Coconut palm (lat. Cocos nucifera) is a plant of the Palm (arecaceae) family; the only species of the genus Cocos. The coconut palm is believed to be native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia). This is a plant of sea coasts, preferring sandy soils. The expansion of its growing area occurred both with the help of humans and naturally: coconuts are waterproof and float freely on the water, moving over long distances with ocean currents and maintaining their vitality. Now the coconut palm is widespread in the tropics of both hemispheres, both in cultivated and wild forms.
The fruit of the palm tree, also known as the coconut, is a drupe, 15–30 cm in length, relatively round, weighing from 1.5 to 2.5 kg. The outer shell of the fruit (exocarp) is permeated with fibers (coir); internal (endocarp) - a hard “shell”, with 3 pores leading to 3 ovules, of which only one develops into a seed. The seed consists of a fleshy white surface layer about 12 mm thick (pulp or copra) and endosperm. The endosperm, initially liquid and transparent (coconut water), with the appearance of drops of oil secreted by copra, gradually turns into a milky emulsion (coconut milk), then thickens and hardens.
The fruits grow in groups of 15-20 pieces, fully ripening within 8-10 months. In cultivation, the tree begins to bear fruit at 7-9 years of age and continues for about 50 years. One tree produces from 60 to 120 fruits annually.
Coconut composition:
On average, 100 g of coconut pulp contains:
Water - 44.6 g
Proteins - 3.9 g
Fat - 36.5 g
Carbohydrates - 4.8 g
Dietary fiber (fiber) - 9 g
Vitamins in coconuts:
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.06 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.01 mg
Niacin (vitamin B3 or vitamin PP) - 0.96 mg
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - 0.2 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.06 mg
Folic acid (vitamin B9) - 30 mcg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - 2 mg
Vitamin E (tocopherol) - 0.72 mg
Biotin (vitamin H) - 12 mcg
Macronutrients in coconuts:
Potassium - 380 mg
Calcium - 43 mg
Magnesium - 39 mg
Sodium - 35 mg
Sulfur - 44 mcg
Phosphorus - 95 mg
Chlorine - 120 mg
Microelements in coconuts:
Iron - 2.25 mg
Iodine - 1.2 mcg
Manganese - 1.31 mg
Copper - 0.32 mg
Selenium - 5.6 mcg
Zinc - 0.78 mg
Fluoride - 10 mcg
Calories in coconuts:
100 g of coconuts contain on average about 364 kcal.
Coconut and products derived from it (oil and milk) have a number of beneficial properties. They improve the functioning of the digestive system and liver, help normalize thyroid function, relax muscles and help with joint problems.
Regular consumption of coconut increases the body's immunity and resistance to various infections, helps reduce the adaptability of bacteria to antibiotics, and helps the body with flu and colds.
Coconut pulp and oil, thanks to the lauric acid they contain (this is the main fatty acid found in breast milk), normalizes cholesterol levels in the blood. Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as cancer and degenerative processes.
Coconut water is sterile and has the same level of electrolytic balance as blood plasma, which allows it to be used for medical purposes instead of saline solution. Coconut juice does not contain fat, which makes it low-calorie (16.7 kcal/100 g). Young Coconut juice is often called the “liquid of life” or “juice of life”; it is a natural isotonic drink - the body does not spend effort on processing and assimilating it.
Coconut water contains more potassium (about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks. Experts recommend it for heavy physical activity, due to the high content of minerals in it.
It is also used as an antipyretic for kidney stones and diabetes. Coconut juice is an invaluable food product during pregnancy and lactation. Coconut water is better than formula-fed infants and contains naturally occurring lauric acid, which is found in healthy mother's milk.
Regular use of fresh coconut water on affected areas of the skin reduces acne, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and eczema. In the tropics it is used fresh, as a base for making cocktails and as a tonic drink.
Coconut milk is a high-calorie and fatty product. The more saturated fat it contains, the thicker it is. It contains many amino acids, B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Its use is not recommended for those who want to get rid of extra pounds. However, Indian doctors consider it beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Coconut pulp with a high oil content is useful for the prevention of osteoporosis. Coconut oil is good for teeth and bones as it promotes calcium absorption.
Coconut has a reputation as a strong aphrodisiac and normalizes the functioning of the reproductive system. Coconut milk and pulp improves vision.
