Coconuts
Description
Edible fruit, obtained from Coconut, the most cultivated palm in the world. It has a thick and fibrous outer shell and a hard, velvety and brown inner one that has the pulp adhered, which is white and aromatic. It measures from 20 to 30 cm and weighs 2.5 kg. The name comes from the era of discoveries, because the Portuguese explorers who brought it to Europe the brown and furry surface reminded them of the stories about the Coco that are told in Spain and Portugal to young children to scare them.
Nutritional properties
The composition of the coconut varies as it cools. Fat is the main component behind water and is rich in saturated fatty acids, so its caloric value is the highest of all fruits. Provides a low amount of carbohydrates and even less protein. Likewise, coconut is rich in mineral salts that participate in the mineralization of bones such as Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium and Potassium.
The "excessive" consumption of foods rich in saturated fats causes an increase in blood cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia). However, the coconut is a fruit that in most Latin American countries is consumed in very small quantities and rarely, so its consumption in fresh does not pose any inconvenience to health, in fact, enriches our nutrition in nutrients , flavors, aromas and many dishes of our cuisine.
Fiber prevents or improves constipation, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and good glycemic control (blood sugar levels) in the person with diabetes. Because of its high energy value, people who are overweight and because of its high potassium intake should moderate their consumption, those who have kidney failure and need a controlled diet in this mineral are not advised.
Coconut water is the liquid that is inside the pulp; the less mature the fruit, the more abundant it will be and also the richer in nutrients. It is considered a natural isotonic drink, being very appreciated in the tropical countries where it is taken extracting it directly from the fruit.
Coconut proteins and vitamins
Coconut is a neutral fruit), contains water, proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins A, B, B1, B2, E, PP and C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, barium. It should not be consumed with dairy products, because its fats are different, it can not be mixed with eggs either.
Applications
The coconut has different uses, which; They can be used at any time of life. As the plant and its fruits are edible.
Medical uses
The healing effects of coconut are mainly due to the magnesium content. Some researchers have come to the conclusion that it is indispensable for the defense against the cancerous alterations of the cells. The pulp and coconut milk fasting causes the expulsion of certain types of tapeworms. Coconut possesses substances that destroy free radicals. For its richness of calcium and phosphorus, it fortifies the skin, nails, teeth and nervous tissues. It is a nutritious and energetic element. It is a good substitute for eggs and milk.
To deworm children and adults, especially with amoebas, half a glass of coconut milk is mixed with half a glass of pineapple juice and taken as breakfast in nine tomorrow, taking care not to consume another food for two hours.
Coconut water contains proteins, carbohydrates and fats, iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorine, potassium, sulfur and phosphorus substances, vitamins B, It is very good for all diseases of the bladder.
Coconut milk is good for atherosclerosis, place 75 g of coconut ground by 300 ml of hot water, move and let it cool. Once cold it sneaks and squeezes. It's good for people with poor memories.
Coconut oil can be used for hair for conditioning purposes. If weight loss has been a constant problem, then start using coconut oil in your meals. This oil contributes to weight loss by keeping you satiated, as well as energy. Research has also shown that coconut oil can help eradicate bacterial skin infections.
Use as fuel
The shell as fuel or as an element of ornament and rustic tableware. Its water is an incomparable soft drink. Its dried and milled meat is used to make soaps and cosmetics and from it an oil of great commercial value is extracted.
Craft use
With the leaves and roots of the coconut tree are made from baskets, oars, canes. ornaments, hats among others.
Use in the kitchen
Coconut flan. The pulp and milk of the coconut are not only an important element in pastry but an essential ingredient of stews, especially fish dishes of millions of natives of the tropics, both from the East and from the West.
In gastronomy, grated coconut has been used for many years to decorate foods like alfajores or cakes, but they are using coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut liquor or pulp for both sweet and salty foods (ice cream, soups, sauces, puddings, fish, seafood, cakes, puddings, etc). Thus, the globalized cuisine gave them openness to restaurants with Thai, Indonesian, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine, popularizing the use of coconut.
A novel way to use coconut is to cut uncooked coconut slices with a peeled potato and decorate cakes. On fruit salads, desserts, ice cream or simply to decorate fountains.
Feeding
Peeled coconuts. It must be characteristically aromatic like melon, although less strong than this one. If you do not hear the typical splash of water inside it when you shake it, it is because the coconut is more than dry, gone from ripe or dry, not very useful, just maybe like coconut seed. In these conditions the pulp is usually rancid. The coconut is preserved for two months. After open, it must be consumed on the same day or stored in a container covered with water, no more than five days. The grated coconut is stored for two days in a closed plastic bag.
Coconut water is consumed as a bottled refreshing drink, you get the most when the fruit needs to mature and it is the moment that has the most nutrients. In the countries of the tropics it is considered a natural isotonic drink and it is taken by extracting it directly from the fruit. It is also used in the preparation of dishes such as stews, sauces for fish, ice cream, etc.
The fruit is consumed as fresh fruit, striped coconut is used in confectionery and pastry making ice cream, cakes, pies, etc., also in some countries it is used to brew various foods such as fish or meat. From the pulp dried in the sun, coconut oil is obtained, it is used as food and also for the elaboration of cosmetic and corporal products.