Coconuts can be a great medicine! - By Dr. P.T. Ezhil Selvan

When we think coconuts, we think large palm trees and tranquil beaches. When we think of coconuts, do we really think of a metabolism-enhancing, vitamin-rich power fruit?

Named ‘coco’ by Spanish explorers for its resemblance to a monkey’s face, the coconut palm is called by many as the ‘Tree of Life.’ Coastal dwellers internationally use almost every single part of it to some benefit. For instance, it provides a refreshing water product, vitamin-rich pulp and milk; oil used for both edible and non-edible purposes, as a beverage, shells for fuel and industrial manufacturing, thatch, and timber.

The fruit of the palm reveals a vast number of health benefits. There are four main edible products of the fruit: 

Coconut Water
There are three main growth stages of a coconut: tender, half-matured and fully mature. The fruit contains the highest concentration of water in the baby and half-matured stages of the fruit. This water is enriched with protein, minerals, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B and C. In fact, coconut water has the exact same composition as our blood plasma. Therefore, when consuming it, we are truly rehydrating our blood. 

Coconut water is probably even more sterile straight from the fruit than RO or distilled water, given that the water is naturally filtered for almost 9 months through the fibers of the fruit and then is stored in the sterile cavity of the nut. 

Coconut water has been tested to possess anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that clean your digestive system. Research also shows that this water also boosts the thyroid function by up to 20%, which means that both energy levels and metabolism are increased. 

Coconut pulp or meat

The white, tender meat, usually found in half-matured and fully mature stages of the fruit, is often grated for use directly in cooking or is made into either coconut milk or oil. 



We´ve all heard that all coconut products are high in saturated or ‘bad’ fat that increase the risk of heart disease and obesity. The truth is that oil and milk do indeed contain saturated fats, but not necessarily the harmful kinds that we are usually warned against, when consumed in moderation. 

The fat in coconut meat is easily digestible and less likely to accumulate in your body than other saturated fats. Additionally, almost half of the fatty acids in coconut oil or milk are identified as lauric acid. Upon entering the body, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin, which is known to kill harmful bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses. That being said, the bottom line is that coconut meat does indeed contain saturated fat, which most nutritionists recommend a moderate intake. 

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is particularly known to be medically beneficial, possibly protecting again osteoporosis, cancers, infections, liver and kidney disease, and obesity to name just a few. Coconut oil is also used frequently in South India as a hair and skin conditioner, insect repellent, and UV-ray protector. It is also a healthy and appropriate cooking medium given that it doesn´t go rancid easily (being a saturated fat- the better kind!) and can withstand high heat, like frying conditions.