10 Uses for Coconut Oil(Beauty Secret!)

The various uses of Coconut Tree

Cutting Coconut Lumber

Q&A

Q:What are coconut tree uses?

A:Coconut trees offer many uses, including forming houses and roofs, appearing in foods and beverages and landscaping. Coconut trees, like many other tree species, serve aesthetic and functional purposes. These trees grow in tropical and subtropical climates around the world, providing many uses as a chemical, skin product and food source for people around the world. Coconut trees derive from the palm family, which includes many species of trees and plants. Coconut trees distinguish themselves as hardy species, surviving in tough climates with little water and high levels of salt. People use virtually every part of the coconut tree, including the fibers, juices, outer bark and fronds. Tree trunks serve industrial uses, making popular choices as housing materials and structural supports. The durable wood appears in some furniture and interior decorative items too. The tough fibers of coconut wood make it an ideal building material, while strong leaves create baskets and form decorations. Coconuts, the fruits produced by trees, provide food and nutrition. Coconut seeds make coconut oil, butter and margarine. The fleshy white meat of coconut fruits sweetens desserts and confections in dried or raw form. Landscapers plant trees along city streets and walkways. These attractive trees provide aesthetic value and anchor soil, protecting against erosion.

Different Uses for a Coconut

Coconut Bird Feeder

The Tree of Life

The coconut has got to be the most versatile fruit used. Grown on the Palm Tree, every part of the coconut and the tree has virtually got a use and has been used by different countries in different ways. Known as “The Tree of Life” in The Philippines and “The tree of a 1,000 uses” in the Malaya language, coconuts have a history of important uses worldwide.

Grown in over 80 countries worldwide, the coconut palm excels in the tropics, notably The Philippines and Indonesia closely followed by India and Brazil which combined, account for approximately 80% of the world’s coconut production.

The coconut is of significant economic importance to these top producers.

Here is a selection of the many uses of this exotic fruit tree which I have divided into parts of the Tree and then the fruit.

Attempting to list every single use would be impossible however I can give you a taste of just how amazing and functional coconut is.

The Coconut Palace Court, The Philippines

 built entirely of coconut and local materials, it was commissioned by General Marcos in 1970s.

Uses of The Coconut Tree

Coconut Palm Tree

• The Roots – were used to make dyes, used as a toothbrush, mouthwash, and has medicinal value.
• Coconut Leaves – were used in The Maldives as a roofing material for houses, and are used to wrap rice, for cooking, and for storage in The Philippines.
• They have been used to make toys in India, and they are used to make brooms and burnt to ash to make lime.
• Toothpicks and satay skewers have also been made out of the ribs on the leaves.
• Coconut Tree Trunk – used as timber to make houses and boats, in bridge building, furniture, drums, and canoes.

Container Planting

using a coconut husk for growing bonsai trees.

Different Uses of Coconut

Coconuts are a serious superfood with its long list of health benefits, medicinal uses, and nutritional value.

No part goes to the waste as every layer has or had a use somewhere in the world, making it worthy of the title the tree of life.

• The Coir – this is the fiber on the outside of the husk and is used in ropes, doormats, potting compost, mattress stuffing, brushes, mats, rugs, joint sealer for boats (caulking), and sacks.
• In Brazil, a tea is made from the husk fibers which is said to benefit inflammatory disorders.
• The Coconut Husk & Shell – the outer part of the coconut, these have been used for buffing floors, fuel, for charcoal, as handicrafts, as buttons, as drinking vessels, sponges, musical instruments, theatrical sound effects, burnt to ward off mosquitoes and when ground down, the husk is used in cosmetics as a skin exfoliant.
• The coconut shells are also used as bird feeders, a haven for small birds and rodents and even are a feature in the fairground as a coconut shy.

Coconut Shell Crafts - Kerala, India

Coconut Water

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Commonly drunk in the humid tropics, coconuts all produce water. The younger the fruit, the more water it has.

• A good source of sugar, fibre, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and minerals makes it a popular sports drink providing energy, hydration, and endurance.
• It helps restore any electrolyte imbalances caused by diarrhea, vomiting and after exercising.
• Emergency infusions may be done with coconut water due to its ability to mix with blood.
• It has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.
• It is used to replace lost fluids in cases of influenza, typhoid, malaria, and dissolves kidney stones.

