Eating coconut can reduce the risk of cancer

Coconut contains fiber and antioxidants that help inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and reduce the risk of malignant tumor formation.

Coconut is a widely consumed fruit native to Southeast Asia. Many coconut-derived products such as oil, butter, flour, sugar, extract, and coconut water not only provide nutritional benefits but also offer disease-prevention properties. Some studies have suggested that coconut-based products may lower cancer risk.

A 2023 study by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Thailand found that coconut flour provides mannooligosaccharides—a type of prebiotic fiber capable of fighting the spread of colorectal cancer.

Mannooligosaccharide extract from coconut flour has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells. It helps prevent angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, thus slowing malignant tumor growth. This compound also promotes apoptosis in cancer cells—a process of programmed cell death within the body.

A 2022 study conducted by Hainan University in China, along with other institutions, revealed that proteins in coconut meat can protect DNA from oxidative damage and reduce free radical activity in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA, leading to cancer, disease, and aging. Including coconut in the diet may contribute to reducing cancer risk.

Another 2022 study by Kasetsart University in Thailand also confirmed coconut’s antioxidant properties, showing that coconut meat helps reduce oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can damage organs and tissues. Over time, this damage can lead to degeneration and contribute to the development of malignant tumors such as oral, esophageal, gastric, and intestinal cancers. Oxidative stress is also linked to various health conditions, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and accelerated aging.

Coconut meat is rich in fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that is indigestible in the gut. A 2019 meta-analysis by the University of Otago in New Zealand, based on 243 studies involving over 4,600 adults, concluded that a diet high in fiber from fruits like coconut and whole grains reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and cancer-related mortality.

A high-fiber diet also increases satiety, reduces cravings, supports weight loss, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Adults are advised to consume 25–34 grams of fiber per day to support digestive health and disease prevention.