In a world where "natural" seems like an elusive concept, with harmful fertilizers and artificial flavours permeating our food and beverages, the pursuit of a truly healthy diet becomes paramount for our physical well-being, mental state, and overall wellness. Recent research has highlighted the positive impact of caloric restriction and intermittent fasting on reducing depression and anxiety, while also cautioning against excessive caffeine consumption, which can worsen depression.
Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, one superfood emerged as a shining beacon of health - the versatile coconut. Celebrated for its ability to strengthen the immune system and aid in the recovery of diseases like Coronavirus, Dengue, and Malaria by boosting platelet counts, the coconut garnered immense popularity. From raw coconut and its water to coconut oil and desiccated forms, this tropical fruit offers a myriad of health benefits that protect us from illnesses and support our well-being.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the wonders of coconut, exploring its various types and origins, along with the nine incredible health benefits it offers. However, like any natural remedy, it also comes with some drawbacks that we must be aware of. Additionally, we will uncover the numerous advantages of coconut milk, not just for our health but also for our skin and hair. By the end, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge to embrace coconut as a powerful ally in your journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.
During COVID-19 Pandemic, the superfood "Coconut" gained so much popularity as it helps in recovering from Coronavirus by making our immune system stronger, and it also increases Platelets in the Blood helps in recovering from Dengue/Malaria
Case Study - Coconut and COVID-19: Philippines DOST-led study reveals virgin coconut oil reduces symptoms in suspected patients
Coconut is delicious in taste, and a very useful fruit and its benefits are innumerable, We use it in various ways such as:
- Raw Coconut
- Coconut Water
- Coconut Oil
- Desiccated/Powder Form of Coconut
- In Foods/Dishes
It provides a tremendous amount of health benefits, which is also helpful in protecting us from diseases, keep reading to know in detail.
CONTENTS
• What is Coconut?
• How many Types of Coconuts are there?
• 9 Health Benefits we get from Coconut
• 4 Drawbacks of Coconut
• 7 Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
• Conclusion
What exactly is a Coconut?
The Coconut tree is a member of the palm tree family and the only living species of the genus Cocos. (✅)
Coconut is one of the very famous and important fruits, it has a lot of importance in Hinduism as it is used in many religious activities. Hence, in ancient Sanskrit, it is called Kalpavriksha which refers to "The Tree of Heaven."
The place of origin of coconut is often called in Southeast Asia. The largest coconut field is planted in the continent of Asia in an area of 9 million hectares.
Top 3 Major Producers of Coconut in 2021 [ Source ✅ ] -
- 🇮🇩 - Indonesia - 17.13 Million Metric Tons
- 🇵🇠- Philippines - 14.77 Million Metric Tons
- 🇮🇳 - India - 14.68 Million Metric Tons
Types of Coconuts
There are up to 20 types of Coconuts found around the globe, of which three types are available in every continent and used in daily lifestyles. Here's the listing -
• Orange Dwarf Coconuts
• Green Dwarf
• Fiji Dwarf
• Malayalam Yellow Dwarfs Coconuts
• Golden Malay Coconut
• King Coconut
• Green Dwarf
• Maypan Coconut
• VHC1 Coconut
• Macapuno Coconut
• West Coast Tall Coconut
• East Coast Tall Coconut
Major Coconut Types -
- Tender coconut
This Coconut is green and raw in appearance, which is used especially for its water content as it has less pulp and more water.
- Ripe coconut
Raw green coconut is broken and kept like this for a few days, due to which its pulp increases and water is reduced, it is usually used in food and in religious works.
- Desiccated coconut
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Drying the ripe coconut for a long time dries out its water completely and this coconut becomes dry, usually, it is used in making sweets, cakes, biscuits, and other dishes.
Along with eating coconut and drinking its water, raw material is also obtained from it that helps in running the factories.
Benefits of Coconut
Heal nosebleeds
People who start bleeding from the nose very early in the summer should eat coconut regularly, for this, eat 25 grams of coconut on a hungry stomach for 7 days, it will stop bleeding.
In case of excess bleeding from the nose, mix sugar candy in coconut kernel and use it daily, it will stop bleeding from the nose quickly.
Cures Vomiting
If you are frequently vomiting, keep a piece of raw coconut in your mouth and keep chewing it for some time, it will provide instant relief.
Lose Weight
For those who have increased weight and want to reduce their weight, then eating coconut can help reduce weight.
Coconut is rich in fat, in fact, 80-90% of its content contains Saturated fats which are very beneficial for weight loss.
Cools down the body
Using raw coconut in the summer season removes the heat of the body and gives coolness.
