From coconut water, coconut oil to coconut milk, here are health benefits of every part of the fruit

Health and beauty benefits of coconut water, coconut oil, coconut flesh and coconut milk.

By: Poorva Chavan | | Published: March 30, 2016 6:14 pm

Coconut is a popularly used ingredient in many cuisines. The fruit and its oil are used in cooking. The husk is used to make coco peat used to grow plants, coir that is used in floor mats, brushes, mattresses, etc. All the parts of the fruits are equally useful and nothing is wasted, that’s why it is called kalpavriksha. Here are some uses and health benefits of all parts of the coconut. Also Read - People with this skin type should avoid using coconut oil on their face

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Health benefits of coconut water

Coconut water is the nature’s gift to mankind. The sweet nectar is a blessing, especially in summer, because it is rich in electrolytes. It also has other benefits like treating acidity and reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Beauty benefits of coconut water

Worried about recurring acne breakouts and the scars they leave behind? Coconut water helps in soothing the skin and also fades the scars. It is a natural toner and gives the skin an even tone. Coconut water also acts like a natural moisturiser and applying it daily can make your skin soft and supple.

Coconut water can also be used to tame unmanageable, frizzy hair. Massage your hair with coconut water thrice a week for silky, smooth hair.

Coconut oil

Health benefits of coconut oil

Even though it is known be rich in cholesterol and deemed unhealthy by many, coconut oil is widely used in cooking and is not as unhealthy as it is believed to be. According to Neha Chandna, nutritionist, coconut oil is excellent for people suffering from hypertension as it is low in sodium and high in potassium. She says since it is rich in fibre, it is good for diabetics too. However, another nutritionist Sweta Uchil-Purohit, says that saturated fats in coconut oil can clog the arteries and can lead to heart disease. Oil pulling with coconut oil can also prevent gum diseases. It is also believed that coconut oil can be used in different ways to lose weight and look young.

Beauty benefits of coconut oil

Many people swear by oiling their hair with coconut oil. It nourishes hair, making it thick and strong and also give them lustre. Coconut oil also helps in fighting dandruff. It has anti microbial and antifungal properties, which helps in reducing the inflammation on scalp and reduce scalp irritation. Coconut oil can be used to make different hair packs that can help you control hair fall and fight dandruff. A few easy and quick hair packs include the amla-coconut oil hair mask and the coconut oil and hibiscus hair pack.

Coconut oil is also an excellent moisturiser and is best to fight itchy and dry skin during winter. It has antioxidants, which help in reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and delay the process of ageing. A mixture of coconut oil and turmeric is also known to be effective in treating acne and reducing scarring. Coconut oil can also repair damaged skin and heal stretch marks by improving the elasticity of the skin.

Coconut milk/cream

Coconut milk is extracted from the coconut flesh and is easily available. You can extract it at home too. Grind grated coconut with water to make a paste. Pass it through a sieve and collect the coconut milk. As with oil and coconut water, it has many health and beauty benefits.

Health benefits of coconut milk

Coconut milk is known to boost your metabolism and can help you lose weight. It also has cardioprotective properties, which means it prevents heart diseases. It can regulate blood glucose level, since it is rich in fibre. The antiseptic properties of coconut milk help in treating sunburns and skin rashes.

Beauty benefits of coconut milk

Since it is a natural moisturiser, it is great to keep your skin soft and nourished. It also promotes hair growth as it is rich in proteins and can also prevent hair fall. Coconut oil is also an excellent hair conditioner. It gives the hair a natural shine and improves texture.

Coconut flesh

The soft and succulent coconut flesh is mostly eaten raw or used in cooking. It is used to make a base for different curries. It is also used to make different smoothies and drinks. Coconut flesh is rich and creamy in texture and has a sweet taste.

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Published : March 30, 2016 6:14 pm

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