Coconut Oil

With medicinal, nutritional and topical uses and benefits, there are in excess of 100 reasons to have coconut oil in some form in the home. Here is a selection of them. Here we go!

Drying Coconuts for Oil

Topical Uses of Coconut Oil

• Natural skin softener and moisturizer.
• Reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes
• Prevents skin infections.
• Anti-Wrinkle.
• Soothes Sunburn and treats blisters and burns.
• Removes makeup.
• Improves skin tone, elasticity, and age spots.
• Heals itchy skin and stops burning from insect bites including snake bites.
• Lessens varicose vein occurrences.
• Removes head lice.
• Conditions the hair, prevents split-ends and treats dry flaky scalp including dandruff.
• Heals nail fungal conditions.

Medicinal Uses of Coconut Oil

Extracting Coconut Oil in Sri Lanka

• Eases acid reflux and gives relief in gallbladder disease.
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels and insulin production.
• Kills viruses such as flu and infectious diseases.
• Protects against cancers in the colon, breasts, and digestive tract.
• Protects against intestinal disorders.
• Reduces pain and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
• Strengthens the liver.
• Relieves symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• Soothes earaches when combined with olive oil and garlic.
• Protects against Alzheimer’s disease.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption, promoting strong bones.
• Helps stabilize female hormones and prevents hot flushes and vaginal dryness during menopause.

The Meat

Thai Chicken Curry

• The white meat or flesh of the coconut is eaten and used fresh. When it is in dried form it is called copra.
• Rich in vitamins A and B group (particularly B5), phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium.
• High in Fat and Carbohydrates.
• Widely used fresh or dried in thousands of culinary dishes. Deserts and confectionery are particularly favorable with the coconuts sweet taste.
• It is also an essential ingredient for many curries and savory dishes throughout the world.
• Coconut oil is extracted from the dried Copra.
• Copra cake or copra meal is made as livestock feed.

Coconut Milk

coconut milk is added to cocktails in the
tropics and a key ingredient in Pina Colada.

• The milk of the coconut is extracted from the flesh or meat of the fruit has high saturated fat content. It is used in a variety of ways from seafood dishes in Brazil to being used in baking instead of animal fat.
• Whilst there are two types of milk (thick and thin milk) available, most countries who import coconut milk get it in a can and remain unaware of the two different types.
• Coconut milk is used regularly, nearly as a staple ingredient in Southeast Asia and forms the base of curries.
• Used to make a home brew in Rendell Island (Solomon Islands) where it is fermented with sugar and yeast and left for a week.
• The famous Pina Colada cocktail traditionally contains coconut milk.
• Coconut milk is said to promote plant growth.

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A Crash Course on Coconuts: See How the World Uses this Fruit

You have probably heard me praise the benefits of coconut oil and coconut water. Studies about their health benefits are piling up as we speak. Coconuts carry have a variety of functions beyond just these two products.

However, these functions and benefits seem to be largely overlooked in the United States. Americans have very limited knowledge about this fruit because it is not a traditional part of their diet. And very few stores sell coconut products.

The term "coconut" can be used to refer to both the coconut palm and fruit. Every part of the coconut can be used for myriads of functions, so it has gained significant recognition and has become a steady source of living in many cultures.

Coconut Uses - How the Coconut Proved Its Worth

The physical properties and nutrients of coconuts can vary depending on their maturity. Young coconuts have either a white husk or a green shell, and possess larger amounts of coconut water and softer meat. On the other hand, mature coconuts, the brown and hairy variety, have less water and firmer meat.

Whether they're young or mature, coconuts are considered the "plant of life" due to their astounding commercial and domestic uses:

1.Parts of the coconut palm, as well as the exterior layers of its fruit, are turned into several products, from simple kitchen tools and utensils to strong structures – for both humans and animals. Some of these coconut parts include:

• Coconut husks
• Coconut shells
• Coconut leaves
• Coconut trunk
• Coconut roots

2.The meat and water within its fruit are rich resources of nutrients. Native cultures in Asia, Pacific Islands, South America, and limited parts of North America use coconut fruit as a staple in their diets. Some popular coconut products are:

• Coconut meat
• Coconut oil
• Coconut milk
• Coconut water
• Coconut wine
• Coconut vinegar

Go Nuts about Coconuts - Learn More about This Amazing Plant

Probably no fruit or plant has garnered the level of recognition the coconut has. The list of benefits you can obtain from coconuts goes on and on.

