Though the origin of coconut is unknown, but this fruit is consumed in multiple forms. You can eat it raw, drink its delicious water, and use its oil for cooking or cosmetic purposes. The fruit is originally found in South Asia and South America, but it is now cultivated in almost every tropical region in the world. Coconut is a dry nut, with multiple layers, with brown husk as its outermost portion, which is also called as coir. The second portion is called as endocarp, which contains refreshing coconut water.
A famous agroforestry expert in Hawaii says: "The amazing thing about the coconut palm is that it provides almost all the necessities of life: food, drink, oil, medicine, fiber, timber, thatch, mats, fuel, and domestic utensils, as well as serving important environmental services such as soil erosion control in coastal regions, wind protection and shade for other crops."
Coconut
Coconut fruit has been referred as kalpa vriksha in Sanskrit, which means the "tree which gives all that is necessary for living." Many ancient communities living in tropical areas have been using virgin coconut oil as an important source for health and food. Many new studies reiterate this traditional belief that the coconut palm is "The Tree of Life." This is because organic virgin coconut oil can cure several modern-day ailments and unhealthy dietary habits.
There are many benefits of including coconut in your daily health regime. Our body converts lauric acid present in coconut into monolaurin, which helps in combating with various diseases including herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, and even HIV. With regular use of coconut, your body is well-protected against harmful bacteria including listeria monocytogenes too.
Cooking foods in coconut oil helps you promote healthy thyroid function. Remember, a healthy thyroid is essential if you want to keep your metabolism above normal. With regular use of coconut oil or coconut products helps you lose weight rapidly, raise your energy level, and also enhance your metabolism.
Here are some tips to include coconut products in your diet chart:
o Try frying meat or eggs in coconut oil.
o Add coconut milk to curry to enhance its flavor and texture
o Mix some coconut milk or oil in your milk shake
o Add some coconut milk in your yoghurt or sprinkle it on berries
o Add few drops of coconut oil to your coffee or tea
Sandra Rathbun is a health and nutrition expert, who also owns a blog on fruits and their benefits. She regularly writes articles on acai berries and blue berries.