Healthy Tip 1: Going Loco Over Coco
"The two basic items necessary to sustain life are sunshine and coconut milk."
- Dustin Hoffman
For the past few months, I’ve been going gaga for a certain
drupe that is equally delectable and satisfying. The tree of life, as it is
popularly known, that has been creating a buzz around the world. This is the
infamous Cocos nucifera or the coconut palm as we all like to call it.The coconut is very abundant here in the tropics that people actually find many used of it. I for one had been avid fan of coco water and shakes. But, what is it in coconut that makes it healthy? Let us start with some helpful facts:
- It speeds up metabolism by 15% or 75 calories.
- It is an abundant source of dietary fiber, minus
the calories of course. Yes you heard it right ZERO CALORIES.
- Reduce one’s craving for sweets, taking away
those extra pounds.
- A very good source of energy needed for that
extra boost.
- Healing properties, prominently as an
antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic.
Aside from consuming coconut water and juices, it can also
be used as a home remedy:
- Feeling nauseated, why not drink a glass of
coconut water. Replace those lost fluids, in cases of diarrhea and vomiting.- For eliminating intestinal parasites, mix a glass of coconut water with a teaspoonful of olive oil for three days. (Bruce, 2008)
- You can disinfect wounds with coconut water; use the fresh one for this procedure.
- A tablespoonful of coconut oil can help ease up acid reflux.
- Constipated?! Why not try a tablespoonful of coconut oil to enhance proper bowel function.
- Dry and crack skin can be treated by applying the coconut oil topically on the intended area.
- The coconut oil can also be used to treat nail fungus, by dabbing the oil with an applicator under the nails.
- Trying to get rid of those head lice? Use a liberal amount of coconut oil before taking a shower and rinse thoroughly.
- Coconut oil can also relive pain from rashes and swelling.
- To help remove or minimize unwanted scars and stretch marks, apply 2 to 3 tablespoonful of coconut oil on the intended area.
Phew… that is too much to take for one simple piece of
fruit. So next time you see any coconut products in the shelf or the fresh
ones, which I strongly recommend, try to replace some parts of your diet with
this and start living healthy.
For other helpful tips here are the resources that you can
browse to know more about this versatile fruit:
- http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/
can_coconut_oil_help_you_lose_weight%20
- http://www.coconutsecret.com/coconuthealthsecrets2.html
- http://www.naturalnews.com/036028_coconu_oil_health_solutions.html
- http://www.livestrong.com/article/310663-health-advantages-of-coconut-water/
- "Coconut Water for Health and Healing," Bruce Fife; 2008
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