I urge you to read Plant of Life: An Infographic on Various Coconut Uses to discover some interesting trivia about its uses around the world. Share this infographic with your friends and family to help spread knowledge about this astounding plant.

This Is What Will Happen When You Drink Coconut Water For A Week

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1. You’ll Strengthen Your Immune System

Daily consumption of coconut water has the ability to strengthen your immune system. It also has the ability to remove bacteria in the body that causes gum disease and urinary tract infections. Coconut water combats viruses that cause you to catch a cold, typhus or infectious diseases. Even during cold season, you find your health is exceptional.

2. You’ll Start to Feel More Energetic

Coconut water enhances the thyroid gland hormones, which gives you an energy boost at a cellular level. After a week of consuming coconut water consistently, you may just see a spring in your step that wasn’t there before.

3. You’ll Feel Better Internally

Coconut water eliminates toxins from the body and breaks down kidney stones. As a natural diuretic, it’s really helpful for those of you who have kidney disease. It cleanses the urinary tract, as well as bladder channels too, so after a week you may find yourself feeling a lot more healthy and energetic.

4. You’ll Notice Improvements in Your Digestive System

Coconut water is excellent for the digestive system as it gives us a lot of our daily requirements for fiber. It’s not always easy to obtain the amount of fiber per day that your body requires. When you consistently drink coconut water for a week, you’ll find yourself becoming more, ahem… regular. When gastric acid is eliminated regularly, you’ll have a lot more energy because the body is able to run at an optimum level.

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5. You’ll Lose Weight

When you consistently drink coconut water for a week, you may find yourself shedding some pounds. It’s more of an indirect result, as you’re able to drink coconut water in large amounts because it’s low in fat, which curbs your appetite. When you drink a lot of coconut water, your appetite will be reduced and you’ll possibly eat less. Also, the amount of energy you gain may just have you doing more exercise.

6. You’ll Relieve Certain Types of Headaches For Good

If you’ve suffered from headaches, you know how terrible they can be. Coconut water can be used as a means of hydrating yourself properly and subsequently preventing headaches daily. Coconut water may be the answer if your headaches have something to do with hypertension or dehydration.

If you’re suffering from headaches due to dehydration, it’s because you’ve lost essential fluids. This may have happened due to physical activities when you lost too much fluid or perhaps you have a hangover. Coconut water is a headache-solver, in most cases, due to it being a natural elixir packed with electrolyte-balancing nutrients. Through drinking coconut water you’ll regain the fluids that you’ve lost, putting you back on the mend quickly.

7. You’ll Notice More Radiant Skin

One cup of coconut water will ensure that your skin is radiant thanks to the incredible effects of hydration. Skin, of course, is the largest organ in the body and if you’re not hydrated, your skin suffers greatly. If you consistently drink coconut water daily, your skin will see noticeable improvements. By adding coconut water to mineral water, you’ll find yourself drinking more fluids and getting maximum hydration. Positive effects are seen throughout the body but the skin may take some time to shine.

8. You’ll Feel Younger

If you’re tired of eating carrots in the hopes of saving your eyesight, coconut water may just be your answer. Coconut water has the ability to reverse visions problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. Through drinking coconut water, you’ll have boosts of energy, your risk of heart attacks and strokes will be reduced, and the aging process will be slowed down at a cellular level.

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8 Benefits of Coconut Water You Didn’t Know About

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Coconut water is the ultimate thirst quencher and offers a tasty alternative to water. This pure liquid is packed with nutrients that yield an array of health benefits. Here are 8 Benefits of Coconut Water that explain why it has become so popular:

1. Aids in Weight-loss Efforts.

The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, so generous quantities can be consumed without the fear of immediately packing on the pounds. It also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature.

2. Picture-Perfect Skin.

For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of oil. This explains why products such as facial creams, shampoos, conditioners and lotions that contain traces of coconut extract are more effective.

3. The Ultimate Hangover Remedy.

Next time you overdo it and drink more than your belly can handle, consume coconut water to settle your stomach. It will also replace those essential electrolytes that exit the body if you experience bouts of frequent urination and vomiting.

4. Facilitates Digestion.

If you constantly encounter difficulty during the digestion process, coconut water may provide a source of relief. Because of its high concentration of fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.