Coconut oil strengthens and nourishes hair, has a good effect on the condition of the skin, moisturizing and softening it and smoothing out wrinkles. Thailand is the fifth largest coconut producer in the world. Agile monkeys are often used here for harvesting. Local residents value the coconut palm very much; they believe that it can provide everything necessary for life and call it “the tree of a thousand uses.”
Coconut milk is widely used in cooking. It is added to soups and sauces. For an additional taste effect, it is seasoned with fish, curry and lamb. And coconut flakes are used for decorations and baking in confectionery products.
Fresh pulp is used to prepare numerous dishes and delicacies, and coconut oil is obtained from dried copra, the remaining cake is used to feed livestock, and ropes, ropes, mats, carpets, and brushes are made from the fibers surrounding the nut. The hard coconut shell is used for various crafts: dishes, buttons, toys, souvenirs and musical instruments.
Origin and distribution
The origin of the coconut palm is not exactly known - it is believed to be native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia). Now it is widespread in the tropics of both hemispheres, both in cultivated and wild forms. In the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago, the Malay Peninsula, India and Sri Lanka, it has been bred since prehistoric times. Coconut is a sea coast plant that prefers sandy soils. The expansion of its growing area occurred with the help of humans and naturally: coconuts are waterproof and float freely on the water, being carried far by ocean currents and at the same time maintaining vitality.
Botanical description
They are called nuts by mistake: in fact, they are not nuts, but drupes - stone fruits, like cherries and peaches.
Links
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Synonyms:See what "Coconut" is in other dictionaries:
- (French cocos, German Kokos, from Greek koix palm fruit). A tree from the palm family that bears fruit, the juice and kernel of which differ in taste, and the shell is used for the preparation of various products by turners. Dictionary of foreign words included in... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
coconut- a, m. coco m. Cocos, Kokos; port. lat. coccum seed, dye berry. 1. Coconuts. Huygens Fundamentals of the Universe 1717. // ES. Coconut, the blessed fruit of that country, Coolness replaces our purest waters, For the inhabitants to drink and... ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
Husband. coconut, tree and fruit (nut) Cocos nucifera, genus of palm tree. | * Click or blow to the head, tukmanka. Coconut or coconut, related to coconut. There are other types of this tree, for example. oil coconut. Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. IN AND. Dal... ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary
Covered with a hard shell on the outside, inside which there is transparent tender milk and snow-white pulp, coconut remains a mysterious fruit for many residents of our country. Not everyone knows what beneficial properties this overseas “nut” has, and for what reasons the milk or pulp of this exotic delicacy should be included in your diet.
The fruit got its name from the Portuguese word coco, which translated into Russian means monkey. This is due to the presence of three spots on the coconut, which make it look like a monkey's face. The fruit grows in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, from where it is exported to our country.
Many people classify coconut as a nut. This is wrong. The fruit is a drupe whose weight reaches 2.5 kilograms. It is the only representative of the genus Cocos, which belongs to the Palm family. The inner part of the fruit with three pores (spots) is called an endocarp, and the outer (outer) shell is called an exocarp.
On the inside of the shell there is endosperm, as well as white pulp, which has a valuable unique composition. Initially, the completely transparent liquid endosperm contains a few drops of oil, and then from water, as a result of ripening, it turns into a milky emulsion - coconut milk. When the fruit is fully ripe, the milk acquires a thick consistency and hardens.
The tree is distinguished by the fact that it grows on the sea coast. The plant feels comfortable near sea water, but does not need it. Having shallow roots, it receives all the necessary moisture for development and growth from the soil, which is abundantly irrigated on the sea coast.
Salt water does not cause any harm to the peel. If the fruit falls into the sea, it will remain completely unharmed. When washed ashore, it will become planting material from which a coconut tree will grow.
What substances are contained in coconut?
The pulp of the fruit is rich in the following valuable components:
- antioxidants;
- amino acids;
- vitamins of groups C, E and B;
- natural oils;
- fiber.
It contains a lot of potassium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, zinc, magnesium. The pulp also contains some amount of sucrose, fructose and glucose.
Calories and nutritional value
Coconut pulp 100 gr. contains approximately 360 kcal. The calorie content of coconut water is almost zero (per 100 g - 16.7 kcal).
- proteins - 3.33 g;
- carbohydrates - 15.23 g;
- fats - 33.49 g.
In milk, the ratio of nutrients is slightly different:
- proteins - 4 g;
- carbohydrates - 6 g;
- fats - 27 g.
