Did you know that coconut trees are said to be the “Tree of Life”? Absolutely! The majority of people stand with this title and claim coconut trees to be the Tree of Life because you can find both “food” and “drink” in one fruit. You could be stuck on an island, have one coconut with you and you can now survive. Also, this fruit has a lot to offer and provide.
Contrary to the idea that coconut gives you life, this fruit is said to be a deadly one as well. Not in the aspect of being poisonous because of its substances, but because you can die when one falls from the tree down to your head. Kinda funny though, but is true. Coconut has so many purposes in your life whether you recognize it or not. Other than this, it has a lot of fun facts, health benefits, and uses.
This is what this article is going to tackle. Not everyone appreciates coconut and if you are one of those who don’t, maybe reading this throughout the end will make you think otherwise.
Take a look at these captivating facts about coconuts:
# 1 – The name Coconut originated from the Portuguese and Spanish word “Coco,” which means “head/skull.” This name is derived from these terms because its physical look involves three holes which resembles a facial feature.
# 2 – Looking back at World History, coconuts are an essential tool during the war. Japanese warriors actually use this fruit as an improvised grenade during the time of World War II. Sometimes, they throw it to their enemies but most of the time the coconut is being filled and occupied by war tools such as a grenade before being thrown towards the opponents or enemies.
# 3 – Coconut Tree is the national tree of Maldives (which is already expected since the Maldives consists of thousands of Islands).
# 4 – In a single harvest, you can already get 180 coconuts from one tree.
# 5 – During World War II, aside from coconuts being used as grenades or weapons, it is also said to treat dehydration of warriors since there is scarcity in medical equipment during that time.
# 6 – The coconut tree’s original name is Cocus Nucifera which, in fact, can grow up to 82 feet high or 25 meters.
# 7 – Perhaps everybody is familiar with the “coconut bra,” which is famous for Hawaiian hula girls. The fact is, this feature is not originally from Hawaii. The garment is an idea that is adapted from the West but got famous and known to be a Hawaiian thing.
# 8 – Indonesia, Philippines, and India are the countries where you can find a lot of Coconuts.
# 9 – According to research, three and a half cups of coconut is equivalent to 1 tbsp of Fiber. This serving is the ideal amount of fiber in which an adult should consume.
# 10 – The coconut palm tree can live up to approximately 80 years up to 100 years old. Products made from the coconut are used worldwide as food, cosmetics, building materials, crafts, and for industry and science.
# 11 – When the husk of a coconut is burnt, it is said to act as a natural mosquito repellant. Countries around the world actually do this habit/technique.
# 12 – The coconut is used in religious ceremonies in India, especially to the Hindu religion.
# 13 – Coconuts can be used as a flotation device in any body of water.
# 14 – Different research revealed that Coconuts can be a remedy for hangovers.
Different Uses Of Coconut (Tree and Oil)
Aside from these interesting facts about Coconuts, you are also about to read its purposes and uses which can be a great help in your daily life. It has a lot of uses in different sectors may it be in health and beauty, agriculture, construction, etc.
- Roots of the coconut tree were normally utilized in the production of toothbrushes and mouthwash. It is also said that its roots contain a substance that is good for several sicknesses (medicinal purposes).
- The trunk of the Coconut Tree is used as a “timber” to make shelter, boats house furniture and appliances, canoes, and even equipment for establishing bridges.
- The outer part of the coconut can be used for floors scrubs, charcoal, handicrafts and tool, drinking cup, musical instruments, mosquito repellent, and skin exfoliant (husk).
- In the Maldives, coconut leaves (considering that they are big in size and shape) are used as a material for house roofing, fice wrapping, for cooking. The Philippines also use these leaves for various purposes such as storage and “silong,” (shed).
- The Coconut oil is also said to be effective when it comes to natural skin softener and moisturizer prevents skin infections and wrinkles, reduces fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles under the eyes, soothes sunburn, and can be used to completely remove makeup.
- Coconut oil also has the ability to remove head lice and make your hair shinier and straighter, preventing the occurrence of split – ends.
