About Coconut
Coconut fruit has a very sacred place in Indian(Hindu) rituals. It is considered a divine fruit and offered to the Trinity in various ceremonies and festivals. It is often present in the offering thali of devotees and is also placed on the Kalash when there is any kind of Pooja at home. Though the highest producer of Coconut in India is Kerala owing to the benefits of each part of the coconut tree it is grown in many states. Here are 6 benefits of the superfood coconut that make it all the more popular.
Why is the coconut tree called a Kalpavriksha?
- The coconut tree is a member of the palm tree family(Arecaceae) and is also called Kalpavriksha or divine tree because each part of it is used in some way or the other by us humans.
- Coconut roots are used to treat urinary infections, certain skin diseases, digestive issues, kidney-related issues, etc.
- Leaves are used as roofing in some parts of Indonesia, they are also used to treat muscular pains and various medicinal herb preparations.
- Branches are used as brooms and, in some places it is used for interior and exterior decorations.
- The list is endless when it comes to the Coconut fruit and Coconut water. Not only does it play an important role in the Indian Kitchen but the cosmetic industry is also sware by it.
- The outer shell of coconut fruit is used in making various handicrafts and decorative items.
Coconut Fruit benefits and drawback:
Coconut Meat
It is the basic ingredient in the kitchen for making chutneys, curries, desserts, etc. Coconut is used in restaurants for making various beverages, ice creams, cakes, etc.
The link below for a yummy Coconut Chutney recipe:
Coconut Oil
The use of coconut oil is not restricted to hair oiling but is used in treating various skin allergies, itching, dryness, etc. due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
It also forms the base of various cosmetic creams and lotions, face packs, and hair packs.
Virgin coconut oil,cold-pressed coconut oil is said to be of better quality than the normal packaged refined coconut oil.
In Ayurveda, Oil pulling is a practice for maintaining oral health. Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its pleasant taste and its teeth-whitening properties.
Coffee shot with coconut oil are a trend nowadays for gym-goers.
It is also used for body massaging due to its Therapeutic properties like a stress reliever, muscle relaxant, and sleep-inducing. Read my article on deep sleep.
Dry Coconut
Curries made out of dry coconut fruit are given to lactating mothers so that the milk quality and quantity increase. Nor does it help the mother in losing weight but also the baby in many ways.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a powerhouse of electrolytes. It hydrates the body keeping it cool.
That is why when we do a hospital visit for somebody not well we carry our good old coconut water.
Coconut Milk
Owing to the Weight-loss and Heart benefits of Coconut milk it is consumed by not only Vegans but by many health-conscious people.
Coconut milk is also used as a base for various Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair packs, etc.
Coconut Sugar
Health-conscious and diabetic people nowadays use coconut sugar instead of refined sugar or stevia.
It not only adds taste but also nutrition to anything.
Coconut is not for all?
Though coconut oil is safe for most of us some adults and children can get allergies.
As rightly said by somebody anything in excess is poison Coconut has a good amount of lauric acid and saturated fats, plus it is high in calories too so it has to be consumed in moderate amounts for good results.
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