The coconut is vital to many communities around the world. It is a staple food and it is a primary source of income for many communities in developing nations. For people living on isolated islands coconut plantations and fishing were the only means of survival before the advent of mass tourism. For millions of people the coconut represents food, money, building material and medicine. In some cultures the coconut palm is venerated as a religious symbol. For those people who live in an area where the coconut doesn’t grow naturally this post will attempt to explain the many ways the coconut can be used.
Coconut water
Coconut water is taken from young coconuts. It is a clear liquid with a slightly tangy taste. Coconut water is remarkable in that it has a higher concentration of electrolytes necessary for rehydration such as magnesium and potassium than any sports drink. Sports stars and Hollywood celebrities are among the many advocates of drinking coconut water.
Another incredible thing about coconut water is that it is an exact match with blood plasma. Many lives have been saved with emergency IV infusions of coconut water straight from the coconut (coconut water is naturally sterile).
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil comes from mature coconuts. It is important to distinguish between virgin coconut oil that is taken from the first pressing of coconut meat and RBD coconut oil that is made from coconut copra in an industrial process that contaminates the oil. Coconut oil is high in medium chain fatty acids and is free of dangerous trans fats. Including coconut oil in the diet helps to improve the metabolism and helps with weight loss.
Coconut oil also contains lauric acid. This is the antimicrobial agent found in mother’s breast milk and helps to protect the body from disease. Research has shown that regularly taking coconut oil can reduce the likelihood of developing cancer and heart disease.
It is not only humans that can benefit from coconut oil. Giving your dog coconut oil helps the canine to stay healthy and helps to give the animal a shiny coat.
In many parts of the world coconut oil is used as a beauty product. It helps to moisturize the skin. Coconut oil contains antioxidants that stop the formation of free radicals that cause the signs of aging.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contains 17% fat. As a result all the health benefits found in coconut oil are also present in coconut milk. The great thing about coconut milk is that it is free of lactose. It makes an ideal substitute for cows’ milk as it is rich in minerals such as calcium and vitamins such as vitamin E.
Coconut milk is used in many dishes around the world. It has a rich taste that is great in curries and soups as well as in desserts.
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is made from coconut meat that is dried and defatted. It is flour that is high in dietary fiber. It is relatively high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Using coconut flour instead of wheat flour helps to reduce calories in cakes and breads.
Although coconut flour is a good source of protein it doesn’t contain any of the protein known as gluten. This means coconut flour is an ideal food product for people who have gluten intolerance.
Coconut flour can be used to make cakes and short breads. It can also be added to smoothies to make protein drinks.
Coconut Palm
The coconut palm is not a tree yet the timber from the plant is as hard as many hardwoods. In just 6 or 7 years the coconut palm reaches maturity and starts producing coconuts. This makes the coconut a valuable renewable resource. Since the coconut is naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal the plant can grow without any need for pesticides or fertilizers. Anything that is made from wood can be made just as well from coconut timber. One example is coconut flooring: it looks like hardwood flooring: it is just as hard and durable as hardwood flooring and does not contribute to deforestation.
Conclusion
The translation of the Sanskrit for coconut is ‘the tree that gives everything necessary for life’. Without the benefit of modern science the ancient Indians were remarkably accurate in their estimation of the value of the coconut. If you had to choose one plant on which to depend for food, medicine, fuel and building material there are few candidates that can match the credentials of the coconut.