Cracking the Nut

Coconut is a strange fruit indeed. Like life, and many great human beings, it is characterised by wonderful dichotomies. It is hard yet soft, tough yet sweet. And like life it never reveals its best to people, who are not ready to do the hard work of breaking through its shell.

Recent researches have provided new insights into our age-old coconut, and managed to dispel many of our popular misconceptions. We all know that coconut has great relevance in our cultural and religious space, and its role in festivities and culinary dishes cannot be overstated. Specially, in Kerala, the presence of coconut is all pervasive in food preparations. Moreover, coconut's commercial relevance in the form of coconut hair oil is very much a contemporary reality among the Indian middle classes.

However, there is no denying the fact that Indians are yet to fully use the edible potential of this magical fruit. Coconut biscuits are quite common, but what about coconut edible oil? How many north Indian homes use it in their daily cooking? Similarly, packaged coconut water, if creatively marketed, can give the cola giants a run for their money.

The Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of coconut products varies according to the different stages of development. The mature coconut is a good source of iron and potassium. Approximately 86% of the calories in coconuts are from fat, most of which is saturated fat. The saturated fat content according to studies is good saturated fat, easily metabolised to give the body quick energy. Contrary to popular myth, it does not transform into bad cholesterol to clog up arteries.

Besides wonderful taste and a refreshing feel to it, coconut water also has many good medicinal properties. It is rich in minerals, iron, and copper. Several clinical and biochemical studies have made it clear that tender coconut water is beneficial to heart, good for stomach, good for sorting out urinal problems, and also imparts vitality. It has been scientifically proved to be containing protozoma, which is essential for heart.