All About Coconut

The coconut is a member of the palm family and is referred to as a pod (nut). Coconuts are either baby green, half mature, or fully mature. Traditionally the whole coconut is used; the outside fibers for ropes and fabric. The soft inner meat is eaten or used in cooking processes. The plentiful water inside the green coconuts is a 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 the oils used for cooking, as a massage oil, and in beauty and hair products.

Ayurvedically speaking, coconuts are known as kalpavriksha, or the tree that gives everything. Besides being a highly regarded food source, it has a special status in Vedic traditions used in many religious and spiritual ceremonies.

Qualities and energetics are;

Taste: Sweet

Nature: Cool, Heavy, Grounding, Nutritive

Dosha: Balances Pitta & Vata, but can increase unbalanced Kapha

Attributes: Vegan, Alkaline (non-acidic), Gluten-free, low glycemic index, Vegan, internal and external moisturizer, boosts metabolism, improves brain function, reduces inflammation and arthritis.

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

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

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

Coconut Oils

Virgin is unrefined and is the most beneficial, and refined has been heated or bleached to remove its aroma and hampering 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 balances PH and electrolytes. It Benefits the circulatory system, urinary tract and boosts metabolism.

Coconut Milk

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

Coconut Cream

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

Coconut Mana

Coconut Mana is coconut butter. It is made by purring dried coconut meat and removing the water removed and is a delicious and sweet addition for baking, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.

Coconut Flour

Made from dried, ground coconut meat and is a byproduct of coconut milk production. Used as a gluten-free alternative when baking.

Coconut Sugar

It is also called coconut palm sugar (not to be confused with palm sugar). It is made by draining the sap, adding water to make a syrup, and then drying it until crystalized and breaking into chunks.