In mythology and many religious traditions there is a belief in a Tree of Life that is said to have healing powers and perhaps even the power to confer eternal life. Many nutritionists today think they have actually found something close to this long sought after Holy Grail of health. Would you be shocked to find out it’s the lowly coconut?
First let me share with you some interesting trivia.
- Loosely speaking a coconut is a fruit, a nut, and a seed. In fact it is the largest known seed in the world.
- You are ten times more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than by a shark attack.
- It got the name “coco” from early Spanish seafarers that noticed one end looked like a monkey’s face. The designation of “nut” was added by the English later.
- Nearly 1/3 of the world’s population depends on the coconut to some degree for food or as part of their economy.
- Over 100 products are made from coconut, from art to clothes to auto parts, and who can forget the coconut bikini tops in the movie South Pacific?
- During World War II and the Vietnam War, when blood plasma was in short supply, they used coconut water as a substitute for transfusions, which saved many lives.
One cup of coconut flesh has approximately 280 calories. It is almost a complete food by itself with generous amounts of fiber, protein, magnesium, manganese, natural sugars, iron, potassium, vitamin C, B complex vitamins, four different growth hormones, medium chain triglycerides, and antioxidants, just to name a few. This amazing health cocktail helps lower cholesterol, stabilize blood glucose, regulate hormones, turn-up your metabolism, increase thyroid function, and actually aids in the absorption of other vitamins and minerals
Do you want more energy? Do you need greater mental focus? Forget the caffeine and the expensive little bottles that are supposed to keep you going for 5 hours; hit the coconut instead. The fatty acids in coconut are quickly converted to energy that is sustained for an extended period of time. The claims of improved athletic performance and endurance are supported by a number of recent research studies. Coconut water is also a superior re-hydrator. It has the highest concentration of electrolytes available in nature. So forget the sports drink and grab a coconut.
Coconuts are one of nature’s best natural antimicrobial agents. They are antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic. They not only kill bacteria and fight all kinds of infections, but are effective in combating candida and even show promise with HIV/AIDS. Next time you have a cold, flu, or congestion, instead grabbing some drug store medication that simply masks symptoms, break out the coconut oil.
There is magic in the coconut when it comes to your skin. Coconut oil offers some protection from the sun’s UV rays, as well as being one of the most effective moisturizing agents available at any price. Do you have wrinkles, stretch marks, or age spots? Slap on the coconut oil and wait for the compliments.
Many nutritional experts call coconut “the healthiest oil on earth.” It is considered better, safer, and superior for cooking than even extra virgin olive oil. It does not form trans fats, carcinogens, and oxidized molecules, which clog our arteries, when heated like most other oils.
I’ve only scratched the surface on the benefits of this amazing fruit, nut, and seed. It also has benefits for everything from allergies to weight loss, and from indigestion to fibromyalgia. Lately it is being hailed as a super everything, from superfood to super beauty aid. We've even listed 50 of the best uses for coconut oil! Coconut in all its forms is best consumed in its unprocessed, unrefined, virgin state. So, for health’s sake, go coco for coconuts!
