The Indian word for coconut is translated as ‘the tree that provides all that is necessary for life’. This is not an exaggeration on the part of the ancient Aryans. There are several ways in which people benefit from growing coconut palms and by using coconut products. This post will look at the many benefits of coconuts.

Environmental Benefits

The coconut takes just 7 years to reach maturity. That is incredibly quick and makes coconut a renewable resource. Using renewable resources such as coconut and bamboo instead of rapidly diminishing non-renewable resources such as hardwood trees makes very good environmental sense. An added environmental benefit of the coconut palm is that it doesn’t need chemical pesticides or fertilizers to grow. Thus, 99% of coconut palms and coconut products are organic and healthy for consumption.

Economic Benefits

For many people who live in tropical zones the coconut is of vital importance to the economy. Coconuts, copra, coconut oil and coconut timber are all commercial products that help keep farmers above the poverty line. Coconut plantations do not damage nature and provide an income and a wealth of other benefits to communities.

Health Benefits

There are a number of important health benefits to be derived from introducing coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk and coconut flour into a diet. For a start coconut oil contains a high percentage of medium chain fatty acids that are more easily metabolized by the body than other fats such as soy, sunflower and vegetable oils. This means coconut oil gives the body energy and helps people to lose weight.

One fatty acid in coconut oil that is particularly important is lauric acid. It is an antimicrobial agent that helps to protect the body against viral infection. It has also been shown to stimulate the thyroid gland and thus improve the immunity system.

Coconut products have been used for centuries in traditional medicines. In India Ayurveda recommends using coconut milk to treat mouth ulcers. Other traditional uses for coconut milk and coconut oil include detoxifying the intestinal tract, stabilizing diabetes and treating kidney stones.

During World War Two both sides used coconut water in the Pacific arena for emergency IV transfusions. This is because coconut water is sterile and a match for blood plasma.

Those people suffering from food allergies will be interested to know that coconut milk contains minerals such as calcium and a wide range of vitamins. It is a great 100% lactose free substitute for cow’s milk that can be used for many recipes.

Similarly, coconut flour is gluten free. It can be used to bake bread and cakes. It can also be added to smoothies to make protein drinks. Coconut flour is high in protein and fiber and yet low in carbohydrates.

Re-hydration

Coconut water contains a higher percentage of essential electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium than any sports drink. Coconut water is thus ideal for those people who like to work out. Coconut water is 99% fat free and low in sodium. It is also an environmentally friendly product.

Other Coconut Products

The timber from coconut is hard and can be used to make attractive flooring. The husks of coconuts can be carved like wood into many useful household products. In places like Thailand the leaves of the coconut palm are traditionally used to make roof thatching.

As can be clearly seen from the above review the coconut palm is a truly remarkable plant with many possible uses. It is a plant that can make both people and the environment healthier.