CoCoNuT The Wonder Nut

CoCoNuT The  'Wonder Nut'

Some call it the `Tree of Life,’ others describe it as a `Wonder Palm’ or a Wonder Nut. Simply put it, the tree is the humble coconut palm that holds a pride of place when it comes to providing body energy, treatment, wholesome source of food, beverage and dietary fat. It is also a source that peps up the body’s look and feel and is a beauty enhancer. When it comes to the kitchen, coconut adds a whole new dimension to cooking.

The coconut palm also is known for medicinal values and holds a special place in Ayurveda. The heart of a coconut is the delicious encapsulated water, often known as nature’s fluid of life – no colours added, no preservatives, always fresh and comes with a taste the recipe of which only nature has -- soothing and refreshing. At a time when the summer is harsh, there is nothing like a good sip of fresh tender coconut water. Of late tender coconut water has become the drink of choice in all seasons – a drink made through nature’s longest filter process.

Ayurveda texts say that coconut water can `expel heat from the body,’ thus giving freshness to the system. This is due to the ability of fresh coconut water to balance the body’s electrolytes. Coconut water is a good antidote to powerful good antidote to powerful drugs administered to patients. Studies have shown that tender coconut water is a natural isotonic beverage with almost the same level of electrolyte balance as in blood. Coconut water contains sugars, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These are responsible for the isotonic properties of tender coconut water. Tender coconut water is not just for octogenarians and convalescents. The drink, unlike other drinks available in the market,is for all ages. It acts gently on the system and can be given even to infants and the very young as a daily refreshing tonic. No other drink – natural or synthetic -- has this property. For the teens it is a thirst quencher par excellence and a cool drink to hang out with.

It rejuvenates the body instantaneously and is thus an inevitable part of the daily diet of athletes and sportspersons.It is not just the coconut water that is the elixir of life. The whole nut has medicinal values. It is considered as a magic nut by ayurvedic experts. Ayurveda has identified applications for coconut and its products in a wide range of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, metabolism, skin and hair. Debility, urinary incontinence, menstrual disorders and cough are some of the specific diseases for which coconut has been recommended as a medicine.  Coconut kernel is processed to make nalikera lavana and nalikera khanda which in turn are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like ulcers and range of other related conditions.

The importance of fibre Coconut, both dried and fresh, is a good source of fibre which is known to be valuable in proper digestive function. Dried/shredded coconut has fibre content of 9gms per cup, whereas Broccoli has 3 gms and raw cabbage 2 gms per cup.Diets which contain MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) result in increase in energy, rise in metabolism and reduced body weight. Coconut oil, which is rich in MCTs is effective in reducing body fat and lowering weight because it contains fewer calories than any other fat. In fact, it is known as world’s only natural, low-calorie fat.

1. Ayurveda considers coconut a natural stress-buster.
2. Coconut cools sadhaka putha, which is associated with emotions.
3. Combined with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cumin, coriander and turmeric, coconut is not only delicious and versatile, but also heals the digestive system and promotes better metabolism.
4. The juice of tender coconut has been billed “the world’s safest natural soft drink” for being a nutritious thirst quencher.
5. Coconut has kasha properties that is, it improves hair quality. In Southern India, women apply coconut oil to their hair every day – the secret behind their long lustrous locks.
6. Coconut is good for curing stomach disorders related to aggravation of pitha dosha.
7. Due to its soma-enhancing or nurturing value, coconut heals hot flushes and restores emotional stability in menopausal women.
8. Coconut improves the complexion.
9. A burning sensation in hands and feet is cooled down by drinking coconut water/milk.  
10. All you have to do is make a paste of crushed coconut and apply it on hands and feet.
11. Coconut is traditionally considered a wound healer, especially effective in preventing the formation of scars if applied topically.
12. Hiccups due to pitha are also eased by coconut water.
13. If you have urine retention form heat, then coconut water helps. Similarly, liver problems, such as inflammation, are also soothed by drinking tender coconut water.
14. There is a word called karshan which means “that which supports the body to stay slim by enhancing gat metabolism”.  
15. Recent research suggests that coconut is good for burning fat and lowering cholesterol and it is clearly written in ayurveda that the oil has karshan properties.
16. Coconut helps detoxify and flush toxins out of the body.
17. The best reason to love the magic fruit is its delicious taste and flavor.

Botanically, coconut palm Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). 
The official name “ Cocos nucifera” suggests a nut with human face.
In a nutshell Ayurveda is considered as a wonder nut.