Coconut
Coconut
Coconut is commonly known as “Nariyal” and is considered as a good luck charm for new beginnings. It is full of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, etc.
Coconut is widely used for its oil as it has numerous skin and hair benefits. Coconut oil manages skin problems like dryness, itchiness, scars etc. as it is rich in vitamin E and has antimicrobial, antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It also promotes hair growth and prevents dandruff due to its antifungal property.
According to Ayurveda, applying Coconut oil on to the skin helps in wound healing and manages scars, blemishes, eczema, psoriasis etc. due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties. Massaging your scalp with Coconut oil helps to promote hair growth and prevents dandruff due to its Keshya (promotes hair growth) and Snigdha (oily) properties.
Drinking Coconut water helps manage weight by enhancing body's metabolism. It maintains electrolyte balance in the body and prevents dehydration. Using virgin Coconut oil for cooking might also help manage cholesterol levels by maintaining a balance between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
In Ayurveda, the use of Coconut is divided according to its maturity:
1. Tender Coconut: It is a Pitta dosha-pacifier due to its Sita (cold) effect on the body. It has almost 90% water.
2. Half-mature Coconut: In this stage, Coconut contains less water than the tender ones. It is lighter on the metabolic system and has a soft pulp.
3. Fully matured Coconut: When a Coconut becomes mature, it becomes heavy to digest, and can also aggravate Pitta or Vata Dosha. This type of Coconut has firm ‘meat’ or pulp.
If fully matured Coconut is consumed in large quantities, a person might experience hyperacidity[2][5].
Coconut is widely used for its oil as it has numerous skin and hair benefits. Coconut oil manages skin problems like dryness, itchiness, scars etc. as it is rich in vitamin E and has antimicrobial, antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It also promotes hair growth and prevents dandruff due to its antifungal property.
According to Ayurveda, applying Coconut oil on to the skin helps in wound healing and manages scars, blemishes, eczema, psoriasis etc. due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties. Massaging your scalp with Coconut oil helps to promote hair growth and prevents dandruff due to its Keshya (promotes hair growth) and Snigdha (oily) properties.
Drinking Coconut water helps manage weight by enhancing body's metabolism. It maintains electrolyte balance in the body and prevents dehydration. Using virgin Coconut oil for cooking might also help manage cholesterol levels by maintaining a balance between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
In Ayurveda, the use of Coconut is divided according to its maturity:
1. Tender Coconut: It is a Pitta dosha-pacifier due to its Sita (cold) effect on the body. It has almost 90% water.
2. Half-mature Coconut: In this stage, Coconut contains less water than the tender ones. It is lighter on the metabolic system and has a soft pulp.
3. Fully matured Coconut: When a Coconut becomes mature, it becomes heavy to digest, and can also aggravate Pitta or Vata Dosha. This type of Coconut has firm ‘meat’ or pulp.
If fully matured Coconut is consumed in large quantities, a person might experience hyperacidity[2][5].
What are the synonyms of Coconut?
Cocos nucifera, Narikela, Narikela, Khopra, Narkel, Coconut Palm, Naliar, Nariyel, Shriphal, Koprun, Nariyal, Gola, Khobbari, Tengnamara, Temgu, Thengu, Thenginamara, Nalikeram, Ten, Thengu, Keram, Naral, Narela, Garigola, Tenkai, Kopparai, Narikelamu, Tenkay, Kobbari, Narjil, Narial[1]
What is the source of Coconut?
Plant Based
Benefits of Coconut
1. Hair Loss
Coconut oil is widely used for maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair fall. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Coconut oil acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes new hair growth because of its Keshya (promotes hair growth) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Massage gently on the scalp at night.
c. Wash your in the morning with a herbal shampoo.
d. Repeat it once or twice a week to control hair loss.
2. Dandruff
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp which may be attributed to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Applying Coconut oil helps to balance Vata-Pitta and remove dead cells or dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) property. This helps control dandruff.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix 1 pinch of Camphor powder, wait till it dissolves.
c. Massage gently on the scalp at night.
d. Wash your hair in the morning with a herbal shampoo.
e. Repeat it once or twice a week to control dandruff.
3.Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, autoimmune disease that causes dry, red, scaly patches and flakes on the skin. Coconut oil is useful in Psoriasis as it removes dryness and helps in quick healing of scaly patches. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan(healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Apply gently on the affected area and leave it overnight.
c. Repeat this every night to get rid of the symptoms of psoriasis.
4. Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin rough, blistered, inflamed and itchy. Applying Coconut oil on the affected area helps to control excessive itching and promotes the healing process. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Apply gently on the affected area and leave it overnight.
c. Repeat this every night to get rid of the symptoms of eczema.
5. Ulcers and Boils
Coconut oil helps to heal ulcer and boils due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Apply gently on the affected area and leave it overnight.
c. Repeat this every night for quick healing of ulcers and boils.
6. Glowing Skin
Coconut oil helps to keep skin glowing when applied on the skin on a daily basis. This is because Coconut oil has Snigdha (oily) property. It removes excessive dryness and control fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut oil also removes dead skin and helps in skin regeneration due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
b. Massage gently on the affected area of the skin before going to bed.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for smooth and glowing skin.
