Tender Coconut Water
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Health benefits of
Coconut
By Henrylito Tacio
Friday, January 27, 2006
Health 101
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2006/01/27/feat/health.benefits.of.coconut.
CRAIG Elevitch, an agro forestry expert in Hawaii, notes: "The amazing
thing about the coconut palm is that it provides almost all the
necessities of life: food, drink, oil, medicine, fibre, timber, thatch,
mats, fuel, and domestic utensils, as well as serving important
environmental services such as soil erosion control in coastal regions,
wind protection and shade for other crops."
With multifarious uses, coconut is touted as a "tree of life." Coconut
is known scientifically as "Cocos nucifera," but in the Philippines it
has several names: "niyog" (among Tagalogs and Ilokanos), "lubi" (Bisaya),
"ngu-ngut" (Pampangueρo), and "ongot" (Ibanag). |
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Coconut water is good
for people with kidney problems. One Filipino doctor claimed that "two
glasses of fresh buko juice every day can reduce one's chance of having
kidney or ureter stones." Daily "bucolysis"--renoculsis with "buko"
juice--result in a 10 percent reduction in size of all kidney stones.
Diabetics can also benefit from drinking coconut water. The Philippine
Coconut Authority informs: Potassium content of water is remarkably high
at all nut ages. Together with sodium and phosphorus, potassium content
also tends to increase with the ages of the coconut to peak at nine
months.
This characteristic of coconut water makes it a very good drinking water
for diabetics. Diabetics waking from a coma recover quickly after
drinking coconut water."
A joint study by the University of the Philippines-Philippine General
Hospital and the Department of Science and Technology found that coconut
water from nine-month-old nuts can be safely injected into a healthy
person.
But here's a warning: Patients with weak kidneys may not be able to
tolerate high doses of fluid due to its high potassium content. This can
lead to heart attack!
Coconut water has been used for centuries as a remedy for a lot of
ailments. Occasionally by itself, or often mixed with coconut milk, it
has been used to treat intestinal worms and relives stomach and urinary
problems. It is also said to diminish rashes caused by smallpox,
chickenpox, and measles. It is also thought to be beneficial to the
skin.
Celeste Tanchoco, nutritional science and technology division chief of
the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, explains: "I think it's
because of the belief that saturated fat is hypercholesterolemic, and
coconut oil is saturated fat. But what we should consider in classifying
fats and oils is not just whether they are saturated or unsaturated, but
it should be more on the fatty acid composition--whether it's
short-chain, medium-chain or long-chain." Coconut oil is medium-chain,
which is saturated.
More explanation: "Now, what has been considered before was that
saturated fat raises blood cholesterol. Coconut oil is saturated,
therefore it can increase hypercholesterolemia. And they backed this up
with previous studies that when patient was given a diet that contained
coconut oil, indeed his cholesterol levels went up. But they focused
only on the change in the fat in the diet. They failed to consider the
composition of the diet."
Now sweeping the Philippines is virgin coconut oil, which is said to be
anti-viral and anti-bacterial and touted to treat the virus that causes
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids).
"Virgin coconut oil is coconut oil," explains Dr. Conrado Dayrit,
professor emeritus of the College of Pharmacology in the University of
the Philippines. "The difference is just that when you say virgin, it
did not pass the copra process."
Generally, coconut oil is considered virgin when it is not heated, and
when no additives or chemicals are used, according to Dr. Teresita M.
Espino, director of the Laguna-based Biotech Institute. Once it has been
heated or "cooked" and other materials are added to the mixture, the
natural qualities are compromised and the oil may no longer be
considered virgin.
The production of virgin coco oil, says Dr. Espino, starts from the
grating process, followed by the extraction of the coconut milk. The
extraction results in the leftover coconut meat called "sepal". This is
mixed with enzymes that separate the oil from the aqueous matter.
The separated oil goes through a centrifugal (movement away from the
centre) process and comes out pale yellow in colour. This is the colour
one should look for in virgin coco oil. The entire process does not
involve heat and takes place only in room temperature.
"This is the traditional method of coconut oil extraction that has been
used in the Philippines for hundreds of years," points out Joey Villa, a
businessman whose product - cold-pressed flavoured extra virgin coconut
oil sold under the brand name "Wild Country"--is getting rave reviews
and with orders from both the domestic and offshore markets.
"Laboratory tests show that (virgin coconut oil) is a very high quality
coconut oil, with the lauric acid content measured at 54.9 percent,
which makes it an excellent anti-viral, antibacterial and antifungal
agent. This oil is not mass-produced, but made by hand just as it has
been done for hundreds of years.
For comments and feedback, write me at:
drs589@gmail.com
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
By chinemere onuekwusi,
published Nov 17, 2008
Published Content: 2 Total Views: 372 Favorited By: 0 CPs
Rating: 3.0 of 5
To take my word, Coconut water, apart from water, happens to be one of
the purest liquids known to man, and the health benefits of coconut
water are so numerous: but I will just list nine of them.
1) Coconut water when administered orally stops all kinds of adverse
drug reactions.
2) In many cases, it is used in the treatment of damages caused by
inappropriate administration of anti-microbial agents
3) Coconut water is germ free (pyrogen free: a substance that causes
fever, especially a substance introduced into somebody's bloodstream)
and as such naturally balanced with electrolytic substances like sodium,
potassium, magnesium etc. this property makes it a good substitute for
saline-glucose: a solution of common salt sodium chloride and distilled
water, especially one having the same concentration as body fluids.
4) The oral intake of coconut water helps in breaking down and
eliminating all forms of kidney and bladder stones, one health benefit
that is low cost effective, and can save thousand of dollars that would
have been put out for medical bills.
