Produced by the cocos nucifera palm, coconuts are spherical in shape and can measure anywhere between 5 to 10 inches in width. In just one year, a coconut palm has the ability to yield up to 150 nuts.
But what actually is a coconut? A nut? A fruit? Technically, a coconut can be classified as a nut, a fruit, or a seed. In textbook terms, it’s a fibrous, 1-seeded drupe.
The coconut and its delicious meat are housed by a hard, green layer called an exocarp. Underneath that layer is a husk, called the mesocarp, which is hairy and brown. Inside the mesocarp is the endocarp, or the outside of the coconut seed. When the seed is opened, a gorgeous white layer of coconut meat and its water are revealed.
Coconuts have been used for their milk, water, meat, and oil since long ago, and coconut palms have been growing in tropical climates for over 4,500 years.
This miracle fruit-nut-seed is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic, improves energetic output, increases the absorption of nutrients, can prevent cancer development, improve thyroid function, and fight both bladder and kidney infections.
Coconut consumption generates disease-fighting antioxidants, reduces heart disease risk, and even promotes the regulation of blood sugar.
Coconuts provide a high level of manganese, which helps metabolize carbohydrates, cholesterol and protein, and contributes to bone health. They’re also full of copper and iron, which generate red blood cells, and the antioxidant selenium, which protects cells.
Significant amounts of phosphorus, fiber, B-vitamins, and magnesium can also be found in the rich, creamy, nutrient-dense meat of a coconut.
Most fat found in coconuts is of the medium-chain triglyceride variety, also known as MCT. These beneficial healthy MCT’s are processed and used by the body more easily than other kinds of fats. Because it’s easier to break down MCT’s, they can be used more rapidly for energy. Digested MCT’s are absorbed directly by the gut, moved into the bloodstream, and transferred to the liver. Our bodies can then either use them as a near-instant source of energy, or turn them into ketones, which are powerful supporters of brain health.
With regard to coconut oil, lauric acid accounts for 50 percent of available fatty acids, boosting healthy cholesterol and supporting coronary arteries by preventing blockage to vessels. A potent antimicrobial agent, lauric acid can kill off pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and even fungi.
History
One of the most useful trees on the planet, coconut palms are commonly called the ‘tree of life.’ Their harvest and use provide the global marketplace with fuel, various types of food, folk medicines, natural cosmetics, building materials and so much more.
The coconut’s origins are quite controversial. Some argue its birthplace to be Southern Asia, others Northwestern South America, others India, and still others New Zealand.
Regardless of its original home, the coconut has spread throughout the tropics, and now grows on every single subtropical coastline on the planet. Encompassing both hemispheres of the world, this spread is said to have been caused largely by the coconut’s ability to float. Floating down ocean currents — but also taken by sea-faring people — the coconut has made its way to being enjoyed by cultures around the globe.
History
One of the most useful trees on the planet, coconut palms are commonly called the ‘tree of life.’ Their harvest and use provide the global marketplace with fuel, various types of food, folk medicines, natural cosmetics, building materials and so much more.
The coconut’s origins are quite controversial. Some argue its birthplace to be Southern Asia, others Northwestern South America, others India, and still others New Zealand.
Regardless of its original home, the coconut has spread throughout the tropics, and now grows on every single subtropical coastline on the planet. Encompassing both hemispheres of the world, this spread is said to have been caused largely by the coconut’s ability to float. Floating down ocean currents — but also taken by sea-faring people — the coconut has made its way to being enjoyed by cultures around the globe.
Today, the coconut’s biggest commercial utilization is found in the industrial countries of the Western World. But it is even more useful to those who live where it grows. In Indonesia, locals claim that a coconut has as many uses as there are days in the year.
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
This type of oil is single-press extracted from fresh coconut meat, which has been grated and dried at temperatures less than 40 degrees celsius.
Because virgin oil implements no second press and keeps temperatures low, the yield per kilogram is far less than other commercially-used oil processes — which is why it comes with a higher price tag.
Cold-pressing takes place immediately after opening a coconut, and oil is extracted before rancidity or fermentation occur. It is usually packaged within eight hours from the time a coconut is opened. It is never deodorized or bleached, which maintains freshness and a sweet coconut scent. In liquid form, virgin oil also appears as clear as water, because high heats have not been used in processing.
DESICCATED COCONUT
Desiccated coconut means that coconut meat has been dried and now has less moisture than what is found in the fresh fruit. With only about three percent moisture remaining, the white meat is shredded into granules, flakes, chips, or shreds, and then dried.
All Cacao Now products contain virgin coconut oil except Buddha Bars and Original Gangster Buddha Bites.
Cacao Now products containing desiccated coconut: Coconut Buddha Bites, Nuts & Seeds Buddha Bites, Keto Buddha Bites, gRAWnola, and Lavender Luv Buddha Bites.