Here, she assesses the most popular coconut products.
Too much saturated fat
Coconut oil is touted as a good alternative to other oils because it has a slightly higher smoke point, meaning that when it's heated it produces fewer harmful free radicals - molecules linked to ageing and disease - and loses less of its nutrients.
It is also been claimed to speed weight loss; a Brazilian study in 2009 found obese women on coconut oil supplements lost more weight around the abdomen than those on a soy bean oil supplement.
"I can't see how it could aid weight loss," says Helen Bond.
"Coconut oil has the same calories as olive oil, but 1 tbsp provides 13g of saturated fat, compared with 2.1g in olive oil.
"A woman is recommended to have no more than 20g saturated fat in a day [and a man 30g], so that's a huge amount."
However, fans of coconut oil argue that most of its fats are a type known as medium-chain triglycerides, which the body burns off more quickly than other fats. In particular there is a lot of hype around lauric acid, a fat found in coconut, which is said to have cholesterol-lowering and immunity-boosting benefits.
The British Heart Foundation says there's not enough good quality research to provide a definitive answer on whether saturated fat from coconut oil is healthier. But Helen Bond recommends rapeseed oil, which also has a high smoke point but has more heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Full of calories
Though technically a fruit, nutritionally coconut is classified as a nut. And the flesh is high in fat. A 100g pack of coconut pieces contains a whopping 29.7g of saturated fat - more than you'd find in a 100g lump of Camembert cheese - and 354 calories.
"It's fibrous, and takes a while to eat, which slows down the eating process," says Helen.
"But you would be better having fruit or other nuts, which contain much healthier fats."
Tap water is better
Taken from young, green coconuts, coconut water has become popular because it's fat-free and naturally high in minerals, including potassium and magnesium, important for rehydration.
"It can be hydrating after exercise and while it's not zero calorie, like water is, it's much better than having a sugary soda or sports drink," says Helen Bond.
"You'll also get nearly two-thirds of your daily recommended vitamin C in a 150ml serving, with half the calories of a glass of cola - 45 calories compared with 105. A 250ml serving contains 12.5g of sugar, which is half the sugar of cola, and it's a natural sugar, too.
"While some say coconut water is more hydrating than water, the evidence doesn't support this."
Faddish flour
Coconut flour - made from ground, dried coconut flesh - doesn't come cheap. But it's been suggested as a gluten-free, wheat-free and grain-free alternative for baking.
It may also help avoid blood sugar spikes.
"One small study published in 2003 in the British Journal of Nutrition showed substituting wheat flour with coconut flour lowers the glycaemic index of the dish, meaning the sugars are released more slowly, which is beneficial to blood glucose levels," says Helen.
"And it's quite rich in fibre [36g per 100g, compared with 9g in wholemeal flour].
"But again, it is high in fat, particularly saturated fat, which you wouldn't expect in flour.
"It might appeal to those who are trying to exclude gluten from their diet, but given the fat content I'd keep it for occasional use."
Pricey yoghurt
Coconut yoghurt is made from milk squeezed from coconut flesh, sometimes with added probiotic "friendly" bacteria.
"It is an option for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk," says Helen Bond.
"However, I would advise caution because the saturated fat alarms me.
"One coconut yoghurt I looked at had 17g per 100g, which is almost the whole of a woman's recommended daily amount.
"It's low in sugar and okay for protein (100g of Coyo coconut yoghurt contains 3g, compared with 4.6g in Yeo Valley natural yoghurt).
"But it's expensive."
- Daily Mail
