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| HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT |
My Dad always sings these lines from an old Malayalam Movie -
Nalikerathinthe Nattil Enikkoru
Nazhi Idangazhi Mann Undu,
Oru Nazhi Idangazhi Mann Undu.
Where the lyrical says that I have a small bit of land in the Land of Coconuts and that is our Gods Own Country - Kerala. Today is Kerala Piravi, the day the land was born. The State of Kerala was created on November 1, 1956, after Indian Independence on 15th of August 1947.
There is also a mythological belief that Kerala was formed when Lord Parasurama(One of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu) threw his axe from Gokarnam southward across the ocean in rage. The action was done as repentance of killing the Kshatriyas, the sea receded and a narrow strip of land showed up from underneath. Henceforth Kerala is popularly called as "Gods Own Country". Kerala is celebrating its 63rd Kerala Piravi Day this year and The President of India Ramnath Govind has recently called Kerala as the 'Global face of India.'
"Keralam" means "Land of Coconuts". Coconut Tree is called as Kera in Sanskrit and Keram in Malayalam. Keralam is also considered as a nickname for the State used by locals due to the abundance of coconut trees. So commemorating to the day and to Gods own Country - Kerala, writing about Coconuts seemed to something quite apt for the day.
Coconut Tree is considered as 'KALPA VRIKSHA', which means, 'DIVINE TREE' which can fulfil all wishes. But in real terms, it could be termed as ' a tree which provides all that is necessary for a living'. From the root to its leaves, each and every part of a coconut tree proves useful and is loaded with therapeutic benefits. Coconut is a versatile fruit/nut/seed. Coconuts can be used as such, sliced, shredded or grated. The flesh can be used to extract fresh Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil. Even the Coconut Water within the Nut is used from Matured Coconuts and from Tender Coconuts.
Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in Fibre, Vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and Minerals including Iron, Selenium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorous. Coconut Milk can be used as a milk substitute for people with lactose tolerance. Coconut Milk is one best Vegan choice and can be used in various recipes from curries, desserts, ice creams, smoothies, milkshakes etc., Coconut milk is higher in healthy saturated fatty acids and especially the lower fat variety and is advised to use in moderation.
Coconut Milk is often called 'Miracle Liquid' - because of its high nutritional content and it's great ability to fight and prevent diseases and build up the body’s immunity. Coconut milk is a liquid naturally found in mature coconuts. When a coconut is cracked open, the thin liquid which is inside the coconut is the COCONUT WATER. But the COCONUT MILK is what you get when you blend the white coconut flesh and then strain it. Coconut Milk has loads of health benefits and innumerable culinary usage. It enhances the taste and flavour of the dish it is added into. Giving fresh note and slightly sweeter tinge to the dish.
Coconut has enjoyed one of the best modern-day comeback stories. Earlier, I remember my friends asking me to avoid using Coconut Oil while cooking. Whenever they visit home and see me using Coconut Oil they get skeptical and ask me to do so. Maybe they were being told to avoid it at all because of it’s high saturated fat content. But recently I was awed to find that all those who asked me to avoid are using Coconut Oil in their kitchen. They have begun embracing Coconut as potential health-promoting food.
To read more about the HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK, Click here...
HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT
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| HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT |
COCONUT FOR HEALTH
Strong Bones :
Coconut contains Calcium and Phosphorus, the two major minerals which help to strengthen the bones.Treatment of Arthritis:
Selenium an antioxidant, found in Coconut controls free radicals and thus relieves arthritis symptoms and decreases the risk of inflammation in joints.Lowers Cholesterol:
Though Coconut contains saturated fat it can reduce cholesterol levels, as it has Lauric Acid which boosts HDL (good) cholesterol. Coconut is easily broken down during digestion and metabolizes healthy fats such as omega 6, which is an essential fatty acid.Source of Magnesium:
Coconut is a rich source of Magnesium. This mineral helps to calm the nerves and maintain normal blood pressure as well as prevent nerve cells from becoming overactive. Magnesium also reduces muscle contraction and makes you feel more relaxed.Aids Weight Loss:
If taken in moderation, can help to control weight. Though Coconut is rich in saturated fats (fattening agent), it is also rich in Fiber, which makes you feel full for a longer time.Stronger Immune System:
Coconut contains Lauric Acid, Antimicrobial Lipids and Capric Acid which possesses Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral properties. This lauric acid is converted into a compound called Monolaurin when it enters the body, which is believed to fight the viruses and bacteria that cause Herpes, Influenza and even HIV.FOR SKIN & HAIR
Coconut Milk &Coconut Oil can be beneficial for your hair. You ask any Malayalee, they would always say that they have used Coconut Oil for their hair all through their life. Needless to say, most of the crowd are blessed with thick & black mane. It is used in hair masks as it nourishes our hair with Proteins.Nourishes the Hair:
Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil cools the scalp and nourishes the hair by naturally moisturizing the root ends, hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Massage fresh Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil into your scalp for 3-5 minutes and leave it for at least 15 minutes before washing it off, which can prove beneficial in restoring dry & damaged hair.Prevents Balding:
Massaging the scalp with Coconut Milk diluted in water along with Camphor solution is believed to be a very good home remedy for balding. Massage your scalp including the bald spots with this mixture and leave it for a couple of hours. Rinse it off with warm water.Helps in de-tangling the Hair:
Apply some Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil through your hair before combing. It acts as a natural de-tangler for your hair.As a Hair Conditioner:
Coconut Milk//Coconut Oil is a great hair conditioner, use it as a leave-in conditioner. Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil provides you with longer and thicker hair and also gives an added volume to your hair without making them greasy. Rub the Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil on your hair from roots to ends and leave them or wash it off with warm water after a few hours.COCONUT MILK & COCONUT OIL FOR SKIN
Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil is rich in Vitamins A & C, Calcium, Iron and natural Proteins which contribute to smooth and radiant skin.
