Despite its name, coconut is not a nut. Technically, it falls into a variety called “drupes”. The coconut is in good company with coffee, almonds, plums and olives all fitting into this category. Its non-nut status and its lower protein content stand it in good stead and mean coconut is a relatively low-allergenic food.
Coconuts are thought to have originated in the Pacific but their ability to float easily on the seas saw them spread through Asia well before man started playing a role in their travel. Now this plant is grown throughout the USA, the Pacific, Africa and Asia. It has played a particularly significant role in traditional Indian life with records of its use stretching back more than 2000 years. In fact, Sanskrit writings dating back to the 4th century BCE have been found describing this plant’s importance therapeutically and spiritually.
Since these times it has played a role in rituals and was considered “the fruit of the gods” with the cutting-down of the tree banned. Indian mythology describes how coconut trees were first created to help strengthen a king attempting to enter heaven as a mortal.
The coconut clearly still plays a big part in a range of traditional activities as well as having various therapeutic actions. In recent years, these therapeutic traditions have been backed up with scientific findings as well as the discovery of some new properties. So how can this plant help your health?
Coconut nutrition
Nutritionally, coconut is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals. The flesh and milk have great levels of potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. These nutrients are important for energy levels, healthy immune function and the maintenance of good fluid balance in the body. It’s no surprise that traditionally this food is considered a general tonic and nutritive.
It also has reasonable levels of antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin C, which have a protective effect on your body. This type of nutrient helps mops up the free radicals created in your body through poor diet, stress and pollution. As these free radicals cause damage to cells and speed up the ageing process, coconut can be a great addition to your diet to get your body in better shape inside and out. These antioxidants go some way to explaining why recent research has shown that coconut oil has a particularly protective effect on your cardiovascular tissue.
Coconut oil
Another aspect of coconut that makes it delicious and nutritious is the amazing properties of its oil. This oil has been much maligned because it is largely a saturated fat. Fortunately for coconut lovers, recent research has proven these concerns wrong. It is now understood that vegetable-sourced saturated fats, in particular coconut oil, act on the body in a different way from those sourced from animals.
Research has shown that coconut oil protects heart function and cardiac tissue. However, only the unprocessed type or virgin coconut oil has this effect — an important factor to keep in mind when choosing which to buy. In fact, studies have shown that virgin coconut oil has a much greater level of antioxidant activity so is a better support for your body in healthy fat metabolism.
Another fantastic property of this oil is its ability to be heated to high temperatures without damage. Most oils are damaged at relatively low temperatures so the result is greater levels of free radicals produced in your body when you eat them. Coconut can be heated to around 120ºC before damage occurs, which makes it ideal for frying and baking. Not only that, it imparts a delicious coconutty flavour — particularly tasty for desserts and meats such as fish or chicken.
Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid. This means it’s great to help energy production while at the same time speeding up the rate your body burns fat. There is no surprise that this oil is favoured by both sportspeople and those trying to shed a little weight. It is even used as a moisturizer for the body due to its antioxidant, moisturizing and cooling properties.
Coconut water
Coconut water (not milk) is the clear liquid from young green coconuts. It has long been the refreshing drink of choice in many traditional cultures and is gaining popularity as celebrities around the globe embrace it. Research suggests that coconut water may improve circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart attacks and strokes, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, reduce plaque formation, moderate sugar absorption and improve insulin sensitivity.
It also has a range of nutrients including zinc, selenium, vitamins C and B group, although at relatively low levels. It is low in fat and carbohydrates and is fast becoming a natural alternative to sports drinks for this reason and because it replaces electrolytes. While it is almost certainly safe, the question about coconut water is whether the products on the shelf retain the nutritional profile of the juice fresh from the young coconut.
One of the legendary tales about coconut water is that it can be used as an alternative to medical saline for blood transfusions since its chemical profile is so similar to blood plasma. In extreme cases this is true but it lacks the glucose to be a true alternative.
Medicinal actions
Therapeutically, this wonderful plant has traditionally been used as a tonic, diuretic and to soothe and calm conditions such as diarrhoea. More recent studies have shown its benefits not just for cardiovascular health but as an antifungal. This is due to a phytochemical found in it known as caprylic acid. Studies have also shown coconut can help to balance blood sugar levels in diabetics, improve digestive function by increasing nutrient absorption and fight a range of viruses and bacteria.
So now you know just how versatile this wonderful plant truly is. Eaten or applied, it will give your health and tastebuds a lift.
Rowena York is a Melbourne naturopath, herbalist and nutritionist with a particular interest in food as medicine.
