Coconut: The Queen of all Nuts!

Well, Coconut is not a true nut, but a drupe. I fancied a rhyming title, therefore, went for it. South-India is famous for kaappi (coffee), dosa, kanchipuram saree and coconut. Once someone asked me "You apply coconut oil on hair, pour it in some food items such as Avial and koottu and apply it on skin, so what is it all about coconut?" That made me think. There is a conception that coconut meat and oil have high cholesterol, and, therefore, consuming it in any amount is not advisable. Agreed! It is rich in saturated fats that increase the LDL levels in the blood. On the contrary, there are numerous health and wellness websites and Health food companies that promote coconut-based food by highlighting its goodness. Some even claim that coconut may cure conditions from indigestion to autism and Alzheimer's. Which of the above claims is true? The first one has been proven scientifically, but the latter part of the second one lacks evidence, as it is all about clinical trials. Oddly enough, why is it that coconut is almost abandoned in many households, while a considerable portion of South Asia happily munches it without much problem? The unproven fact is that coconut has many good properties, and abandoning it totally, for its fat content, is not a wise idea. Along the course, many other factors such as stress and lack of physical activity have contributed significantly to heart diseases and obesity, and a few good foods such as coconut have been blamed for this. In this age, eating all plant-based food, in right amount, will help deal lots of health issues. Dole out the right amount of coconut to enjoy the taste and to stay happy and healthy!

I wanted to share a few excellent ways of using coconut oil, mostly topically!

1. Oil Pulling

Scoop out a teaspoon of organic coconut oil and drop it in your mouth. If it is solid, melt it or you can bite to liquify it. To oil pull, swirl, swish, pull the oil between your teeth, gums and every part of your mouth, except the throat. No gargling. Use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil for this purpose, as it is free of chemicals. Continue doing this for 15 minutes while you are busy with some kitchen stuff or taking a shower. Never try to swallow it as this milky white liquid contains all bad stuff. Remember to spit it in the trash, for the swished liquid may clog the pipelines. Then use baking soda toothpaste to brush off the remains. The toothpaste can be prepared with simple kitchen essentials. 

Oil pulling is a folk medicine and is being followed since ages. There are scientific evidences for the effectiveness of this treatment. Do a Pubmed search to know more about it. Oil pulling is done for strengthening the gums, teeth, jaw and to prevent oral malodor, bleeding gums and dryness of throat and cracked lips. It also whitens teeth with a shine!

2. Topical application

Upon experience, I can vouch for this effective way of protecting skin during the winter. Slather coconut oil on semi-moist skin after shower. That is it. Enjoy the softness of the skin that no beauty product can ever deliver. I am saving significantly on toothpastes and skin care products. A 16 Oz. bottle of organic cold-pressed coconut oil that costs $ 8 lasts for two complete months for four people (my kids do not do oil pulling).

3. Hair Conditioner

Many of you might already be knowing the wellness associated with this. If you want to be fair to your hair, gently apply coconut oil on the scalp and massage. Be sure to apply it on the hair ends to work on split ends. Or, you may section your hair into portions and moist it with a little water and then apply the oil evenly and massage. Then shampoo it with anything that has the least chemical content. Shikakai (an Indian herbal hair product) is the best!

We are so used to the medicine that brings an immediate cure for all common illnesses, that we have missed many practice-based medicines that have been followed since ages. This is because of poor documentation, lack of awareness of Ayurvedic medicine and the many malpractices involved in the name "Ayurveda". While a few condiments such as turmeric, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and a few other natural stuffs such as ginger, garlic, honey, Vetiver, saffron, etc. are still in use, many products and procedures are forgotten or rather not being followed correctly and regularly. 

Medicine has two arms, Preventive and Curative. Both should be used wisely for a better living. If Preventive medicine is practiced regularly, homes, and hence countries can live healthily and can save significantly on Curative medicine!!

P.S. Avoid using coconut oil on skin during summer, as it may tan the skin.