, but are essential for children.
The GLU content in all hybrid coconut varieties ranges from 3.59-4.02%, the highest compared to other amino acids. Therefore, consuming young coconut flesh not only meets some of your amino acid needs but also provides GLU, a nutrient for the brain.
Young coconut flesh is a good source of calories. The calorie content ranges from 75.40-104.22 kcal for hybrid coconuts and 71.89 kcal for coconuts.
Table 2. Composition of young coconut meat from the Kelapa Dalam type
Source: Rindengan, Barlina. 2004. Potensi Buah Kelapa Muda Untuk Kesehatan dan Pengolahannya. Balai Penelitian Tanaman Kelapa dan Palma Lain.
