Health Care Benefits

Coconut is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content.

Coconut meat contains less sugar and more protein than popular fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges, and it is relatively high in minerals such as iron, phosphorus and zinc.

Although coconut meat contains less fat than other dry nuts such as almonds, it is noted for its high amount of saturated fat. Coconut's unique form of saturated fat actually helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and hardening of arteries.

Unlike other oils and fats, coconut oil contains a large amount of the fatty acid known as lauric acid. Studies have shown coconut oil's effectiveness with HIV, SARS, Crohn's Disease, as well as other chronic illnesses.

Coconut's amazing healing properties are also attributed to reducing the risk of other degenerative condition such as cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

Young coconut juice is given to strengthen the heart and restore energy to the ill. Pregnant women in the tropics eagerly drink large quantities of young coconut juice because they believe it will give their babies strength and vitality.