It might be a little eccentric to say that
coconuts are miracles in a shell. However,
the longer I think about it, the more I believe the miracles inside each
coconut, are ready to deliver themselves to those willing to open the package.
Coconut water is also known as “agua pipa” here in Costa Rica.
This refreshing
water contains two outstanding healing
substances:
· Potassium, which helps to prevent the occurrence of leg cramps, helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones. It can help to control the high blood pressure by increasing the levels of potassium in the blood; people experiencing high blood pressure, often show low levels of potassium.
substances:
· Potassium, which helps to prevent the occurrence of leg cramps, helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones. It can help to control the high blood pressure by increasing the levels of potassium in the blood; people experiencing high blood pressure, often show low levels of potassium.
·
Lauric acid, which
helps to fight some intestinal viruses, and some track infections; it also
helps to ease the digestion.
Agua pipa, with
all its minerals and electrolytes is known to have health properties like the
following ones:
o It re-hydrates your
body because it is a natural isotonic beverage.
o It brings nutrients
and oxygen to the blood cells.
o It raises your metabolism.
o It boosts your
immune system.
o Detoxify and fight
viruses
o It cleanses your
digestive tract.
o It boosts poor
circulation.
There
is a story that has its origins in World War II, when British and Japanese
soldiers were given coconut water intravenously because saline solution was in a
short supply. It worked well,
considering the specific situation. In
the current environment, and under normal circumstances, doctors would not be
inclined to set up a coconut water IV for dehydrated patients. However, they agree that coconut water is a good drink for hydration. Those electrolytes we just mentioned are salts
that play a major role in the biochemistry and physiological processes of the
human body.
COCONUT MILK
- It is rich in antioxidants helping the body to fight ageing, sagging of the skin, poor vision, and low bone density.
- It contains lauric acid, which provides anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral properties.
- It is good for the heart; the lauric acid helps to unclog the arteries.
- It can be effective as an anti-ulcer agent.
- In spite of the fact that coconut milk contains saturated fats, it helps to control cholesterol levels.
In
addition, of course, it is a common ingredient for cooking because it makes
delightful dishes.
COCONUT OIL
There are three main types.
There are three main types.
- Virgin coconut oil
- Refined coconut oil
- Skin care coconut oil
The Virgin
coconut oil is
one of the best things you can give to your body, internally and externally. In my experience, it is a “the miracle
worker.”
The
saturated fats in virgin coconut oil have anti-microbial
properties that help your body fight bacteria, fungi, or parasites that often
cause a variety of digestive problems, going from indigestion to severe pain. Try it; the pain can disappear as magic, and
using it regularly, might help you to heal
the digestive system.
The
virgin coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs, instead the
long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) contained in the common oils. That attribute makes it an easy fuel for the
body, being able to burn it without turning it into fat. By adding coconut oil into the regular diet,
you might eat fewer calories because you may feel satisfied eating less.
It is also known to help to ease the
pancreatic function; therefore, increasing
the metabolism. These fatty acids
assist with nutrient absorption and digestion. Moreover, it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic
properties.
It
can help to kill the bacteria that cause throat infections, urinary tract
infections, and pneumonia.
Still
under investigation, researchers from Payap University in Thailand have
reported in 2010 that virgin coconut oil can be used as an anti-inflammatory in certain conditions.
It can help to improve the cholesterol levels within the blood if it is consumed regularly.
This
kind of oil is used in the culinary world in many different ways. It is used as a replacement for animal fats;
it has a nutty sweet flavor, great for salads and sauteing vegetables. It has an indefinite shelf life.
The Refined coconut
oil is
extracted from the copra, or dried coconut kernel. The first byproduct obtained from the copra is the coconut milk, then the milk is filtered or strained, to remove impurities; the next step within the process is boiling gently for a long time to evaporate all the liquid, living only the oil behind. There is a second filtering, and sometimes a bleaching agent is added.
Since the oil is obtained from the dried coconut meat, which is frequently dried in open air, and may grow bacteria, it only makes sense to eliminate all the impurities before it can be safely consumed.
This type of oil is more suitable for cooking because it has a desirable smoke point of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the way this oil is processed often disrupts the favorable balance of the fatty acids, diminishing some of its health benefits. Nevertheless, coconut oil has been called “the healthiest dietary oil on earth.”
If
you can substitute regular oil with coconut oil in your daily cooking, this
miracle worker will help you to:
- Reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and related illnesses.
- Reduce the risk of cancer and other digestive conditions
- Support your immune system functions.
- Prevent osteoporosis.
- Control diabetes
- Support healthy metabolic function.
- Obtain an immediate source of energy.
- Improve the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and mineral.
The
coconut oil for skin care has in an incredible number of applications, and
when used sparingly, it absorbs quickly, leaving the skin silky but not greasy.
· Some
people warm it slightly to rub their scalp to prevent dry, brittle hair, and
dandruff.
· It
can be used as a moisturizer.
· Because
it absorbers easily, nourishes the skin’s underlying tissue, healing it, and
repairing it, some people say it has anti-aging properties. It also rejuvenates the skin by removing the
outer layer of dead skin cells.
· It
can be effective in the treatment of athlete’s foot, diaper rash, or any other
skin infection.
· It
can help to speed up the recovery from burn injuries.
· It
can be used as massage oil, if it is applied to the forehead and temples with a
gentle massage, helps to relief the mental fatigue.
· It
can help to prevent skin cancer and other blemishes.
As you can see, it does not matter in what
form you choose to consume and use the coconut.
It offers wonderful healing properties; they can reach whatever part of
your body is in need of help. No wonder
many call it “the natural miracle worker.”
Living in Costa Rica, we became very attached to our friend the Coconut. We were lucky, inheriting several already
grown coconut trees; and we have been planting and nourishing many more during
the eight years we have been in this country. They are part of our lives, and we actively enjoy
all the miracles they provide for us every day.
We hope you enjoy them too!
We hope you enjoy them too!
REFERENCES
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