Coconut Nutritional Benefits

Coconut Nutritional Benefits

The coconut is a nourishing, strengthening dietary supplement. It is used in all stages of maturity. As a food, it is most valuable before it matures. Its jelly-like tender kernel contains various enzymes and is easily digestible. The milk of fresh coconut forms a valuable food for children suffering from nutritional deficiency. It has adequate natural minerals and high-quality proteins which are valuable for growth and repair of the body.

The water of the tender green coconut, generally known as mineral water, is used as a beverage and a refreshing drink. A tender coconut, which is fully grown and only one month old, contains about 400 to 465 cc. of water. It contains sufficient sugar in an easily assimilable form. It is an excellent tonic for health.

The water of a single coconut contains sufficient Vitamin C to meet the daily requirements of the body. It also contains several vitamins in the B group. These are niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, and thiamin, as well as pyridoxin in traces. The water also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, sulfur, and chloride.

Intestinal Worms

The coconut is an ancient and very effective remedy for intestinal worms of all kinds. A tablespoonful of the freshly ground coconut should be taken at breakfast, followed by a dose of castor oil after three hours. The process may be repeated until the cure is complete.

Acidity

The mature dried coconut is valuable in the treatment of acidity. Its oil reduces the acid secretion of the stomach and gives much relief to the patient.

Digestive System Disorder

Tender kernel of coconut is highly beneficial in the treatment of digestive system disorders. It is valuable in diseases like indigestion, colitis, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, arid piles. The tender coconut water is also an excellent remedy for flatulence, vomiting, and dyspepsia. In vomiting, it is a food medicine of great value when other methods have failed.

Dry Cough

Coconut milk, mixed with milk and pure honey, taken every night before bed, is an effective food remedy for dry cough due to throat irritation or due to excessive smoking.

Cholera

Tender coconut water is very useful in fighting cholera. Eight to 12 ounces of this water mixed with a teaspoonful of fresh lime juice should be administered orally to the patient. It rectifies the electrolyte balance and neutralizes the acidosis of the blood. Coconut water is a known source of potassium-rich fluid, and since cholera patients can almost invariably take oral fluids following initial correction of shock and acidosis, the experts suggest intake of coconut water is a must for cholera patients.

Urinary Disorders

The coconut water is a valuable cure for urinary disorders. It acts as a natural diuretic in heart, liver, and kidney disorders such as scanty and suppressed urination.

Bilious Fever

Coconut water is highly beneficial in the treatment of bilious fever. It should be given frequently in small doses. Water should, however, not be taken immediately after taking coconut water. It may be taken after some time has passed, if necessary.

Ascites

Ascites is a disease which causes swelling in the stomach due to fluid accumulation. Coconut water is valuable in ascites. The patient should be given two or three glassfuls of coconut water to drink. This quantity may be increased or decreased according to the condition and needs of the patient.

Skin Disorders

The oil extracted from the flesh of the ripe nut is an effective dressing for burns and scalds. It is of great value in the preparation of ointments, as it penetrates the skin readily. The tar-like fluid obtained from the red-hot shell of a ripe nut is a rubifacient which causes reddening and warming of the skin. It is a household remedy for ringworm, itch, and other skin diseases.

Source naturodoc.com