The Mystery of the Coconut

Coconuts are one of the most nutritious and versatile fruits and have been a staple food to many island and Asian countries for centuries. A coconut tree can live as long as 100 hundred years and yield 50 to 100 nuts per year.

A prized fruit of the tropics, coconut use cuts across all ethnic groups, its many parts widely used for craft purposes, clothing and housing.

The coconut is considered an auspicious fruit (commonly known as The Fruit of Life) and is used in almost every religious ritual in Asian countries.

For many island nations coconut exports are vital to the socio-economic condition of their villages. Coconuts are a cash crop and provide income directly to the villagers, allowing them to obtain basic daily needs which are not able to be produced or grown in the village.

Nutritional Information
The edible portion of a coconut is 70% of the total nut weight. The coconut has a very high fibre content that is a most important source of roughage.

The coconut also contains vitamins B and C, protein, carbohydrate, natural oils and Iron.

Coconut Oil
The health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from consuming coconut oil have been recognised in many parts of the world for centuries.

Coconut oil is used for cooking, medicinally, as body lotions and also nourishes the hair.

Unlike all the seed oils, coconut oil’s unique structure makes it more easily digested than the other oils which have fats of long chain length. Coconut oil is burned for energy rather than stored as body fat. The quick and easy absorption puts less strain on the pancreas, liver and digestive system causing the metabolic system to “heat up”, great news for people who suffer with low thyroid function.

As coconut oil will actually speed up your metabolism, your body will burn more calories in a day, reduce the risk of heart disease and lower your cholesterol.

The Myths – Cracked
At one time coconut oil received negative press because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease, when consumed in a balanced diet that also contains the essential fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Coconut Juice
Coconut juice is a thirst quenching drink which requires no purification. It has virtually no fat and very few calories.

Coconut juice is also a rich source of potassium which, is believed to help lower blood pressure.

How to Select a Fresh Coconut
A fresh coconut should feel heavy in the hand and when shaken you should be able to hear the sloshing of the juice inside.

The fibrous shell should be dry with no dampness, particularly around the eyes at one end of the shell.
When opened, the flesh and the juice should smell and taste fresh and slightly sweet.

Coconut Analysis

Have a look at some of our coconut recipes...