Raw coconut supplies water to our body and keeps the body hydrated by removing the need for water, which gives relief to our body in the heat.
Mind Sharpener
If you want to sharpen your mind or of your children, then dry coconut should be used in your food.
Coconuts are rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, hence when it is used, it improves the functions of our brain and makes the brain healthy, sharp, and active.
Strengthens Immunity
It is very beneficial to consume coconut regularly to increase and strengthen your immunity power.
Anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antifungal elements are found in coconut, which strengthens our immunity, increases our ability to fight diseases and improve health.
Make Skin Healthy
If your skin is dry and there is any kind of scar on the skin, then it is beneficial to consume raw coconut to get rid of it.
Nutrients found in coconut nourish your skin, prevent dehydration, and keep the skin soft, shiny and healthy it also acts as an anti-ageing food.
Relieve Headache
People who often have headaches due to fatigue, tension, cold or weakness, such people should follow regular consumption of coconut, as it gives quick relief.
Make Eyes Healthy
Regular consumption of coconut enhances eyesight, as well as it also protects against diseases of the eyes.
Interesting Read - 8 Exercises to Improve Eyesight
Disadvantages of Coconut
The benefits of coconut are many, but sometimes coconut might leave some harmful effects. Let's know what are the disadvantages of eating coconut.
• People who are allergic very quickly, such people should strictly consume coconut in small quantities, otherwise it can also cause harm.
• Consuming too much coconut can cause problems like abdominal pain or cramps.
• Excessive consumption of Coconut can also cause digestive problems.
• Pregnant women must consult their gynaecologist before consuming coconut.
7 Benefits of Coconut Milk
Nutrient-rich coconut milk is extremely beneficial for health, skin and hair. The milk which is not extracted by tightening the coconut is called coconut milk. Coconut milk is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B6, besides iron, selenium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Coconut milk is a great option for people who are allergic to milk. Apart from being tasty to drink, it is also beneficial for health, skin and hair.
Coconut milk for Heart
It contains saturated fat, which can lower bad cholesterol levels as compared to butter and dairy cream. The lauric acid found in it increases the good cholesterol HDL. In this way, it works to keep the heart healthy by controlling bad cholesterol. Being rich in magnesium, it helps to calm the nerves and maintain normal blood pressure.
Coconut milk for weight loss
It contains special types of fatty acids, which reduce weight. Due to the fibre in it, one does not feel hungry quickly. Drinking it regularly helps in reducing weight. According to studies, Being overweight increases the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes manifold.
Cycling for Weight Loss?
Maintain Balance
Coconut has anti-diabetic properties. According to studies, it can help reduce the increased glucose and insulin levels in the blood, so it can be said that drinking it keeps it under control.
Protection against coconut milk infection
Coconut milk is rich in anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, which are capable of combating many diseases. It contains lauric acid, which is converted in the body into a useful compound called monolaurin. It protects against many diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
If there is a problem with a Stomach ulcer, drinking coconut milk instead of coconut water reduces the size of the ulcer. According to an NCBI report, 2ML per day can reduce the size of ulcers by 54 per cent. Drinking coconut milk is beneficial in case of mouth ulcers.
Coconut Milk for Joints and Bones
The swelling of joints is reduced by drinking coconut milk as it is rich in selenium. Bones also remain strong due to being an excellent source of phosphorus.
Coconut milk for skin
Coconut milk is an excellent moisturizer. It can be used to make the skin moist and soft. Apply it on dry skin and after 30 minutes wash it off with water.
• In case of sunburn, apply this milk to the affected area while sleeping at night and wash it with clean water after waking up in the morning. Due to the fat and oil present in this milk, the redness caused by sunburns gets reduced and the moisture of the skin comes back. It also provides relief from burning and pain due to sunburn.
• Nutrients like copper and vitamin C present in coconut milk maintain the elasticity of the skin and blood vessels, which slows down the ageing process and makes the skin appear younger.
• Coconut milk can be used as a natural makeup remover. Mix coconut oil and coconut milk in a ratio of 1:2. This is a great way to remove makeup around the most sensitive part of the face.
For Hairs
A lack of minerals like iron and zinc can lead to hair fall. For their fulfilment, by applying coconut milk on the head, massaging it from the hair too as far as the nutrients are available. Shampoo your hair after 10 minutes of massaging. This stops hair fall and makes hair longer. Drinking coconut milk reduces the problem of hair fall.
• It also acts as a natural hair conditioner.
Conclusion
If you read in detail about coconut and know how beneficial coconut is for our health, then it is the right time to include coconut in your diet now. No matter whether you use raw coconut, coconut water, or coconut milk, it will improve your health and protects you from various Diseases.
