COCONUT
The wonder plant
By
Obasi Kelechi
Refreshing coconut.
INTRODUCTION
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The term "coconut" (or the archaic "cocoanut") can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit.
The name comes from the old Portuguese word "coco",meaning "head" or "skull"; after the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features. They are ubiquitous in coastal tropical regions and are a cultural icon of the tropics.
First, what is coconut considered? A fruit? A nut? To make things more confusing, coconut can be a fruit, a nut, and a seed.
Technically it’s a fibrous one-seeded drupe; which consists of the hard exterior known as the exocarp, right past that layer is the husk (it looks brown and hairy), called the mesocarp. Inside that is the endocarp, which is the outside of the seed. Open up the seed and you will get to the white layer of coconut “meat” and liquid.
Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). It's used for its water, milk, oil, and tasty meat. Coconuts have been grown in tropical regions for more than 4,500 years but recently increased in popularity for their flavor, culinary uses, and potential health benefits.
Coconuts are a versatile food commodity. They are being used in everything from our daily cuisine to our beauty regimens.
Coconuts are highly nutritious, rich in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. From culinary creations to beauty potions, coconuts pack a good punch.
It has been dubbed,one of the most useful trees in the world and is often referred to as the "tree of life". It provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses. The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits because their endosperm contains a large quantity of clear liquid, called coconut water or coconut juice.
Mature, ripe coconuts can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oil and plant milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking (frying in particular) as well as in soaps and cosmetics. Sweet coconut sap can be made into drinks or fermented into palm wine or coconut vinegar. The hard shells, fibrous husks and long pinnate leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decoration.
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It has been dubbed, one of the most useful trees in the world and is often referred to as the "tree of life". It provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses.
-Obasi Kelechi.
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The coconut palm is grown throughout the tropics for decoration, as well as for it's culinary and nonculinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm can be used by humans in some manner and has significant economic value.
The coconut has cultural and religious significance in certain societies, particularly in the Western Pacific Austronesian cultures where it features in the mythologies, songs, and oral traditions.
It has also acquired religious significance in South Asian cultures, where it is used in Hindu rituals. It forms the basis of wedding and worship rituals in Hinduism. It also plays a central role in the Coconut Religion of Vietnam. The falling nature of the mature fruit has led to preoccupation with death by coconut.
Coconut can be taken as food or used as medicine; Coconut is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in food amounts. Coconut is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as medicine. In some adults and children, eating coconuts might cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include skin rashes and difficulty in breathing.
Coconut is generally regarded as a source of healthy fat. The meat contains protein and fiber, as well as some essential minerals such as: Iron, Manganese, rich in fiber and MCTs, it may offer a number of benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and digestion. Yet, it's high in calories and saturated fat, so you should eat it in moderation. Overall, unsweetened coconut meat makes a great addition to a balanced diet.
TYPES OF COCONUT PRODUCTS
• The raw white meat inside a coconut is referred to as the kernel. It has a firm texture and delicious, slightly sweet flavor.
If you have a whole coconut, you can scrape the raw meat out of the shell and eat it. In its processed form, you will usually find it sliced, shaved, or grated.
• Coconut milk and cream are made by pressing the raw, grated meat.
• Dried coconut meat is usually grated or shaved and used in cooking or baking. It can be further processed and ground into flour.
• Coconut oil is also extracted from the meat.
Coconut meat is tasty and slightly sweet, and you can enjoy it raw or dried. Many related products are produced from it, including coconut milk, cream, and oil.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT
From lowering blood sugar levels to preventing urinary tract infections, here are the various benefits of coconut.
# Contains powerful antioxidants.
Coconut meat contains phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that may help protect cells from oxidative damage. The main phenolic compounds identified include:-
• Gallic acid
• Caffeic acid
• Salicylic acid
• P-coumaric acid
Coconuts contain polyphenol antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage, which may reduce your disease risk.
# Highly nutritious
Unlike many other fruits that are high in carbs, coconuts provide mostly fat.
Although coconut meat is high in fat, the MCTs it contains may help you lose excess body fat. The meat also provides carbs and protein along with many essential minerals, such as manganese, copper, iron, and selenium.
# Supports immune system health: it is anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasite.
# Provides a natural source of quick energy and enhances physical and athletic performance.
# Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
# Improves insulin secretion and symptoms associated with diabetes.
# Helps protect the body from cancers through insulin reduction and removal of free radicals that cause premature aging and degenerative disease.
# Reduces the risk of heart disease and improves good cholesterol (HDL).
Eating coconut may improve cholesterol levels and help decrease belly fat, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
# Restores and supports thyroid function.
# Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infection.
# Helps keep hair and skin healthy, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and provides sun protection.
# Promotes blood sugar control.
Coconut is low in carbs and high in fiber and fat, so it may help stabilize your blood sugar.
Coconut is low in carbs and rich in amino acids, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a great choice for blood sugar control.
# Easy to add to your diet.
Coconut is versatile in the kitchen and works well in both sweet and savory foods. It’s a great choice for those on low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, or nut-free diets.
Coconut oil extract
NOTE:
Increases Blood Cholesterol Levels: Eating too many coconuts can also be very harmful to our heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke and irregular heartbeat.
Additionally, some people are allergic to coconuts, though this is rare. If you have this allergy, you should avoid consuming all coconut-derived products.
CONCLUSION.
Coconut is high in calories, so if you’re watching your weight, keep your portions small. Check with your healthcare provider about eating it if you have very high cholesterol or at risk of heart diseases.
Stomach aches after eating coconut could be a sign of fructose intolerance, a condition where your body doesn't properly break down fructose (the naturally-occurring sugar in fruits, some vegetables and honey). Symptoms of fructose intolerance include diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain.
Do you want to become a vegetarian or a vegan? Eating coconut can help you!
You can make many things with coconut, most of all it contains moderate protein.
Eat healthy, stay safe.
DISCLAIMER
This post is for enlightenment and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical diagnosis and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions for any medical condition.
Obasi Kelechi.
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