Coconut is one of the more famous fruits. A palm tree  a few coconuts and you are already transported to an exotic sandy beach with clear blue water. But coconut is also a nutritious source of meat, juice and milk for many cultures around the world and on top of that it provides many health benefits. But first a few interesting facts…

Things You Did Not Know About Coconuts

The word coconut comes from the term “cocos nucifera.” Coco means “monkey face,” and refers to the three eyes or depressions on the hairy nut which resemble the head of a monkey. Nucifera means “nut-bearing.”

The coconut grows on coconut palm trees in coastal beach areas near the equator including Brazil, New Guinea, Thailand, Hawaii, the Philippines, and many other countries. They are grown in more than 80 countries around the world.

Even though it is called a “coconut,” the coconut is not a nut, it is a drupe, which is a fleshy fruit enclosing a hard-shelled stone or seed and is composed of an outer, middle, and inner layer, while a nut is a dry fruit consisting of a kernel or seed enclosed in a woody shell.

After a coconut palm tree has been planted, it takes seven years before it will produce coconuts.

Approximately one-third of the world’s population is dependent on the coconut in some degree for their food and economy.

The coconut has been used as part of traditional and folk medicine by people around the globe for thousands of years. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat: asthma, bronchitis, colds, constipation, coughs, flu, gonorrhea, pneumonia, sore throat, tuberculosis, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, wounds, and several other maladies.

In the Pacific Islands, the coconut palm tree is called the “Tree of Life” because it holds so much value as a source of both food and medicine.

In Thailand and Malaysia, schools exist to train pig-tailed macaques (monkeys) to harvest coconuts. There are even annual competitions held to find the fastest harvester.

In Maldives, the coconut is the national tree and considered to be the most important plant in the country. The country’s national emblem and coat of arms features the coconut tree.

Coconut, a super food?

Coconut oil is called “the healthiest oil on earth” because it contains lauric acid. The lauric acid is converted by the body into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoal properties. Thus, the coconut is very effective in supporting the immune system.

Coconut also contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which are a healthy form of fat. It is believed that coconut is “nature’s richest source of MCTs.” Even though these MCTs are a form of saturated fat, they are easily digestible, which makes them ideal for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.

It is also believed that these MCTs may boost the levels of thyroid hormones, which are essential to metabolism, converting calories quickly into energy, burning fat more effectively, and increasing energy levels.

Coconut oil is also thought to have the ability to slow down the effects of Alzehimer’s disease. This is due to the fact that it contains saturated fat, which provides the brain with ketones, an alternate energy source. Ketones are high energy fuels that nourish the brain. After consumption of coconut oil, the medium chain fatty acids (MCTs) are converted by the liver into these ketones.

Health benefits of the coconut

1. It improves heart health.
2. It supports the immune system.
3. It protects against cancers, HIV and other infections.
4. It aids with upper and lower GI tract problems.
5. It strengthens the liver.
6. It reduces the incidence of epileptic seizures.
7. It eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.
8. It deals with symptoms connected with prostate enlargement.
9. It promotes bone health.
10. It prevents osteoporosis and reduces joint and muscle inflammation.
11. It increases metabolism.
12. It helps treat diabetes.
13. It improves cholesterol level.
14. It may slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s.

Other benefits

1. Nutritional source of quick energy
2. Excellent hair conditioner and offers dandruff relief
3. Superb skin conditioner
4. Protects the skin from the sun
5. Anti-aging moisturizer
6. Coconut water has more potassium than most fruit juices, with enough potassium to aid in the correction of blood pressure-boosting effects of sodium
7. Coconut water is healthier than fruit juice with half the calories
8. Helps to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease
9. Prevents wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin

How Much Coconut Oil A Day?

An adult should consume around 3 1/2 tbsp. of coconut oil daily. If you’re not used to having coconut in your diet, you should start out with a lesser amount to see how your body reacts. There are no known side effects, but if you’re used to a diet that’s low in fat, you might have diarrhea as an adverse reaction. Therefore, it’s best to spread the recommended amount over the course of a day gradually to see how it affects you. If you’re pregnant and used to a low-fat diet, it’s recommended that you not add coconut oil to your diet.

Coconut Fruit Smoothie

Servings: 1
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• 1 cup coconut milk or regular whole milk
• 1/2-1 whole banana
• 1/4 cup frozen fruit: berries, peaches, etc.
• 2 tablespoons fresh ground flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons fresh ground nuts: almonds, pecans, etc
• 1 tablespoon dry coconut (flakes, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Place all ingredients except coconut oil in blender and blend. Slowly pour coconut oil into blender while blending. Blend until smooth and serve.