The humble coconut has gained a lot of popularity lately. For many of us it
was once just a symbol of tropical island holidays, but you would have to be
living under a rock to not to know about at least a few of its amazing
health benefits nowadays. This nifty nut, which is in technically not a nut but a drupe, is extremely versatile and brimming beneficial attributes. Let's take a deeper look.
HISTORY
Coconuts have been around for a long time, fossils have been
found dating potentially as far back as 55 million years. Cocos nucifera, the official name of our
favourite palm tree, is thought to have originated in Malaysia but researchers
can not say for certain because it has been used and spread by seafarers for as
long as anyone can remember. If there is
one thing you want to have with you on a long sea journey it would be a lovely
bunch of coconuts. Not only because they
keep fresh for a conveniently long time but also because they are immensely
nutritious. Cultures native to the
tropics have been using coconut in its various forms for centuries as a
culinary staple, for skin and hair care, for medicinal treatment, for carving
utensils and even as a bio fuel.
The European origin of the name "coconut" is said to stem from the Portuguese and
Spanish word coco, meaning “grinning
face” which is in reference to the face like appearance of the coconut. But in Sanskrit the coconut is named “kalpa vriksha” which means "the tree which provides all the necessities
of life". In Malay it is named as "pokok seribu guna”, meaning, "the tree of a thousand uses" and in the Philippines it is
even referred to as the "tree of
life". This is not surprising
considering the myriad of uses the nifty coconut can boast.
FORMS
Coconuts trees are very productive and can bloom up to
thirteen times a year. One full-blossomed tree may produce 60-180 coconuts in a
single harvest!
The FRESH COCONUT FLESH
can be juicy and tender, or slightly thick and crunchy, to tough and fibrous
depending on its age. Fresh coconut
flesh tastes great as a treat on its own or when added to smoothies, salads or
chutneys.
The flesh can be chopped or shredded and then dried to
convert it into DESICCATED COCONUT
and COCONUT CHIPS. These make a great addition to cakes, cookies
and muffins and works nicely when sprinkled onto muesli.
Young green coconuts have less flesh and a generous amount
of COCONUT WATER instead. This potassium
rich liquid is often promoted as a natural energy drink due to its mineral
content. Coconut water certainly makes a
refreshing drink both after a workout and in between cocktails on tropical beach
holidays. However, some of the more pumped
up health claims have been the subject of criticism for being scientifically unfounded
or over exaggerated, particularly when the water is not fresh out of a coconut but
rather served in commercial packaging branded by Coca-Cola and promoted by
celebrities like Madonna.
COCONUT MILK is
produced by grating or pressing coconut flesh and draining the liquid from
it. This milk is a favourite Southeast
Asian and Caribbean cuisine appearing in curries, sauces and drinks. It makes a great diary milk substitute and
has a myriad of uses.
Various extraction methods are used to create COCONUT OIL of several types. Refined
coconut oil, also known as copra, is
made from dried coconut flesh which has been bleached and treated with high
temperatures and often with various chemicals to remove its flavour and smell
and to extend its shelf life. Unrefined coconut oil, often referred
to as pure or virgin coconut oil, is extracted from raw fresh flesh either via
quick-dry method or through a wet-mill process, both of which do not require additives or
bleaching and retain the coconut flavor and nutrients because it is not exposed
to high temperatures or chemicals.
Somewhat similar to coconut oil, but not as often heard about, is COCONUT BUTTER. Coconut oil is pure extracted fat whereas
coconut butter contains some of the pureed flesh. The two hold similar nutritional
characteristics, with coconut butter boasting additional fiber as well as
a little potassium, magnesium, and iron. As you would imagine, it is considerably
thicker than its oil counterpart which means it can’t always be used in the
same way. If you’re a coconut junkie
like myself you might enjoy it as a spread on some tasty sourdough toast.
COCONUT FLOUR is
made from fresh coconut meat that has been dried and defatted and then finely
ground into a powder. It fairly alike in
consistency to regular flour and can be substituted as a low-carb, high-fibre,
gluten-free alternative to wheat flour for baking and cooking.
COCONUT SUGAR
differs to the previous forms because it is not produced from the nut, it is
actually made from the sap. It is very
similar to regular palm sugar except that it is drained from the flower buds of
the tree rather than the stem. Coconut
sugar has a subtle sweetness with a caramel like flavour like brown sugar. It has a notably higher mineral content,
being a rich source of potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron as well as B Vitamins
and a somewhat lower glycemic index than most sugars.
The outer brown husk of the coconut can also be utilised to
produce COCONUT CHARCOAL which is
the latest craze in detoxifying body cleanses.
It can be used both internally and externally and is thought to help
eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the body.
HEALTH BENEFITS & USES
The coconut is well-known for its many nutritional and medicinal
benefits. All of the forms outlined above are enriched with vitamins and
minerals, however it is coconut oil that is the real star of the show.
