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Not very long ago, coconuts were being associated with a multitude of health issues like clogged arteries, heart diseases, and increased cholesterol levels, to name a few. This greatly affected its reputation and stirred up a lot of confusion among true coconut-lovers.
However, after massive amounts of research on this incredible fruit, it made a massive comeback as one of the best ‘miracle’ foods with endless health benefits. And, for all the right reasons, too. They slowly earned their way to becoming an extremely versatile and highly-demanded food commodity.
Nowadays, you won’t just find coconuts being used in different cuisines from all around the world, but they have also stirred up great interest in the world of beauty and skincare, as well. From magical beauty potions to delicious culinary creations, they are everywhere.
Coconuts are packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals that not only boost your physical health but also pave the way towards flawless and healthy-looking skin and hair.
The Evolution of Coconuts
The coconut tree belongs to the palm tree family called the “Arecaceae” and the term “coconut” refers to the entire coconut palm including the fruit and the seed. The word coconut has stemmed from a Spanish and Portuguese word ‘coco’ which translates to “head” or “skull” in the English language. This derivation resulted from the fact that the coconut shell consists of three indentations that basically resemble human facial features.
One of the earliest mentions of coconuts was in the “One Thousand and One Nights” story of Sindbad the Sailor according to which he brought some coconuts and sold them off during his fifth voyage. There are also records of some literary evidence from the chronicles of Sri Lanka which show that coconuts were present even before the 1st Century BCE mainly in regions of South Asia.
According to the research conducted by a plant evolutionary biologist called Kenneth M. Olsen, there are two clearly differentiated origins of cultivation the coconut, the fruit of the palm Cocos nucifera. This finding suggests that coconut was cultivated and bought from two locations, one from the Pacific basin and the other in the Indian Ocean basin.
Interestingly though, genetic records of the coconut from ancient times also provide evidence of it being found on the prehistoric trade routes during the colonization of the Americas. An American botanist called Orator F. Cook also hypothesized that the coconut first originated in the Americas. This hypothesis stemmed from his belief that it was the population of the American coconuts that spread throughout Europe.
Coconut - A Natural Healing Wonder
Coconuts are often referred to as the “Swiss Army Knife” of the plant kingdom. This unique and interesting name is a result of it being such a versatile food commodity that serves multiple purposes. It is like a complete package that consists of highly nutritious food content, potable
water, fibrous materials inside that can be easily spun into a rope and also a hard shell-exterior that can be transformed into charcoal.
However, putting all of that aside, there is a reason why it is called a “miracle food”. It is believed to be a natural healing wonder that caters to a myriad of health issues and problems.
Here are some of the top and most amazing benefits of coconuts. They are:
- Help promote weight loss
- Have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasite properties that help support and protect your immune system.
- Keep your skin and hair healthy and in excellent condition by preventing hair fall, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and spots.
- Enhance your digestive system and foster a better absorption of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins in the body.
- Improve cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of heart diseases and ailments.