Coconuts – How You Can Benefit from Them

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History

Coconut (Cocus nocifera) has been known and cultivated in India for over three thousand years and has a very special significance in the Hindu tradition. In Sanskrit, it is known as Kalpa Vriksha, which means “the tree which provides all the necessities of life” or “wish-fulfilling tree” due to its many uses in rituals, festivals, medicine and cooking. The coconut is an auspicious symbol representing health and prosperity.

Uses

Every part of the tree from the trunk to the leaves, fruit, husk, etc. is used in innumerable ways. The husk can be used to make ropes, yarn, mulch, brushes and compost. The palm leaves are used to thatch roofs and for mats to sit or sleep on. Its branches are used to make brooms and shore up the structure of houses. The coconut shell is used as material to make cups, spoons and ladles.

The tender, white meat of the fruit can be eaten raw, or used in curries, chutneys and desserts. It is also grated, dried and ground up to make coconut flakes and coconut flour for baking. Coconut milk is extracted from the pulp and is used to thicken sauces and curries.

Coconut oil is then extracted from the milk, which is used in health products for hair and skin care and is also one of the healthiest cooking oils available. It can be used to boost the immune system, treat digestive problems, kill viruses, bacteria and fungi. Coconut water is a very refreshing drink, packed with simple sugar, electrolytes and minerals to replenish hydration levels in the body. It is composed of naturally occurring bio-active enzymes, which aid in digestion and metabolism. It is an excellent source of electrolytes which maintain proper function of your nerves, heart, and other muscles. Its water is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin. It contains large amount of fiber, which helps with digestion and the elimination of waste.

Acne Treatment

Acne can be treated with a mixture of 25 grams of paste of turmeric with a glass of coconut water. Leave for the night, then add 3 teaspoons of red sandalwood powder. Stir all these ingredients until smooth, then store again undisturbed for 3 days. Strain this mixture with three layers of gauze. Save this juice in a bottle, and apply to face twice a day until the acne disappears.

Treatment for Infection

Fill a sterilized eyedropper with organic, extra virgin coconut oil and put several drops into your ear canal to help soothe an ear infection. Lie still for several minutes to allow the oil to travel into the canal.

Apply a coconut oil-based moisturizer to the skin following your bath or shower. The fatty acids in coconut oil help to re-establish the skin’s acidic balance and speed the healing of inflammation and infection.

Coconut is an extremely versatile fruit that deserves an addition to one’s daily diet not only for the nutritional benefits but also as a disease preventive and curative.