The taste of coconuts or coconut oil is not to everybody’s liking. There is no doubt, however, of the the benefits of coconut oil. Before talking about the benefitsa quick introduction the the coconut itself and the coconut oil is warranted.
Information about the Coconut
The coconut palm (also, cocoanut), Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling cocoanut is an archaic form of the word. The term is derived from 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish coco, meaning “head” or “skull”, from the three small holes on the coconut shell that resemble human facial features.Found throughout the tropic and subtropic area, the coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of its different parts. Coconuts are part of the daily diets of many people. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of “water” and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. When mature, they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut “flesh”. When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying; coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics. The clear liquid coconut water within is a refreshing drink. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. It also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it.
Information about Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry. Because of its high saturated fat content it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidification, lasting up to two years without spoiling.
Coconut oil melts at 24 °C (76 °F) and below that temperature it is solid and does not need to be refrigerated.
The Benefits of Coconut Oil
This information is from an image I came across with credit to Edible Harmony
9 More Coconut Oil Benefits
- Rich in nutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals
- Natural anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-protozooal and anti-fungal. It kills the bad stuff inside and outside your body
- Boost energy, endurance, thyroid function and metabolism to prevent obesity and assist in weight loss
- Protects against osteoporosis by improving calcium and magnesium absorption, builds strong bones and teeth
- Protects the body against various forms of cancer
- Supports healing and repair of skin and protects from free-radicals that promote aging
- The lauric acide in coconut oil works as a natural under-arm deodorant by killing odor causing bacteria
- Softens skin, conditions hair, prevents wrinkles, sags and age spots, controls dandruff.
- Has NO harmful side effects.
Did You Know…
- Coconut oil is also a natural cavity fighter. Simply rub a little coconut oil on your gums and teeth can keep them stronger and healthier than virtually any other dental treatment.
- Coconut oil can also be used on furniture to revive dried out wood.
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