5. Boosts Hydration.

The ingredients in coconut water are way more effective at hydrating the human body than those of sports and energy drinks. During rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity, the human body loses mineral-rich fluids. However, coconut water serves as an excellent replacement medium with 294 mg of potassium and 5 mg of natural sugar per glass, unlike your favorite sports drink that only contains half of the potassium content and five times the amount of processed sugar. In addition, the sodium count is only 25 mg, which is relatively low compared to the 41 and 20 mg found in sports drinks and energy drinks respectively.

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6. Reduces Blood Pressure.

In many instances, a disproportionate level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. Because coconut water contains an adequate supply of each, it can be used as a balancing mechanism. In some instances, it is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to foster the balance of these electrolytes.

7. Rich in Nutrients.

Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Because of its unique composition, coconut water can be enjoyed by individuals with varying medical conditions.

8. Compatible with Human Blood.

Since it is isotonic to human plasma, coconut water can be used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. It is not uncommon for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.

How Much Should You Consume?

Coconut water can be enjoyed as a stand-alone beverage or combined with another liquid product. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the amount that should be consumed on a daily basis, but experts from the Mayo Clinic strongly suggest that you consider maintaining an active lifestyle if consuming large amounts of coconut water since each eight ounce serving is accompanied by 45 to 60 calories.

When searching for the perfect fresh coconut to enjoy, be sure to steer clear of those that have a hard brown shell as this is an indication that it is mature. Instead, look for those that are young and green on the exterior as they usually contain a large supply of the actual coconut water substance. To test it out, simply shake the coconut up and down to gauge how much liquid it contains.

Coconut Milk Nutrition — 9 Benefits + Recipes

coconut milk

With its creamy texture and slight natural sweetness, coconut milk might taste like something that should be bad for you, yet it’s anything but. Coconut milk is often considered a “miracle liquid” since coconut milk nutrition offers great ability to build up the body’s immune defenses and prevent disease. Coconut milk, along with it’s relatives coconut oil and coconut water are among the world’s healthiest foods.

What exactly is coconut milk, and how is it made? Coconut milk isn’t actually “milk” at all (in the sense that you normally think of it) — it’s a liquid naturally found inside of mature coconuts, stored within coconut “meat.” When you crack open a fresh coconut, the milky white substance that leaks out is natural coconut water, but when you blend coconut meat and then strain it, the result in a thicker coconut “milk.”

How do the two differ? As a coconut matures, more of the water inside is replaced with coconut meat, so mature coconuts tend to be better producers of coconut milk, while younger coconuts (around five–seven months) are the best producers of coconut water. Coconut water is higher in sugar and certain electrolytes, while coconut milk is higher in healthy saturated fatty acids (from coconut oil) and calories.

Coconut Milk Nutrition Facts

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In addition to providing nutrients and its awesome taste, coconut milk contains beneficial fat called lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that’s easily absorbed and used by the body for energy. Coconuts’ fatty acids are primarily saturated fats, but don’t think these will raise your cholesterol levels and cause heart damage. Instead, they’re known to actually do the opposite — coconut milk can help you lower cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, and prevent heart attacks or a stroke.

Since real, full-fat coconut milk is high in calories, it’s better to have a smaller serving than you would of regular milk or coconut water. About 1/4–1/2 cup at once is best, either as part of recipes (for example as “coconut whipped cream”) or on its own combined with other flavors (such as in a smoothie).

Full-fat coconut milk contains all of its natural fatty acids, while “light” coconut milks are strained to remove some of the fat, which creates a thinner, lower-calorie milk. Because coconut milk is completely free from dairy, lactose, soy, nuts or grains, it’s a good option for anyone allergic to dairy and nut- or grain-based milks, plus it’s vegan and good for plant-based eaters.

coconut milk nutrition facts

A quarter cup of coconut milk (full-fat/not skimmed or light milk) has about: 

• 138 calories
• 1.5 grams protein
• 2 grams sugar
• 14 grams fat
• .55 milligrams manganese (27 percent DV)
• .15 milligrams copper (8 percent DV)
• 60 milligrams phosphorus (6 percent DV)
• 22 milligrams magnesium (5.5 percent DV)
• 3.9 milligrams iron (5.5 percent DV)
• 157 milligrams potassium (4.5 percent DV)

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

1. Improves Heart Health by Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Coconuts are one of the best sources of lauric acid — 50 percent of the fat in coconuts is lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral activities. According to many studies, lauric acid is a protective type of fatty acid linked with improved cholesterol levels and heart health.