Coconut oil once had a bad reputation in the world of
culinary oils. Early research shed it in
a negative light due to its high saturated fat content, but as the knowledge
about fats evolved science began to distinguish between the three different
types of saturated fats. We now know
coconut oil has a unique structural makeup; it is mostly comprised of MEDIUM CHAIN FATTY ACIDS including auric acid, capric acid and caprylic
acid which have many beneficial properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant,
anti-fungal, and antibacterial qualities.
This make up is also very close to that of human breast milk. This means that, unlike many other fats, it are easily digested by the human body.
The efficient way that coconut oil is processed by the body means that it is helpful for WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, when used in moderation. Coconut oil is processed directly in the liver and quickly converted into energy rather than stored as fat. This also results in less strain on the liver, pancreas and digestive system which helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system.
Using coconut oil as cooking oil can also promote good DIGESTION. It has antimicrobial properties that help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Furthermore, coconut oil helps in the absorption of other nutrients from accompanying food such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Coconut oil is said to also be great for IMMUNE SYSTEM support because of its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The main property of coconut oil is lauric acid. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research says is as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. This high lauric acid content has also been found to help normalizes cholesterol blood levels.
People wanting to undertake a DETOX might want to consider a coconut cleanse. Coconut oil is a potent cleansing oil and is
ideal for a detox since it provides a lot of energy whilst fasting from
food. Notably coconut cleanses are said
to be effective in combating candida, fungal infections, digestive conditions
and viruses. Note: it is important to
take detoxes seriously to avoid negative side effects, so do a bit of research
before you dive in or consult a medical practitioner, especially if you have a
medical condition or are on medications.
In COOKING
coconut oil is a great option because it has a high smoke point. The
smoke point of oil is important because heating oil to the point where the oil
begins to smoke produces toxic fumes and harmful free radicals. Unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of
about 171 degrees C (350 F), which is great for most mid-temperature cooking . It also makes a great addition to baked goods
and sweet treats instilling a little of its tropical flavour.
The healing power of coconut oil works not only internally
but externally as well. Coconut oil is a
popular choice in SKIN CARE remedies as it has
great moisturisung qualities but is a very light oil so it will not clog pores.
It softens skin and helps smooth
wrinkles, acts as an antioxidant to prevent cellular aging and protects against
sun damage. It has wound healing properties, it soothes
sunburn and bug bites and has great potential for treating various skin
problems including psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Coconut oil can also be used a makeup remover and facial cleanser. It has naturally cleansing properties that
make a good alternative to traditional soap and water style cleansing routines
that can be harsh on delicate skin, particularly that around the eyes.
How to remove make up with coconut oil
Likewise, coconut oil is excellent for HAIR CARE. Because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft and significantly reduce hair protein loss. What does this all mean? Coconut oil is super nourishing for hair! It strengthens hair follicles, promotes growth as well as combating dandruff through improvement to scalp health.
Likewise, coconut oil is excellent for HAIR CARE. Because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft and significantly reduce hair protein loss. What does this all mean? Coconut oil is super nourishing for hair! It strengthens hair follicles, promotes growth as well as combating dandruff through improvement to scalp health.
More coconut oil hair care info
Coconut oil hair mask recipes
Recently I learned about utilising coconut oil for DENTAL CARE. Oil pulling is a trend rapidly gaining in popularity, which claims to remove harmful bacteria and plaque from the mouth. But this type of oral therapy is not new at all; it has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine dating back 3,000 years. Modern scientific evidence is not quite substantial yet, but many people already swear by it. Oil pulling involves swishing oil around in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. As the oil passes around the teeth and gums, microbes are picked up as though drawn to a powerful magnet. It’s kind of like using a mouthwash, minus all the nasty chemicals. Practiced regularly it can prevent cavities and gingivitis, freshen breath and even whiten teeth.
Coconut oil pulling how-to
The nourishing properties of coconut oil can also play a part in PET CARE. It can be particularly helpful for dogs suffering from skin allergies and irritation. Applied as a balm after a bath it can provide soothing relief for itchy skin. Supplementing your dog or cat’s diet with coconut oil is also beneficial. I mix a little into my cat’s food and it makes his fur super soft and shiny. Apparently it also aids digestion, and helps prevent infection in pets, basically it helps treat them in much the same way it does us humans. Just be careful when introducing coconut oil into your little pal’s diet, it can make them sick if not done gradually and at the right dosage. Start off by adding only a tiny amount and increase the dosage slowly up to 1 teaspoon per 4.5kg of body weight. And also bear in mind that allergies to coconut oil are not completely uncommon. Speak to your vet if you are unsure.
