The Wondernut

By: Kate M. Serrano

I grew up in a place where coconut trees are more bountiful than apples and oranges and I cannot help but marvel at how this plant is so useful from head to toe. There’s an endless list of products and by-products derived from its various parts hence the nickname “Tree of Life.” In the Philippines, the coconut industry provides livelihood to one-third of the country's population. So here are the many uses of this versatile plant.

Coconut meat. From the meat we obtain coco flour, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut chips, candies, fertilizer and animal feeds. Coco chips, which are wrinkled coconut meat, are very popular in Hawaii. The dried meat, called copra, contains over 60% oil. This oil is used in making soap, cooking fat, margarine, cosmetics, lubricants, and many other products. Coconut flour can be used as a wheat extender in baking without affecting appearance or acceptability.

Coconut milk. This is used to make Virgin Coconut Oil which helps prevent and treat minor ailments. Coconut milk is a good protein source. Whole coco milk contains about 22% oil, which accounts for its laxative property.

Coconut oil. Probably the most known use of the tree, coconut oil is not only used for culinary purposes but also for beauty and wellness. Coconut oil is used for frying, with soya bean oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil as its main competitors. Coconut oil also retards aging by counteracting the heart, colon, pancreatic and liver tumor inducers. In the detergent industry, an important use of the coconut oil was discovered in a May 1951 study where it was found to be an effective sanitizer. Other products from coconut oil are soap, lard, coco chemicals, crude oil, pomade, shampoo, margarine and butter. It’s also used as hairdressing and as massage oil.

Coconut juice. This is a nutritious refreshing drink especially for those with renal disorders. Coconut juice is highly alkaline. For preventive medication, water from one mature coconut consumed daily, could guarantee the avoidance of stone formations in the kidney. To those who already have it, coconut water therapy is proven to be an inexpensive and effective cure. It is also for fighting tooth decay and gum disease, taming menopause symptoms, improving cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system.

Coconut husk. Mats, brushes, fishing nets, cordage and packaging material for plant, and in some countries the coconut husk is used as floor polisher because of the abundance of its fiber. Coir yarn, coir rope, bags, rugs, mannequin wig, brush, coir flex, and fishnets are other products that can be obtained from coco husk.

Coconut shell. For ladles and cups, souvenirs, household products, accessories, handicrafts and decorative objects. It’s also a potting medium for forest tree saplings in Thailand. The most important benefit of the coconut shell is activated carbon produced from its charcoal. It is utilized in air purification systems such as cooker hoods, air conditioning, industrial gas purification and industrial and gas masks.

Coconut leaves. Young leaves and shoots may be eaten as salad. The leaves of the tree are used as roofing thatch and temporary sheds and to make hats, baskets, brooms and fans. The ribs of the leaves are used for spears, arrows, and torches.

Coconut sap. A sweetish fluid from the bud of the coconut tree’s inflorescence called toddy is fermented into an alcoholic beverage or into vinegar. After being left for five days then distilled, coconut toddy produces an alcoholic spirit known locally in the Philippines as lambanog which is more or less 98% proof.

Coconut trunk. In Hawaii, the trunk is used for canoes, drums, posts, rafters, and fences. The trunk is also a great source of hardy and durable wood used to make benches, tables, carvings, picture frames, tables, tool boxes, and construction materials. Paper pulp can also be extracted from the coconut trunk and other woody parts of the tree.

Coconut roots. A frayed piece of coconut root can be used as a toothbrush. The roots are also used as a mouthwash and in some countries medicine, beverages and dyestuff are obtained from the coconut roots.

These are just a few off the known benefits from the wonder tree. It’s amazing how varied the uses are. Now may be a good time to start sipping my coco juice. I don’t want to be missing the coconut’s miracle health benefits.