For example, when 60 healthy volunteers were given coconut milk porridge (CMP) for five days a week for eight weeks, researchers found that their low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased while their “good” high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels rose significantly. They concluded that “coconut fat in the form of coconut milk does not cause a detrimental effect on the lipid profile in the general population, and in fact is beneficial due to the decrease in LDL and rise in HDL cholesterol.” 

Because coconuts contain minerals important for circulation and controlling blood flow, coconut milk is also useful for lowering blood pressure and keeping blood vessels flexible, elastic and free from plaque buildup. For example, magnesium may help combat stress and muscle tension while aiding in circulation and keeping muscles relaxed, important for preventing heart attacks.

2. Builds Muscle and Helps Lose Fat

Studies find that medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) fatty acids found in coconut milk increase energy expenditure and help enhance physical performance. Following exercise, muscles also need plenty of nutrients — including electrolytes like magnesium and potassium that are found in coconut milk — to repair broken down tissue and grow back even stronger.

Because coconut milk is high in healthy fats, it also helps fill you up and prevent overeating or snacking throughout the day, which derail your efforts to improve your body composition.

3. Provides Electrolytes and Prevents Fatigue

Although coconut water is a higher source of electrolytes, coconut milk also provides important minerals needed to maintain blood volume, regulate heart health, and prevent dehydration or diarrhea. Especially in very hot weather, following exercise or after being sick, electrolytes help prevent exhaustion, heat strokes, heart problems, muscle aches or cramps, and low immunity.

Coconut milk also contains the types of MCTs that are easily used by your brain for energy, without even needing to be processed through your digestive tract with bile acids like some other fats. Coconut milk’s calories provide a quick and efficient source of healthy calories for the brain, which is actually primarily made up of fat and relies on a steady stream of it to function.

4. Helps Lose Weight

According to a study done by the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at McGill University,

consumption of a diet rich in MCTs results in greater loss of fat (adipose tissue) compared with long-chain fatty acids, perhaps due to increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation observed with MCT intake. MCTs may be considered as agents that aid in the prevention of obesity or potentially stimulate weight loss. 

As a food high in MCTs, coconut milk is a very filling, fat-burning food. Fats provide the feeling of being full and satisfied and can help prevent overeating, snacking, food cravings and potentially weight gain.

Of course, portion control is important considering the calorie count of coconut milk, but as a part of a healthy diet it provides necessary fatty acids in addition to other minerals that support weight loss and detoxification. Coconut milk is also hydrating and helps the digestive organs, like the liver and kidneys, function properly, which helps metabolize fat and remove waste from the body.

5. Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation

A well-hydrated digestive tract is important for preventing or treating constipation. Coconut milk nourishes the digestive lining due to its electrolytes and healthy fats, improving gut health and preventing conditions like IBS.

6. Manages Blood Sugar and Controls Diabetes

The fat content of coconut milk can help slow the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream, better controlling insulin levels and preventing a “sugar high” or worse, conditions like diabetes. This is one reason why coconut milk is especially good to add to sweetened recipes, like desserts. Coconut milk’s MCTs are also a preferred source of energy for the body rather than sugar.

7. Helps Prevent Anemia

Although the iron content of coconut milk isn’t very high, it still provides a good source of plant-based iron that can contribute to a diet sufficient at preventing anemia.

8. Prevents Joint Inflammation and Arthritis

Coconut milk’s MCTs can help lower inflammation, which is associated with painful conditions like arthritis and general joint or muscle aches and pains. Coconut milk in place of refined sugar especially is helpful for people with arthritis (or other autoimmune conditions) because sugar is a pro-inflammatory and linked to low immunity, worsened pain and swelling.

9. Prevents Ulcers

Another benefit of coconut milk nutrition that may surprise you? Researchers found that coconut milk can help reduce the occurrence of ulcers even better than coconut water. When rats with ulcers were given coconut milk, they experienced a reduction in the size of ulcers of about 56  percent. The study found that coconut milk had protective effects on the ulcerated gastric mucus that can lead to painful ulcers.