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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
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| Common Names |
| Coconut , |
| Botanical Name |
| Cocos nucifera |
| Family |
| ARECACEAE or PALMAE Palm Family |
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While there is no mistaking the wonderful benefits of coconut oil for the softening and healing dry and damaged skin,
there is some controversy over the heart health benefits of coconut oil. During the 1980s, the American Heart Association issued statements indicating that coconut oil's high saturated fat content was detrimental to cardiovascular health and promoted heart disease, and they still stand behind those claims today. Other researchers believe that coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids. Wherever you stand on these claims, most people who are interested in healthy eating do not put oils such as coconut, avocado, or peanut oils that come from plant sources in the same catagory as saturated fats from animal sources.
Coconut oil works wonders for burns, cuts, bruises, and even speeds the healing of broken bones.
To get the best benefits of coconut oil, look for unrefined, virgin oils (Virgin Coconut Oil VCO) made from fresh coconuts that are the best cosmetic and food grade. |
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Prep Methods :coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk
 Remedies using Coconut
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Ayurvedic medicine has recognized the healing properties of coconut oil for over 4,000 years using coconut in its many forms is used to treat a variety of health problems and nourish the body. |
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| Fatigue, stimulate thyroid | | Adding coconut oil to your diet has been reported to increase energy, balance hormones, and stimulate the thyroid gland. 1177
| | Cholesterol | | The cholesterol-lowering properties of coconut oil are a direct result of its ability to stimulate thyroid function. 1174
| | Culinary | | Coconut oil can be used in to fry foods, make a healthier mayonnaise and used in baking. When you make pastries, substitute 50% coconut oil for whatever fat is recommended. 1176
| | Skin Care | | Coconut oil forms a protective barrier to hold in moisture also penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to helping to keep connective tissues strong and supple. Coconut oil is readily absorbed into the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The coconut oil will aid in exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. 1173
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| Side Effects: |
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| None noted. |
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 It is the only species in the genus Cocos, and is a large palm, growing to 30 m tall, with pinnate leaves 4-6 m long, pinnae 60-90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly leaving the trunk smooth. The term coconut refers to the fruit of the coconut palm.
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 In East Africa, palm kernel oil is considered a health tonic and is the first medicine of choice among the native population regardless of the illness. |
 Traditional healers hold the coconut is such high regard that the name in the Philippines, the coconut is commonly given the title "Tree of Life". |
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