Coconut Benefits

Coconuts do not receive the attention they deserve. Despite the efforts of several academics such as Mary Enig and Jon J. Kabara the mainstream of scientific opinion in North America and Europe refuse to recognize the many benefits of coconuts. People in India, Africa, the South Pacific, Southern Asia and the Caribbean have known for many generations just how important the coconut is for health and beauty. Indeed the Sanskrit name for the coconut is ‘the tree that provides everything for life’.

Young green coconuts hold coconut water. This water is unusual in that it is a match for blood plasma, and can be used for emergency blood transfusions. Coconut water also contains high levels of electrolytes that make it an effective and low sugar isotonic drink. Coconut water also helps to detox the intestinal tract and has been known to bring relief for urethral and kidney stones.

Older coconuts contain a white meat. This meat can wringed out to release coconut oil and coconut milk. Both these coconut products contain mostly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are much better for humans (and dogs) than the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in soy, sunflower and vegetable oils. This means coconut oil and coconut milk are less fattening than other oils.

Another advantage of coconut milk and coconut oil is that they contain lauric acid in significant amounts. This is also found in breast milk and is a known antimicrobial agent that protects the body from disease and also boosts the immunity system. Many people who regular take coconut oil or milk never catch colds. It has also been shown to lower rates of cancer and heart disease.

An important benefit of coconuts is that they provide good alternatives for people with food allergies. For those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance coconut flour is ideal as it can be used to make cakes and bread. For those with lactose intolerance coconut milk is a great alternative that contains lots of minerals and vitamins needed for health.

Women around the world have used coconut oil as a moisturizer and hair conditioner for centuries. Coconut oil is rich in anti-oxidants that stop free radicals forming and causing the signs of aging. For hair, coconut oil restores the balance of natural oils and gives hair a natural luster.

The sooner the Western world frees its academia from the agribusiness sector and looks to promote healthier foods such as coconuts the better we will all be.

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