The exotic fruit is indicated for consumption:
- for urological pathologies and diseases of the nervous system;
- those who follow a vegetarian diet;
- those suffering from hormonal imbalance due to thyroid dysfunction;
- people with weakened immune systems, as well as those with problems with the cardiovascular system;
- with deterioration of vision and eye diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome;
- those who have joint diseases.
The healthy saturated fats found in coconut stabilize cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In addition, the fetus prevents tumors from growing.
Both milk and pulp have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This feature allows you to use coconut fruits against allergic and acne rashes on the skin.
The fiber present in the exotic fruit stimulates and normalizes intestinal function. Consumption of coconut pulp and oil can reduce the body's addiction to antibiotics. Drops that help with ear pain are made from the pulp.
The fruit does not cause any harm, but in some people it can cause individual intolerance. Those who are prone to allergies should be careful when trying coconut for the first time.
Regarding how much coconut you can eat, there are also some nuances here. People who quickly gain weight or suffer from stomach disorders are not recommended to indulge in exotic delicacies.
Where are coconuts used?
The flakes and pulp, both fresh and dried, are used in cooking. Dishes with them, if consumed regularly, normalize metabolic processes. They allow you to get a good energy boost, but without excess fat.
Coconut flakes are also added to food. It has antiviral and antifungal effects, strengthens the immune system, and removes toxins from the intestines. It is used in baked goods, snacks, salads, puddings and cereals. Various sauces, desserts, sweets, drinks and soups are prepared from coconut milk.
Cooking is not the only area where coconut is used. The fibers that cover the outside of the fruit are used to make strong ropes and ropes, as well as brushes, carpets and other household items, and produce a variety of building materials. Coconut shells are used to make dishes, toys, souvenirs, and musical instruments.
Benefits of coconut milk
Valuable for both indoor and outdoor use. A solution of coconut milk and glucose is administered intramuscularly to those suffering from dehydration to maintain fluid levels in the body.
Milk is an excellent tonic and refreshing product for the skin. It restores elasticity to the aging and sluggish dermis and is used in the treatment of allergic and acne rashes. After using the milk, inflamed areas are calmed and dried.
A valuable cosmetic oil is obtained from the dried pulp of the fruit, which is widely used in beauty rituals. It is equally beneficial for both skin and hair. It has a healing effect on any burns, including those treated from prolonged exposure to the sun.
Coconut oil is especially beneficial for dry skin with reddened and cracked areas. The saturated fatty acids included in its composition ensure rapid absorption, moisturizing and velvety skin. Split ends and dull hair become shiny and healthy.
Benefits of coconut oil for the stomach
Coconut pulp oil is dietary. It contains lauric acid, which protects the intestines from the effects of bactericidal, viral, pathogenic and fungal microorganisms, as well as yeast. Thanks to capric acid, protective functions against microbes are enhanced. The oil is easily digested, does not put a strain on the liver, and normalizes the intestinal flora.
What is coconut water and what properties does it have?
Water is present only in unripe fruits, it is strikingly different from milk, which is formed at the stage of mixing water and pulp, in taste and has almost zero calorie content. Sweet-sour and cool, it does not contain harmful fats.
The substances present in coconut water will give the product properties similar to saline solution. It exhibits the following useful qualities:
- perfectly quenches thirst;
- restores the body's water balance;
- eliminates infections in the bladder.
Fresh fruit has the maximum value, but it is not always possible to purchase one. All the beneficial properties of coconut water are preserved during the pasteurization process, which takes place without the use of any dangerous additives or impurities.
Summarizing
Coconut is an incredibly healthy fruit. It has value not only for health, but also for a person’s appearance. Of course, unlike the usual fruits, it is not always possible to eat it all the time, but if such an opportunity exists, then it is not recommended to miss this chance. This also applies to products obtained from the pulp of this exotic “nut”.
What is coconut?
Coconut appeared on our table not so long ago, and therefore it would be useful to find out what it is, how it is useful, and what to do with it. Is coconut a fruit, berry, herb, nut?
coconut plant
Coconut - Wikipedia answers us - is the fruit of the coconut palm, a plant of the palm family, it is not a nut at all, but a drupe - that is, a stone fruit similar to a peach, so coconut is more of a fruit.
Coconut chemical composition
Coconut has a unique composition - 5 B vitamins, including B9 - folic acid, vitamins C, E, K, PP, saturated fatty acids, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, as well as valuable dietary fiber.