5) Coconut water have been found very useful as a natural oral
re-hydration therapy (ORT) , because of its isotonic properties
(balanced concentration of salts and minerals: specially formulated to
supply the body's chemical needs in situations in which minerals and
fluids are used up by the body, e.g. during vigorous exercise-Encarta),
and electrolytic properties.
6) It is on record that coconut water if taken during feverish
conditions reduces fever, ii is also known to calm nervous and emotional
imbalances.
7) Taking coconut water regularly aids in flushing the liver, since it
contains lauric acid (a crystalline fatty acid. Source: coconut, laurel
oils) which gives it anti-microbial properties and makes it suitable for
treatment of some liver ailments like hepatitis.
8) It is known by many experts that coconut water contains the following
supplements needed to sustain life:
- glucose: which acts as sugar for energy in the body when taken
- vitamin Bs: for replenishment of worn out cells and tissues
- vitamin C: to shield the body form ailments like scurvy
BENEFITS OF COCONUT WATER ( Must read )
Summary rating: 4 stars
(62 Ratings)
Book Abstract by: Creative force Author : Dr. Kamath
Published: May 21, 2007
Coconut water has been used for re-hydration and as a health and beauty
aide in tropical regions around the world for centuries.
Coconut water is low in fat and calories, has no cholesterol, and has a
natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium- making it a
healthy electrolyte drink. It has even been used intravenously to
stabilize electrolytes.
Many people know of the healing benefits of coconut oil. Coconut water
now joins the pantrys medicine cabinet. Coconuts are anti-viral,
anti-fungal and anti-microbial. The lauric acid in coconuts is also used
to heal digestive tract disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.
According to ayurvedic belief, coconut is carminative: meaning that it
helps to prevent intestinal gas, aids in removing toxins and increases
the digestive tracts ability to absorb nutrients. Coconut balances acid
levels and flushes toxins out. Ayurveda considers coconut a natural
stress-buster.
The calming, cooling benefits of coconut water relieves burning
sensations and hot flashes and restores emotional stability in
menopausal women. This property of coconut water also makes it an
excellent choice for liver problems, hepatitis or inflammation.
Since it regulates the functioning of the intestine, the coconut water
propitiates to the user a smoother and pretty skin.
Beyond ingested, the coconut water can also be used directly on the
face, for skin hydration.
Around the world women have used coconut products on their hair and skin
as well as consuming it. It is a common ingredient in beauty products.
For your health, Coconut Water is:
* Low in Carbohydrates
* Low in Fat 99% Fat Free
* Low in natural occurring sugar
* Keeps the body cool and at the proper temperature
* Contains organic compounds possessing growth promoting properties
* Cures malnourishment
* Effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones
* Natural drink for feeding infants suffering from intestinal
disturbances
* Excellent oral re-hydration medium, an all natural isotonic for all
ages
* Re-hydrate naturally, free of added sugars or chemicals
* Lower arterial pressure
* Relieve spasms and stomach pain
* Ease burns
* Natural diuretic
* Presence of saline and albumen makes it an excellent drink in cholera
cases
* Maintains the human bodys natural fluid levels
* Can be injected intravenously in emergency cases
* Found as a blood plasma substitute because it is sterile, does not
produce heat,
and does not destroy red blood cells and is readily accepted by the body
* Helps in carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells
* Excellent all natural water to drink while Relaxing, Meditating,
Driving, Eating,
Running, Aerobics, Working, Skiing, Mountain Biking, Exercising, Body
Building, Surfing, Fishing, Snow Boarding, Working Out, Surfing,
Physical
Activities, or Exertion of any kind
* Eliminate swelling in hands and feet
* Normalize the intestinal function and raise metabolism
* Heal damage induced by antibiotics and toxins in the digestive tract
* Boost poor circulation
It is truly a life giving fluid. Our special harvesting and processing
procedures allow us to package and pasteurize our natural Coconut Waters
that are biologically pure, with no need for adding any preservatives.
Exquisitely tasting and full of all the natural fluids, vitamins,
nutrients, sugars, minerals and salts demanded and needed by every one
of all age groups. Coconut Water has no Cholesterol, is fat free and is
naturally low in Calories!
Everyone should drink this fine all natural coconut water EVERY DAY, it
is a Natural isotonic beverage for all ages.
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Health benefits of
Coconut
Coconut (Cocos
nucifera)
The Tree of Life
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish
explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three
indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a
monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil
that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations.
On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the
majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population
depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy.
Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.
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Coconut is highly
nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified
as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond
its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it
possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil
and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific
populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for
all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a
source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only
recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's
amazing healing powers.
Coconut In Traditional Medicine
People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races
scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source
of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people
have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of
years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local
folk medicine.
In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide
variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma,
baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough,
dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular
or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition,
nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling,
syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset
stomach, weakness, and wounds.
Coconut In Modern Medicine
Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating
many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show
that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health
benefits. Some of these are summarized below:
Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS,
AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract
infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and
other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's
foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic
performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including
vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with
diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic
fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development
of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis,
and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart
disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus
protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote
premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from
oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
(prostate enlargement)
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being
stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward
of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation
form the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking
temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans.
See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the above
mentioned uses of coconut products.
Coconut Oil
While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and
nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food
and medicine.
Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated
fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and
different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving
properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious
health food.
Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's
quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes
it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?
The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of
molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty
acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation.
You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats.
Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of
the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long
chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you
have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA),
and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately
of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain
triglycerides (MCT).
The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are
saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of
long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids
you consume are LCFA.
The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our
bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending
on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are
distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our
foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately
medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found
in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are
composed of LCFA.
MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on
cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to
lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is
primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so
beneficial.
There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best
sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.
Copyright © 2004 Coconut Research Center
This website is for educational purposes only. The information supplied
here comes from a variety of sources and authors and not every statement
made has been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
    
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