Coconut

Jeff Perlman
Jun 14, 2021
2 min read

Coconuts are members of the palm family and are referred to as pods (nuts). They are either baby green, half-mature, or fully mature.

The mature coconuts and outside fibers are used for ropes and fabric. The soft inner meat is eaten or used in cooking, and the plentiful water inside the green coconuts is a delicious beverage and cooking liquid.

As the coconut ages, the inner water reduces, and the meat is eaten or made into coconut flour, sugar, milk, cream, and oils used for cooking, as a massage oil, and in beauty and hair products.

Qualities and Energetics:

Nature: Sweet, Cool, Heavy, Grounding, Nutritive

Qualities: Vegan, alkaline, gluten-free, low-glycemic, moisturizing, boosts metabolism and brain function.

Dosha: Balances Pitta & Vata, but can increase Kapha

Vitamins: C, E, K, thiamin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and choline.

Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

Bio-Medicals: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulator, antacid, antimicrobial, livotonic, cardiotonic, moisturizer, and diuretic.

Common Products

Coconut Oils

Virgin oil is unrefined and is the most beneficial, while refined oil has been heated or bleached to remove its aroma and diminish its antioxidant qualities. Used in cooking and medicinally for body therapies

Coconut Water

Pure coconut water contains cytokines and lauric acid, which promote anti-aging, cell growth, and balance pH and electrolytes. It also benefits the circulatory system and urinary tract and boosts metabolism.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk does not occur naturally. It is made by combining one part coconut with one part water and processing it into milk.

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream has the same ingredients as coconut milk. It is made by combining four parts of coconut with one part of water, possibly with the addition of thickeners. However, beware of added sugars.

Coconut Butter

Coconut Mana is coconut butter. It is made by drying coconut meat and then removing the water. It is a delicious and sweet addition to baking, smoothies, oatmeal, and other dishes.

Coconut Flour

It is made from dried, ground coconut meat, a byproduct of coconut milk production, and serves as a gluten-free alternative for baking.

Coconut-Palm Sugar (Jaggery)

It is made by draining the sap, adding water to make a syrup, and then drying it until it crystallizes and breaks into chunks.