For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE COCONUT MILK, click here...
Moisturizer:
Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil replaces moisture in the dehydrated skin and is a great moisturizer. Rub some Coconut Milk//Coconut Oil on your skin and leave it for 30 minutes to get absorbed. This will combat dryness and promote healthy and glowing skin. If you are using Coconut Milk, then fresh homemade Coconut Milk serves best for this purpose.Treatment of Sunburns:
Coconut Milk can be very effective in treating skin damaged by harsh sunlight. Apply a thin layer of cool Coconut Milk to the area, leave it overnight or for few hours before washing it off. It helps in easing the pain of burns and rashes and gradually lightens the darkened scars formed due to sunburns.Anti-ageing Benefits:
Applying topically and using them in your diet improves skin conditions. Nutrients in it help to slow down the ageing process of your skin and body by maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels. Thus, it prevents wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.Treatment of Skin Ailments:
The moisturizing properties of coconut milk can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. The natural fatty acids in this milk can help treat dry and irritated skin and also help remove harmful bacterias from your skin.COOKING WITH COCONUT & ITS BY-PRODUCTS
From a part of the world where Coconut, Coconut and more Coconuts with a name so synonymous to go along KERALA - GODS OWN COUNTRY / LAND OF COCONUTS. We, Keralites/Malayalees use it as grated Coconut, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil - it has been in our daily diet and lifestyle for ages. Coconut in grated form and as Coconut Milk is used in a variety of dishes. Coconut Oil, on the other hand, is used for cooking and also as hair & body oil and in the preparation of medicated oils in Ayurveda. Oil prepared from the Roots of Coconut Tree proves beneficial to get rid of joint pains. Nothing new as far as we know. With new dimensions of Virgin Coconut Oils in stores with an unimaginable price for a small bottle - make me wince a bit. But the very name 'KALPA VRIKSHA' or Divine Tree which can fulfil any wish - would have been named by wise men of the ages who lived along with 'Nature' and who has understood the basic nature and benefits of Coconuts and its products from time immemorial.
You can find loads of recipes prepared with Coconut in Kerala Cuisine, as Coconuts are found in abundance in the area. Most of the South Indian, East India and the Coastal States of India also use Coconut/Coconut Milk in their dishes. Even South East Asian Cuisine has loads of dishes with Coconuts & Coconut Milk.
For a variety of dishes with Coconut, Coconut Milk & Coconut Oil - RECIPES WITH COCONUT, Click here....
Coconut is a versatile ingredient, that it can be used to prepare:
- Simple Chutneys or in Soups & in Curries,
- A variety of Rice Dishes like Coconut Rice, Biriyani, Pulao, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kuning, etc., can be prepared using Coconut/Coconut Milk as one ingredient.
- Healthy recipes like Paal Kanji/Rice Porridge with Coconut Milk & mild Desserts/Porridges called Bubur can be prepared with Coconut Milk.
- Coconuts can be used in making Pancakes or Dosas like Ilaneer Dosa, which is prepared with batter ground along with Rice & Tender Coconut Shavings in it.
- Appam/Vellayappam is one Indian pancake prepared with Coconut/Coconut Milk as one ingredient.
- Grated Coconut or Coconut Shavings can be used a garnish.
- Coconut Water from both Tender & Matured Coconut is considered to be an energy-boosting drink. For a wonderful energizing drink prepared with Tender Coconut - Ilanner Nannari Sarbath, Click here...
- Coconuts & Coconut Milk can be used to prepare Desserts, Puddings, Sweets, Kuihs, Drinks etc.,
- It can be converted into fancy Pina Colada, Cakes, Cookies, Ice Creams etc.,
- Coconut Liquors like Toddy(Kallu) & Feni are local hooches from Kerala & Goa.
- Coconuts are also converted in Coconut Vinegar, Coconut Sugar etc.,
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