Coconut calorie content - energy and nutritional value
Coconut, its raw pulp has a calorie content of 354 kcal, glycemic index (gi) - 35, and nutritional value: proteins - 3.3 g, fats - 33.5 g, carbohydrates - 6.2 g.
Coconut and its beneficial medicinal properties
Coconut is a tasty and healthy aphrodisiac, as confirmed by the ancient science of Ayurveda - it improves the quality of sperm, increases its quantity, normalizes hormonal levels, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the genital organs and bladder, and also increases libido. Coconut is equally beneficial for both men and women.
Moreover, women have been actively and effectively using coconut and coconut oil in cosmetology for a long time. Coconut is simply indispensable for hair - for its growth, strength, shine. Having a hypoallergenic effect, coconut oil can replace any face cream and relieve the skin of acne, pimples, irritation, rashes, and peeling.
You can and should eat coconut while you are expecting your baby. Coconut for pregnant women is a multivitamin complex, as well as a source of valuable fats and vegetable protein.
Coconut is also good for breastfeeding (bf) - its fat content supports the mother’s body and provides breast milk with valuable substances.
Coconut will help significantly reduce cholesterol.
Coconut also gently relieves constipation, and taking unrefined coconut oil internally helps improve the functioning of the intestines and the entire digestive system as a whole.
When consumed in moderation, coconut can be used for weight loss. If you include a small amount of coconut in your diet, its oils will help get rid of fat cells. But in this case, those losing weight need to use it carefully - after all, coconut is a rather high-calorie product.
Coconut harm, contraindications
Coconut should be used with caution by people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver.
Coconut and its use in cooking, use, consumption
Coconut and dishes made from it have become widespread in our area, and both green - young - and brown coconut are eaten. The recipes use coconut milk, coconut pulp, coconut flakes, and coconut oil.
Coconut is quite a fatty product, and therefore it is better not to eat it at night. But for breakfast and throughout the day - good health! Coconut can be added to soup, rice, desserts, baked goods, make delicious ice cream or cocktails, coconut is also good in yogurt.
coconut called the fruit coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) - plants of the Palm (Arecaceae) family. Coconut is a large, round fruit with a hard, fuzzy shell, thin brown rind, and white flesh, eaten fresh or dried, flaked or grated. In many countries, the coconut palm is called the tree of life, and is used for a variety of purposes, completely, without residue, and coconuts are used not only in cooking, but also as medicine.
Tall (up to 27-30 m) slender palm tree. The trunk is 15 - 45 cm in diameter, smooth, ringed with fallen leaves, slightly inclined and widened at the base. There are no lateral branches, but supporting roots often develop below.
The leaves are pinnately dissected, dense, 3 - 6 m long. The number of leaves in the crown is from 20 to 35.
Small yellowish unisexual flowers are collected in spikelets, and these, in turn, are collected in axillary panicles (1.2 - 2 m long), hanging from the top of the tree.
Coconut fruits ripen at the very top of the tree, so harvesting is very dangerous. The collected fruits are sorted by size and sent for further sale or processing.
coconut fruit- drupe (name coconut is erroneous), 15 - 30 cm in length, relatively round, weighing 1.5 - 2.5 kg. The outer shell of the fruit is permeated with fibers (coir); the inner one is a hard shell with three pores leading to three ovules, of which only one develops into a seed. The seed consists of a fleshy white surface layer about 12 mm thick (pulp, or copra) and endosperm. The endosperm, at first liquid and transparent (coconut water), with the appearance of drops of oil secreted by copra, gradually turns into a milky emulsion (coconut milk), then thickens and hardens.
The fruits grow in groups of 15 to 20 pieces, fully ripening within eight to ten months. In cultivation, the tree begins to bear fruit at seven to nine years of age and continues for about 50 years. One tree produces from 60 to 200 nuts annually. The nuts are collected fully ripe (for copra and other products) or a month before ripening (for coir). Coir is used in the furniture industry (the fibers are combined with latex - hence the persistent smell of rubber) in products such as mattresses.
Chemical composition of coconut. It contains a high content of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), vitamins C, and micro- and macroelements (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, iodine) Lauric acid (it is also the main fatty acid in breast milk), contained in coconut, stabilizes cholesterol in the blood.
