Guest guest Posted July 20, 2006 Report Share Posted July 20, 2006 Dear All, This is a recent note from my friend Sadhu in Puerto Rico, and I felt y'all would be interested in the data. In Health, Freedom, and Love, Doc Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Since ancient times, the coconut has been revered as a gift from nature. Not only does it taste delicious, but it contains almost all the essential nutrients needed by the human body. The coconut is highly nourishing, strengthening and provides fat. Its high oil content is easily digestible, and along with bananas and avocados, is one of the best solid foods to wean babies onto. Its protein content is of high quality, containing the most important amino-acids. It is also rich in potassium, sodium, magnesium and sulfur. As a food, it is most valuable before it matures. A common myth about coconuts is that they are very rich in saturated fats, and therefore should be avoided. However, the oil in coconuts has a very unique molecular structure, called a Medium Chain Triglyceride, which is not readily stored in the fat cells, but passes rapidly through the digestive tract, supplying energy to the body almost instantly, and the excess passes naturally out of the body. Also, coconut oil is rich in natural antioxidants, which protect against rancidity and also protect the bodily tissues from aging and free radical damage. There are different opinions about the fats in coconut oil, but new research is being conducted which is showing that coconut oil may not be the dietary villain it was made out to be, and in fact may be a near-miracle substance. However, it's not hard to believe that a food which can travel through salty oceans for many years, and then land on dry sand and germinate into a tree full of every kind of useful material (fronds for weaving, tender shoots for pickling and salads; fruits for consumption; oil for soap-making, lamps, cooking and body care; water for drinking, shells for making bowls and firewood, fiber for other purposes), is indeed a miracle food. There are few plants in the entire vegetable kingdom that offer such a cornucopia of valuable products to mankind, and which are so hardy and versatile. The water, which is a popular drink in many Asian and Tropical countries, contains sugar in easily assimilable form, vitamin C, and is an excellent cooling and refreshing tonic. When the nut approaches maturity, the milk increases its diuretic characteristic. Coconut water contains an almost perfect electrolyte balance, which is ideal for people living on islands with little or no fresh water. ---- Re. Goji berries: I have tried them...they are definitely loaded with vital/valuable nutrients but its also true that is a current commercial fad, just like noni before, or mangosteen now, and assai in the near future, etc. I agree with you that "the best" is a very questionable term because there are so many factors involved...e.g. from Ayurvedic perspective there are three bodily constitutions (to simplify them: slim, medium built and heavy set) and each constitution requires a very particular kind of nutrition. Although this makes perfect sense, Western nutritionalists usually ignore this fact completely, and therefore they often tend to come up with terms like "the best" (for everyone). what I like about goji is that the tree is small, can be easily grown in many climates, has a highly nutritious fruit and is a prolific producer. Have I ever felt a noticable effect? No...but I still think its worthwhile planting and eating. In general, I love to promote growing fruits, veggies and herbs bc it brings people more in touch with nature, growing food, etc., is a healthy exercise and ultimately a safe food source (provided its organically grown). Re. customs: there's no customs at all coming to PR (from the States) which is great. Leaving the island, there is also no customs in general, but there is an agricultural check: raw agricultural products incl. plants would be a problem. So, a tree is best sent by mail from here. Many tropical trees don't like being bare rooted, but survive shipping perfectly well. Sadhu Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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