Coconut oil is widely used for maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair fall. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Coconut oil acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes new hair growth because of its Keshya (promotes hair growth) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Massage gently on the scalp at night.
c. Wash your in the morning with a herbal shampoo.
d. Repeat it once or twice a week to control hair loss.
2. Dandruff
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp which may be attributed to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Applying Coconut oil helps to balance Vata-Pitta and remove dead cells or dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) property. This helps control dandruff.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix 1 pinch of Camphor powder, wait till it dissolves.
c. Massage gently on the scalp at night.
d. Wash your hair in the morning with a herbal shampoo.
e. Repeat it once or twice a week to control dandruff.
3.Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, autoimmune disease that causes dry, red, scaly patches and flakes on the skin. Coconut oil is useful in Psoriasis as it removes dryness and helps in quick healing of scaly patches. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan(healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Apply gently on the affected area and leave it overnight.
c. Repeat this every night to get rid of the symptoms of psoriasis.
4. Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin rough, blistered, inflamed and itchy. Applying Coconut oil on the affected area helps to control excessive itching and promotes the healing process. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Apply gently on the affected area and leave it overnight.
c. Repeat this every night to get rid of the symptoms of eczema.
5. Ulcers and Boils
Coconut oil helps to heal ulcer and boils due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil or as per your requirement.
b. Apply gently on the affected area and leave it overnight.
c. Repeat this every night for quick healing of ulcers and boils.
6. Glowing Skin
Coconut oil helps to keep skin glowing when applied on the skin on a daily basis. This is because Coconut oil has Snigdha (oily) property. It removes excessive dryness and control fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut oil also removes dead skin and helps in skin regeneration due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
b. Massage gently on the affected area of the skin before going to bed.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for smooth and glowing skin.
Recommended Dosage of Coconut
- Coconut Oil - 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut oil.
How to use Coconut
1. Coconut Oil
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Coconut oil.
b. Massage gently on the affected area of the skin and hair.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of scars and marks and for proper nourishment to hair.
2. Coconut Water
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Coconut water.
b. Dip the cotton into the Coconut water.
c. Dap the cotton on the face and wipe your face properly with
Coconut water.
d. Use this remedy to 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin aging and infections.
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Coconut oil.
b. Massage gently on the affected area of the skin and hair.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of scars and marks and for proper nourishment to hair.
2. Coconut Water
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Coconut water.
b. Dip the cotton into the Coconut water.
c. Dap the cotton on the face and wipe your face properly with
Coconut water.
d. Use this remedy to 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin aging and infections.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The white part in the Coconut is called as the “Coconut meat” and in hindi it is called as “Gari”. Also the water present inside this layer is called as Coconut water contains various benefits.
Modern Science View
There are two varieties of Coconut: Brown and Green. The brown ones are mature and are found lying on the forest floor. Green Coconuts are used for eating as it has a gelatinous inner part and edible Coconut water.
Modern Science View
Yes, the brown skin is actually connected to the meat and whenever a person tries to extract out the Coconut meat layer the brown layer comes with it automatically. The brown layer is equally edible as the above white meat of Coconut.
Modern Science View
Since not enough evidence is available, Coconut oil cannot be used as a perfect vaginal lubricant. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It might disrupt the pH of the vagina and may cause irritation.
Modern Science View
The fresh Coconut meat can be stored in refrigerator upto 4 days when tightly packed. Also for prolonged storage, grate fresh Coconut meat and dip it into the Coconut water, pack tightly and keep in the refrigerator. Doing this can increase its shelf life upto 4-6 months.
Modern Science View
Coconut milk can be consumed within 10 days of opening to ensure its maximum freshness. Coconut milk starts deteriorating when left open. You can sense the spoilage by smell or its taste.
Modern Science View
There are two types of Coconut oil. Refined and Virgin. Refined Coconut oil is devoid of flavor and aroma of Coconut. While virgin has all the properties that Coconut oil should possess.
Modern Science View
Coconut oil can be used in cooking due to its unique lauric acid content, a saturated fat that is beneficial for health.
Modern Science View
Coconut water is a thin liquid that is high in potassium and is often used as a source of fluid to quench hydration. While the milk is a delicious, sweet cream often used in beverages, smoothies and cooking but it should be taken in limited quantity if you have high cholesterol or any heart problems.
Modern Science View
Yes, Coconut oil is edible and is used for cooking in various parts of the world. Coconut oil does not form free radicals even after heating to intense temperature, thus making it a safe oil for cooking[23].
Modern Science View
Virgin Coconut oil is the purest(unrefined) form of Coconut oil. This oil is obtained from the fresh and mature kernel (meat) of the coconut by mechanical or natural means, with or without the use of heat, without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching or deodorizing processes, which does not lead to the alteration of the nature of the oil[24].
Modern Science View
Coconut oil is majorly made up of saturated fats which are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and most important being lauric acid. This lauric acid gives coconut oil its white cream colour and stable (solid) state. It also contains small amount Vitamin E and Vitamin K that help provides various benefits to the skin[26].
Modern Science View
Dry coconut also known as fully mature coconut can be eaten mainly as a dry fruit. It is added to various food items like chutneys, sweets etc. It is also used for the extraction of oils. After extraction, the leftovers are used as fodder for animals due to their high protein content.
References
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.