The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is a member of the Arecaceae (palm family). The coconut is the fruit of the palm tree and actually a drupe.
The name “Coco” comes from Portuguese and Spanish and means “grinning face” because the 3 small holes in the coconut shell look similar to the human face.
Young coconuts have a green, smooth skin and contain coconut jelly and coconut water.
Mature coconuts have a brown, fibrous skin and contain an oily, white coconut meat and coconut milk.
What are the benefits of coconuts?
Coconuts are rich in vitamin B, C and E, coenzyme Q10, lecithin, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
What is Coconut Butter:
Coconut butter is the fat of the coconut and has numerous health benefits which have been known in the tropics for centuries, although in Western countries it is often believed that coconut butter is unhealthy because of its saturated fatty acids and that it should be avoided.
In traditional folk medicine, coconut butter is used in the treatment of ear pain, asthma, fever, psoriasis, sore throat, stomach upsets, diarrhea and constipation, fungal infections and herpes.
Up to 50% of the fatty acids in coconut butter are composed of lauric acid which has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, cocoa butter can help to reduce the cholesterol and regulate the metabolism by nourishing the thyroid glands which can assist healthy weight loss.
Coconut butter is an excellent ingredient for smoothies and nut milk to give them a creamier consistency. In addition, a small portion of fat increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), Q10, carnitine, carotenes, and lipoic acid (found in carrots, spinach, corn, tomatoes, peppers, etc).
Tip: Coconut Butter prevents dandruff, saggy skin and wrinkles and can be used as lip balm, hand and body butter, hair balm or hair wrap, massage and body oil.
