Coconut for Health, Beauty and Home

I am super excited to release this blog today! It is first of the series and it shows how crazy I am, about coconut! I am NUTS about coconuts. At one point my family thought I will bring home a coconut tree after seeing the way I obsessed about “anything” coconut. All of the blog posts under this series is dedicated to all those who love and obsess about coconut like I do. You will find everything about coconut here (almost!). I will talk about many ways coconut is used, and benefits and uses of all different forms of coconut. I have written about 130 benefits of coconut in this blog series. These are “must know” uses of coconut!

There is coconut craze at a global level. From coconut water, coconut oil to coconut amino and coconut vinegar is extremely popularized by health bloggers and the health food retailers. I personally take many of these products and enjoy them in my meals, smoothies and desserts. I crack open coconut with a cleaver and drink the sweet water that comes out of the nut. I scoop the white delicate flesh to make fresh coconut milk or eat it on its own. Coconut milk can be used in making curries and lentil soups. I have used coconut oil from cooking and externally for hair and skin. Lauric acid found in coconut oil is also present in mother’s milk and hold many health benefits. When you buy coconut oil make sure you are getting cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil.

Cocos nucifera is the botanical name for coconut, Spanish explorers called it “coco” which means “monkey face.”

Coconut is sweet, cooling and increases mucus. According to Ayurveda, when the body is suffering from hyperacidity due to high toxin level (Pitta dosha condition), coconut can help to detoxify and purify the digestive system. It is a cooling and heavy fruit that is mostly suitable for Pitta and Vata dosha.

Coconut flour is an absolute delight in the kitchen for those who maintain a gluten free, grain free or paleo lifestyle.

Let’s look at what we can derive from coconut. Click on the links to find out about the benefits of coconut and it’s derivatives. These are must know benefits of coconut for health, beauty and home. This particular blog post is about the benefits of coconut meat or coconut flesh which you will find after you see the list of all the coconut derivatives.

Benefits of Coconut Meat: (see below)

1. Coconut meat
2. Coconut flakes or desiccated coconut
3. Coconut flour
4. Coconut yogurt

Benefits of Coconut Oil and Butter: (click here)

1. Coconut oil
2. Coconut butter

Benefits of Coconut Water (click here)

1. Coconut water
2. Coconut water kefir

Benefits of Coconut Milk:

1. Coconut milk
2. Coconut cream
3. Coconut ice cream

Benefits of Coconut Sugar:

1. Coconut sugar
2. Coconut nectar
3. Coconut crystals

Benefits of Coconut Vinegar and Amino

1. Coconut vinegar
2. Coconut Amino

Now lets talk about all the benefits we can derive for a coconut meat!

Benefits of Coconut Meat:

1. Rich in both macro and micro nutrients such as natural fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals.
2. The saturated fatty acid increases HDL cholesterol which has beneficial effect on coronary arteries.
3. The meat also contains significant amount of potassium and copper.  As mentioned potassium is required for proper fluid balance in our cells. It is also beneficial for proper heart function and muscle growth. Copper is useful for red blood cell production and assists us with our sense of taste.
4. Coconut meat carries approximately 7.2 grams of fiber which can assist with digestion and elimination.
5. Coconut meat also contains high amount of manganese that helps metabolize fat and protein, promotes stable blood sugar level and supports our nervous system.

Benefits of Coconut flakes or desiccated coconut:

1. Desiccated coconut contains high amount of fat and protein.
2. It also contains good amount of fiber.
3. Very rich in vitamins and minerals mentioned above.
4. Can be used in smoothies, desserts and curries.
5. Coconut flakes are anti inflammatory, protects thyroid gland and stimulates energy. 
   

Benefits of Coconut flour:

1. Great replacement for grain flours in baking. It is made from dried coconut.
2. It is gluten free.
3. High in protein and fiber.
4. High in manganese which promotes stronger immune system and thyroid health.
5. Ideal for paleo and low carb dieters who wants to lose weight and eat healthy dessert.

Benefits of Coconut yogurt:

1. Good alternative for dairy free yogurt.
2. Rich is probiotics that will promote healthy digestion.
3. Will reduce inflammation.
4. Synthesize vitamin K in our body.

Are you nuts about coconuts like me?

What is your favourite coconut derivative?

Please share this post with friends and family and tell me if you knew about all these benefits of coconut?