Coconut palms are palm trees usually found in America, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The fruit of coconut palm is called coconut.
In India, coconut palm is called “kalpa vriksha” which means “the tree which provides all the necessities of life.” It is very true and can be called tree of life.
Coconuts have amazing health benefits. These have zero starch and therefore excellent source of protein and natural fiber. They are rich in choline, which is vitamin like nutrient important for brain development.
Coconut oil is extracted from coconut by pressing the flesh of coconut. It has magical benefits. It de-ages and beautifies our skin. Women use in makeup as base and also as skin and hair conditioner. When it is hot, it helps to cure damaged and dry hair.
Coconut oil is found in every kitchen and is used as cooking oil. It slows down the digestion of food and you feel full after you eat food cooked in coconut oil.
It is also helpful for people who have diabetics and are trying to lose weight. It regulates the blood sugar levels. It helps to cure thyroid disease and hormonal control in women who have problems associated with menopause. It fights infections by supporting your immune system.
Coconuts are rich in unique fats that you'll find in less than a half-dozen foods anywhere in the world. They’re called medium chain fatty acids (or medium-chain triglycerides — MCTs).
These fats,capric acid and lauric acid are very rare. They are only found in human breast milk, the milk of cows and goats, and coconut and palm kernel oil. These fats have great brain benefits, and are also among the heart-healthiest fats you can get from any food. MCTs strengthen your skin and reinforce your immunity to fight contamination from bacteria and viruses. According to one study, these fats also have the potential to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Cosmetic companies are using coconut oil to prepare an effective moisturizer and skin softener. MCTs in coconut oil strengthen your defensive skin barrier and increase the proteins that hold onto water and also help to maintain your skin’s pH balance. It helps to prevent wrinkles from forming and will help to dissolve wrinkles that are already present. Coconut oil also protects against overexposure to the sun and therefore used as sunblock lotion.
In Sri Lanka, about 50% of calories from the typical diet come from coconut oil. Heart disease in Bali, is almost non-existent because of regular use of coconut oil as cooking oil.
Coconuts do have lots of minerals. One cup of coconut has a good amount of iron, zinc, copper, selenium and potassium. They don’t have lot of vitamins. One cup contains only 0.2mg of vitamins.
Coconut water is full of energizing benefits. Coconut water is extracted from young green coconuts. Within five minutes of drinking, you’ll feel a burst of energy, have clearness of mind and a sense of happiness. It also helps to boost thyroid function and boosts metabolism. It is also full with magnesium and potassium. Coconut water is cleaner than most of the water. It is safer to drink this water during travelling than other local water. It is also used as emergency IV fluid during surgery.
There are also many uses of coconut. Coconut water is good for almost any kind of troubled stomach. In Bali, Pregnant women use it to cure even the worst morning sickness. Coconut leaves are burnt to cure cold sores. Its wood is used in building.
When you’re in search of coconut oil, try to find raw oil such as virgin coconut oil. In the markets, most oils are refined, bleached and deodorized (RDB) and are processed with chemicals. Eating raw coconut is a great way to get protein, natural fiber and healthy fats.