More info about giving coconut oil to cats and dogs
Coconut oil is also a nifty helper for many HOUSEHOLD CHORES. Use it to lubricate squeaky doors or gates, it works better than WD-40 and doesn't smell! You can also use it as a lubricant for guitar strings, bike chains and stubborn zippers. Season a cast iron pot with it. Condition your chopping board, wooden knife handles or even timber furniture. You can even polish your shoes with it.
While coconut oil does host an array of nutritional benefits and is classified as a ‘healthy fat’, remember that at the end of the day it is still a fat and should be consumed in moderation. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 117 calories, slightly less than the same amount of canola or olive oil.
When coconut oil is hydrogenated it converts to a trans fat, which is the type of fat implicated in heart disease, as it increases LDL cholesterol and hampers your body's capability to use HDL, considered "good cholesterol." To avoid this look for unprocessed, unrefined virgin coconut oil when purchasing.
More info about hydrogenated fats and why they are bad for you
Coconut flesh, oil, butter, water, milk and flour are all completely non toxic with no known harmful side effects. However, they could potentially mildly irritate the eyes with contact.
Although rare, some people are known to have food allergies towards coconuts. Contact allergic dermatitis to coconut products is more common and sensitisation to coconut pollen has also been reported. If you experience any adverse effects hold off eating or using coconut products and consult your doctor or an allergy specialist.
More info about coconut allergies
If you use a lot of coconut oil for body care, particularly oil pulling, it may add to drainage problems in your bathroom sink. Our sink recently blocked up and when we unblocked it we found it filled with a disgusting mess of decaying goo. This mass was comprised of strands of my extra long hair and my partner’s beard trimmings. The blockage was mostly due to the poor design of our sink but the addition of coconut oil, which solidifies when cooled, to the goo mix didn’t help. So to avoid this spit the oil from teeth pulling in the garden, garbage or toilet instead of the bathroom sink and if you have any coconut oil going down your sink from home skin care remedies try flushing it down with hot water afterwards.
Instructions for how to unblock a clogged sink
WHAT/WHERE TO BUY
When choosing a coconut oil go for the unrefined option for maximum nutritional benefit and to avoid the presence of any nasty chemicals left over from the refining process. If not opting for unrefined, at least make sure it’s not hydrogenated to avoid harmful trans fats. Unrefined coconut oil is often labelled “virgin” or “extra-virgin” which is a bit of a vague classification system. In general though, virgin and extra-virgin coconut oils are made from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut without the addition of any chemicals.
What about organic? Well I’m usually all for organics, but apparently in the case of coconuts it is pretty much irrelevant, nutritionally at least. Several studies have tested to see whether pesticide residue makes it through the tough skin of our good friend the coconut and they turned up nothing. Although, if you are thinking about it from an environmental point of view, choosing organic means you haven’t funded the use of pesticides in the local ecosystem of the area in which the coconuts were grown.
More info about the pesticide resilience of the coconut
When buying coconut water your best option is the fresh out of the coconut version rather than the bottled, sitting on the supermarket shelf in a plastic container for god knows how long, kind.
Desiccated coconut and coconut chips are often sold in packets intended to have a long shelf life so they have chemical preservatives added. You want to avoid those nasties so check the back of the label. The same goes for canned coconut milk.
The coconut craze has gotten so popular that most of the products discussed in this post can be found at your local supermarket. Mine even has a whole shelf in the culinary oil section dedicated to coconut oils. But if you find your local food supplier a little limited, then pop over to your closest health food store. Or you can even find great options online. I buy a lot of my pantry goodies on the Honest to Goodness website, they have an excellent range and great bulk prices. Want to save but not keen on filling your whole pantry with coconut oil? Why not consider splitting an order with a friend or starting a buying group.
Honest to Goodness website
WILD RAVEN SHOP
I’m a big fan of the coconut and use it in a lot of the products in my body care range. Coconut oil makes a great addition to soap attributing to a rich and lush lather. It also adds firmness and longevity to the bar making it a good alternative to palm oil, which is frequently used in soap making for this purpose. I also use it in my coffee body scrub because it has lovely moisturising qualities but doesn't leave you too oily.
Here are a few samples of the coconut goodies in the Wild Raven shop. Follow the links to check them out. I’m offering a promo code for all my blog readers, simply enter CRAZYASACOCONUT at the checkout to receive 15% off!
I’m a big fan of the coconut and use it in a lot of the products in my body care range. Coconut oil makes a great addition to soap attributing to a rich and lush lather. It also adds firmness and longevity to the bar making it a good alternative to palm oil, which is frequently used in soap making for this purpose. I also use it in my coffee body scrub because it has lovely moisturising qualities but doesn't leave you too oily.
Here are a few samples of the coconut goodies in the Wild Raven shop. Follow the links to check them out. I’m offering a promo code for all my blog readers, simply enter CRAZYASACOCONUT at the checkout to receive 15% off!
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| Mint & Coconut Soap |
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| Coffee & Coconut Body Scrub |