The origin of the coconut palm is unknown; it is believed to be native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia). Now it is widespread in the tropics of both hemispheres, both in cultivated and wild forms. In the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago, the Malay Peninsula, India and Sri Lanka, it has been bred since prehistoric times. Coconut is a plant of sea coasts that prefers sandy soils, so the first place in production volumes by a large margin is occupied by a multi-island state with a vast coastal area - Indonesia. The expansion of its growing area occurred with the help of humans and naturally: coconuts are waterproof and float freely on the water, are carried far by ocean currents and at the same time remain viable.
Given modern transport links, coconut can be found in almost every large supermarket. Like any tropical fruit, coconut has a lot of useful properties that are widely used in cooking, cosmetology, and winemaking.
How to choose a coconut. Coconuts often get pricked during transportation, so the milk spills out of them and they themselves rot. So if you see even a small crack on a coconut, don’t buy it. A good coconut should definitely have milk splashing around, you can hear it clearly.
The pulp should be soft. It is usually used in the form of small chips. The coconut flesh should not only be easily separated from the shell, but also from the shell layer (between the white and the shell itself). If not, then the nut was removed green.
How to open a coconut. On top of each coconut there are 3 indentations in the shape of an isosceles triangle. First, you need to pour the liquid out of the fruit. To do this, you need to pierce the hole that is closest to the top. You can strain up to two-thirds of a glass from one nut.
To open a coconut, tap it around the entire circumference with a hammer, it should break into 2 halves on its own, or a crack will appear.
All you have to do is insert the tip of a knife into the crack and apply a little pressure, and the coconut will split open on its own. Using a strong knife, pick out pieces of white flesh and remove the brown skin. Now the pulp can be grated or chopped into shavings.
Application of coconut. Cooking uses almost the entire coconut fruit in various compositions; coconut derivatives are added to baked goods, salads, snacks, cereals, and puddings; Fish, meat and seafood, vegetable and fruit dishes are prepared with them. In oriental cuisine, coconut is of great importance as a seasoning for many vegetable and meat dishes.
The greatest application is coconut flakes, cut from the inner skin of the fruit, it is used in fruit salads, desserts, pies, soups and sometimes in main dishes. Coconut shavings are used as a topping for many delicious dishes and are used in the production of wine and liqueur.
Coconut juice And coconut milk are different components. The very healthy juice is poured from the coconut itself, and the milk is obtained by soaking and squeezing the shavings in water. Not only sweet dishes, drinks and desserts, but also soups and sauces are prepared with juice and milk.
Coconut oil- vegetable fatty oil obtained from copra. It is made by hot pressing dried coconut pulp. It is used mainly in soap making, for the production of cosmetics, as well as for preparing the filling for waffle cakes and in the production of margarine.
Useful properties of coconut. Coconut pulp improves digestion and vision, restores strength, improves immunity, and prevents the occurrence of cardiovascular and cancer diseases. Coconut has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effects,
The beneficial substances contained in this exotic fruit help get rid of atherosclerosis, reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, help improve immunity, and promote the formation of normal intestinal microflora. Using coconut in various combinations helps strengthen bone and tooth tissue.
The fruits of the coconut tree are used in the treatment of scalp and various skin diseases. Substances contained in coconut help improve skin regeneration processes, help remove age spots, reduce skin oiliness, and suppress acne and infectious rashes.
Coconut oil has a negative effect on a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses.
Coconut oil promotes the process of cleansing the outer layer of the skin, giving it softness and elasticity. The benefit of coconut oil is that it is not deposited in the body, but is immediately converted into energy. Coconut oil is easy to digest and does not put stress on the liver. It is good for your stomach and promotes healthy intestinal flora. Industrially produced coconut oil is used in the production of shampoos, soaps and other detergents.
Coconut milk has a pleasant smell and sweet taste, it is very good for the skin and contains a lot of fat, carbohydrates and protein. The milk perfectly refreshes and tones the skin, restores the elasticity of aging and dull skin. It can be used especially successfully to treat acne and allergic rashes, soothe and dry inflamed skin.
Coconut water contains almost no calories, is naturally sweet and has rehydration properties (restoring water balance in the body). Coconut water, extracted from uncracked coconuts, is sterile, which is why coconut water was used as a blood plasma substitute even before 1976. It is a natural isotonic and contains 5 important electrolytes: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as amino acids (including essential amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, phenylalanine). Due to its hydrogenating properties and high mineral and nutrient content, coconut water is used in sports and fitness.