Coconut – The Kalpavriksha

Article on 'Coconut - The Kalpravriksha'
by Gandhali Gode
Consulting Nutritionist and Dietician, Pallavi's Spices

‘World Coconut Day’ was celebrated recently on September 2 and is still in its infancy.

Coconut is an ancient fruit & has a great importance in our everyday life. Nobody knows exactly when the first coconut popped out from a palm tree, but specialists say that the oldest coconut fossils were found up to 55 million years ago in Australia and India. Found throughout the coastal area near the equatorial countries, they serve as a dietary staple for nearly a third of the world’s population.

Traditional areas of coconut cultivation in India are the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Orissa, West Bengal and the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar 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 mother earth’s pre-packaged nutritional cocktails. Rich in electrolytes and lauric acid (giving it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral attributes), they have direct applications in ancient traditions and modern medicine. It is best to drink coconuts immediately after opening them, as the nutritional value drops drastically upon contact with oxygen. A refreshing drink, 1cup of coconut water gives more than 10% Potassium which is lost during sweating. Coconut oil is also widely used in cooking, cosmetics etc. Due to their shorter length, medium-chain fatty acids (found in coconut oil) are more water soluble, and don’t need bile to break down. They enter the blood stream faster and are taken straight to the liver to be used as an immediate source of energy.

Coconut has also known as “Kalpvriksha” because every part is useful in various manners. Hailed as a unique demonstration of nature’s innovation coconut flesh, dried coconut, coconut water are separately used and an invaluable resource as they provide us with water, food, construction material and even sustainable materials and energy. Its leaves are used for making brooms. The coconut can literally be stripped apart and each component, from husk and fiber to natural extracts can be made into something useful!

Maharashtrian people call it as ‘Shreephal”, which means fruit of ‘Lord Ganesha’. In India, coconut has a great traditional/religious value, as almost every ‘Pooja’ requires coconut to be worshiped along with the respective God. Coconut water contains sugar, dietary fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as, sodium, potassium.

Here are some nutritional benefits of coconuts :

·         Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil. Oil is also used for cooking, frying but some researches shows that it will increased the LDL ( Low Density Lip proteins) in some manners which are harmful for heart, because it contains saturated fats,  but it also helps to increase the HDL cholesterol which lowers the risk of heart disease.
·         Coconut also helps in digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth & also protect against   osteoporosis, it also helps in tissue building, improves immune system.
·         Coconut also functions as a protective antioxidant.
·         Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
·         Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
·         Coconut water helps to dissolves kidney stones.
·         Helps to prevent liver disease.

Juicy and creamy, fresh and invigorating, it is hard, not to love ‘Coconut’ for all the benefits it offers.