Beneficial Effects Of Coconut To The Human Body
Taking advantage of its title as the “Tree of Life,” Coconuts also possess a lot of health benefits to young and old ones. Fruits are expected to induce some, of course, but coconuts provide different and maximum benefits that you yourself will not believe. Some of these are:
- Good for those who have heart-related problems
Several studies dictate that people who eat coconut have lower rates of heart disease than those who do not. Coconut oil intake may also reduce belly fat that is beneficial because excess belly fat increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. So in a coconut shell, eating this fruit may improve cholesterol levels in your body, help decrease belly fat, and reduce the risk of having any heart-related diseases.
- Promotes blood sugar control
When you consume coconut regularly, beta cells in your pancreas start producing more insulin, a hormone that provides aid in regulating blood sugar. With this, diabetes is prevented. Researchers suspected the improved beta-cell function was also due to the high amounts of arginine which is a substance found in coconut.
This fruit is also low in carbohydrates and rich in amino acids, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a great choice for blood sugar control. Other than this, with its 3 grams of fiber and carbohydrate content of 6 grams per cup (240 ml), coconut water is suitable in meal plans for people with diabetes.
It is also said to be a good source of magnesium, which may increase insulin sensitivity and decrease reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Regardless of whether or not you have symptoms of diabetes, it is essential for you to consume coconut at least once in two weeks to prevent the occurrence of such; thus, make your body more healthy.
- For hydration purposes
Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately. The water you get from coconut is one of the highest sources of these. With this fact, nutritionists advise people to consume the coconut water for hydration after a long tiring routine (perhaps workout, or a walk) instead of those energy drinks that are being advertised on the Television.
- It has a nutritional value that the body needs
The coconut water (and the coconut in general as well) is also low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, and almost completely fat-free. In addition, it is high in ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and proteins which your body needs to perform its function properly. Furthermore, it provides antioxidants and it helps restore damages inside your body thus contains numerous substances that can be a source of healthy fats, proteins, and various vitamins and minerals.
- Helps boost and improve metabolism
Coconut oil is rich in a medium fatty acid that can help boost metabolism and aid in losing excessive fats and weight. Instead of being stuck up in your belly, the coconut gets burned off and transform into a sort of energy source. It also helps detoxify your body and help your digestion keep on the good track.
Nutrition Facts About Coconut
Coconut is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support bodily functioning. It consists of significant amounts of manganese, copper, fiber, good fats, as well as anti-oxidants. It also consists of calories with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins.
- Fiber
Coconut has an incredible amount of fiber that is essential for digestive health good if you want to fight for your cravings to lose weight. If you have digestive issues such as hemorrhoids, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), etc. Research shows that high fiber also helps in lowering the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, disease, and obesity. It is said that consuming 7 grams or a cup of coconut can fulfill the body’s daily nutritional needs of fiber.
- Antioxidants
Coconut consists of antioxidants primarily phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and salicylic acid. These antioxidants help protect the cells from oxidative damage because of its free-radical-scavenging activity. It also consists of polyphenols that is known to prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Source of good fats
Coconut consists of both LDL and HDL fats. Since it has a good amount of antioxidants, it balances the amount of good fat and bad fat in the body that is why diseases that is linked with too many fats are prevented.
The Side Effects and Health Risks of Coconut
Like using other products, consuming it in large amounts may lead to negative effects. Too much consumption of coconut may lead to stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, headache, hives or rashes, or other skin problems. One of the reasons why it is not advisable to consume is because it contains high amounts of saturated fats which is an unhealthy type of fats.
Final Thoughts
Aside from that, consuming coconut supports immune system health and provides a natural source of quick energy which enhances physical and physiological performance. With all of the benefits, uses, and facts mentioned above it is indisputably true that Coconut is the Tree of Life.
Does it fascinate you how one tree can provide food, drink, shelter, equipment, weapons, and any other medical purposes at the same time? This is possible after all. Though coconuts are rare to find, especially to some countries, having one will definitely give you more than what you expect. Try it for yourself!