Secrets of the Coconut
The Coconut palm is one of the most exceptional trees in the world. It feels best in the tropics, where it lives up to 100 years, reaching a height of 20-30 meters. It matures at the age of 4-5 years and gives 50-75 nuts per year. It was calculated that there are nearly 360 uses for the tree, of which more than half relates to food - no other tree or plant in the world has served humans in so many ways. Every part of the Coconut tree is useful - from the roots, through the trunk, leaves, husks, fruit, water, juice, oil and meat. With this multi-functionality it provides not only very healthy and valuable food for millions of people, but also serves in cosmetics, medicine and for producing a variety of supplies, furnishing and tools. Coconut palms are grown in more than 80 countries around the world, but as many as 85% of the world coconut harvest comes from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Filipinos and other inhabitants of the islands in the Pacific believe that Coconuts are the cure for all diseases and the Coconut palm is referred as the tree of life. In India it is called "vrksa kalpa" that is the tree that provides everything that is necessary for life. Already in ancient India, the Coconut palm fruits were considered to be the best antiviral remedy with antifungal, antibacterial and immunity increasing properties. However, only recent studies fully discovered the enormous health benefits that Coconuts can offer.
The Coconut is considered to be one of the most valuable foods of all time. And regardless of whether referred to fresh coconut meat, water, milk or coconut oil - each product is a tasty and extremely nutritious source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber.
The Coconut contains a lot of calcium, potassium, magnesium and other valuable electrolytes. It has no gluten, it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. It also delivers an impressive amount of beneficial fiber - even 61g per 100g of product (including up 55g of insoluble fiber) – that is so much more than any other "best" fiber sources such as grains, psyllium, flaxseed, wheat bran, oat or rice. Included in the most food digestible carbohydrates (soluble fiber) are starch and sugar, so they are a source of extra calories to the body, carbohydrates indigestible (insoluble fiber) - do not contain any calories.
Since the body can not digest coconut fiber, it does not receive any calories, and its consumption has no effect on blood glucose level. Coconut fiber - especially this consumed in the form of coconut flour - relieves intestinal disorders and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, ideally improves digestion, cleanses the body of toxins and unwanted metabolic waste and in that effectively supports the beneficial body absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
The Coconut meat contains 70% fat, 14% carbohydrate and 7% protein. Nearly 90% of these fats are saturated fatty acids. That's why for over 50 years the Coconut and oil extracted from it were condemned by nutritionists, who believed that these fats are responsible for high levels of blood cholesterol and to lower its level, only unsaturated fatty acids should be consumed. Recent studies have shown, however, that in the construction of fat not only the number of bonds is important, but also the length of the molecules.
Coconut oil - in contrast to most oils and fats in our diet, which contain 18 carbon atoms, which are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) - contains only 8-12 carbon atoms, which is made of medium-chain fatty acids (MCT). These acids, thanks to a simpler design, are easily digested and burned by the body simply quicker - so they do not accumulate as body fat or harmful cholesterol deposits, but provide the body with plenty of energy. Thanks to its unique properties, MCT allow the fast lose of weight and helps reduce the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Half of the content of Coconut oil is lauric acid that supports the immune system and has a very strong antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This natural chemical is also found in breast milk (about 6%), to serve the strengthening of the immune system of the baby. Lauric acid together with natural antioxidants contained in coconut oil also works fantastically on the skin - slows down the aging process and makes it becomes firm and elastic. It is also an invaluable cosmetic for hair - as the only oil that protects the hair from losing protein, it strengthens the hair structure, moisturizes and restores its glow and healthy look.
A no less valuable product of the Coconut is Coconut water. For many months, it is filtered inside the nut. This makes it completely clean and sterile, extremely rich in potassium, calcium and chloride, and its composition is very similar to blood plasma - if necessary, it can even be used for transfusions. Coconut water has a higher concentration of electrolytes than anything else in nature - that makes it an excellent source of hydration and energy.
From Coconut meat Coconut milk can be also made - distinct with an intense coconut scent and velvety texture. And so as any product from coconut walnuts - contains an incredible amount of its secrets and valuable sustenance to our health.
All Articles
