A Different Fruit A Day Personal Health Challenge
Botanically the coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut. A drupe is a fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a pit of hardened endocarp with a seed inside.
A coconut, and all drupes, have three layers: the exocarp (outer layer), the mesocarp (fleshy middle layer), and the endocarp (hard, woody layer that surrounds the seed).
Eating coconuts supports the development of strong, healthy bones and teeth. It does this by improving the body’s ability to absorb calcium and magnesium. It also prevents osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become thin and fragile and lose their density. This makes coconuts a good, healthy alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, but still want to have strong bones and teeth. Those who prefer a vegan diet can benefit from it as a good source of protein and fatty acids.
The Pacific Islanders believe that it is the cure for all illness, which is why the palm tree (from which coconuts are grown) is known as “The Tree of Life.” Coconut oil is thought to possess healing properties above and beyond that of any other dietary oils.
Because of its strong antioxidant properties and health benefits, the coconuts can be used to:
- Lower cholesterol
- Improve digestion
- Ward off wrinkles
- Stabilize glucose levels
- Fight off viruses
- Build cells
- Regulate hormones
- Increase thyroid production
- Lose weight
- Increase metabolism
- Fight infections
- Stave off memory loss
- Kill bacteria
Coconuts also alkalize you (increase your pH) and are natural electrolytes (it re-mineralizes you - a natural gatorade).
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