PROSPECTS OF COCONUT WOOD UTILIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION

There is substantial evidence to argue that coconut wood utilization and commercialization have considerable potential in the immediate future and in the long term. This scenario is driven by several factors. First, in many countries in Asia, the availability of preferred tropical hardwood has declined dramatically in recent years, especially in areas with high population density. Second, the extensive stands of senile and unproductive coconut trees in the Asia-Pacific region will have to be cut and replaced by high yielding varieties to sustain the coconut industries in these countries which often constitute a pillar of their rural economies. The coconut replanting programmes in all coconut producing countries within the region would certainly release huge volumes of raw materials for utilization. Third, coconut wood processing technologies have been developed, and appropriate machinery and equipment have been developed to enable efficient commercial operation on coconut wood utilization.

From the economic and environmental point of view, it is practical to process and add value to a potentially useful resource rather than see it go to waste and pose a hazard to the environment. From the forest conservation perspective, increased used of coconut wood could potentially reduce the pressure exerted on natural forests by providing alternative or complementary raw material for housing, building construction and other uses. There is also significant prospects for income and employment generation to be derived from increased utilization of coconut wood. This prospect is both socially and economically attractive since more than 80% of coconut landholdings in the Asia-Pacific region are owned by small farm-holders.

The demand for coconut wood for housing is very high in view of the fast growing population in the region. Tourism and the economic boom in the Pacific rim could also provide an increasing demand for coconut wood products in the form of furniture and other novelty items. Since the market is price driven, small but inexpensive and easy to sell cocowood items will find their way in the marketplace not only within the region but in European and North American countries. The environmental concern of most people in the world could create a push for an easily renewable resource like coconut wood. The idea of substituting the cutting of a forest tree with products derived from coconut lumber should fit well into the thinking and feelings of environmentally - friendly people world-wide.
The increasing trend of demand for coconut wood could very well follow the success achieved in the utilization and commercialization of rubberwood and even wood derived from mango trunks. After resolving the technological problems and constraints on raw material supply availability, rubberwood is now the raw material of choice for the Malaysian and Thai furniture industry.

To sustain the utilization and commercialization of coconut wood, it is therefore necessary that the governments and the private sector consider the following:

· ensure adequate raw material supply availability on a continuing and sustained basis;· maintain active research programme to overcome technical problems and expand product lines;
· support the training of potential sawmillers and other users to build confidence in the material and create a critical mass of investors and entrepreneurs in the coconut wood industry; and
· support a private sector led promotional campaign to convince all players in the industry and its potential users and consumers on the versatility of coconut wood.

Table 1 - Asia and Pacific: Coconut Area, 1991-1995 (in 1000 Ha)

Country		1991	1992	1993	1994	1995
A. APCC member Countries		10,071	10,105	10,090	10,272	10,437
	Asia	9,533	9,548	9,529	9,706	9,852
	India	1,514	1,529	1,538	1,635	1,669
	Indonesia	3,573	3,599	3,636	3,681	3,712
	Malaysia	320	315	310	305	290
	Philippines	3,093	3,077	3,075	3,083	3,164
	Sri Lanka	419	419	419	419	419
	Thailand	389	389	336	397	412
	Vietnam	225	220	215	186	186
	Pacific	538	557	561	566	585
	F.S. Micronesia	17	17	17	17	17
	Fiji	56	65	65	65	64
	Papua New Guinea	260	260	260	260	260
	Solomon Islands	59	59	59	59	59
	Vanuatu	96	96	96	96	96
	Western Samoa	36	46	50	55	75
	Palau	14	14	14	14	14
B. Other Countries		111	111	109	109	109
	Asia	63	63	64	64	64
	Bangladesh	31	31	31	31	31
	Myanmar	29	29	30	30	30
	Others	3	3	3	3	3
	Pacific	48	48	45	45	45
	French Polynesia	5	5	5	5	5
	Kiribati	26	27	25	26	25
	Others	17	16	15	15	15
	Total	10,182	10,216	10,199	10,381	10,546

Table 2: Cocowood Resources in Asia and Pacific

Country		Coconut Area: 1995 (in '000 Ha)	Estimated Area with Senile Palms (%)	Estimated Area with Senile Palms (in 000 Ha)	Est. No. of Senile Trees (in '000 Trees)*	Assumed Replanting Cycle (No. of years)	Est. No. of Trees Available per year (up to 2015 or beyond '000 trees)
A. APCC member Countries		10,437		3,691	369,100		9,940
	Asia	9,852		3,438	343,800		8,675
	India	1,669	20	334	33,400	20	167
	Indonesia	3,712	50	1,856	185,600	40	4,640
	Malaysia	290		93	9,300	20**	465
	Philippines	3,164	30	949	94,900	40	2,373
	Sri Lanka	419	15	63	6,300	20	315
	Thailand	412	30	124	12,400	20	620
	Vietnam	186	10	19	1,900	20	95
	Pacific	585		253	25,300		1,265
	F.S. Micronesia	17	60	10	1,000	20	50
	Fiji	64	60	38	3,800	20	190
	Papua New Guinea	260	50	130	13,000	20	650
	Solomon Islands	59	20	12	1,200	20	60
	Vanuatu	96	50	48	4,800	20	240
	Western Samoa	75	16	12	1,200	20	60
	Palau	14	20	3	300	20	15
B. Other Countries		109		22	2,200		110
	Asia	64	20	13	1,300	20	65
	Bangladesh	31
	Myanmar	30
	Others	3
	Pacific	45	20	9	900	20	45
	French Polynesia	5
	Kiribati	25
	Others	15
	Total	10,546		3,713	371,300		10,050

*Estimated at 100 tress per hectare
** Malaysia's current policy will not involve replanting but coconut area is on a decreasing trend and to be maintained at approx. 285,000 hectare-level/n the year 2000
Source: APCC Statistical Yearbook 1995.
APCC Coconut Industry Country Studies.
Personal Communications from country experts.

Table 3: Comparative physical properties of cocowood and some conventional wood

	Cocowood (Cocos Nucifera)			Apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus)	White Lauan (Pentacme concorta)	Tanguile (Shorea polysperma)
Properties	Dermal	Sub-Dermal	Core
Moisture content (%)	87	182	356	83	85	88
Basic Density (kg/m3)	697	473	286	619	441	466
Shrinkage (Green to Oven-dry)
Radial	6.3	5.9	5.6	6.8	3.7	4.1
Tangential	6.6	6.1	5.8	12.7	7.5	7.7

 Table 4: Mechanical and related properties of cocowood

		Static Bending			Compression Parallel To Grain		Compression Perpendicular To Grain
Basic Density (Kg/A3)	Moisture Content (%)	Modulus Of Elasticity (MPa)	Modulus Of Rupture (MPa)	Stress At Proportional Limit (MPa)	Modulus Of Elasticity (MPa)	Maximum Crushing Strength (MPa)	Stress At Proportional Limit (MPa)	Impact Bending (N)
600 and above	57	10,857	86	51.6	7,988	49	8.3	20.2
	12	11,414	104	61.7	9,747	57	9.0	20.1
	107	6,880	53	30.4	5,151	31	2.8	18.3
400 to 599
	12	7,116	63	38.4	5,282	38	3.4	10.1
	240	3,100	26	13.1	2,287	15	1.3	8.4
250 to 399
	12	3,633	33	15.4	2,914	19	1.7	9.0

Sources FAO, Assessed on 21 February 2016

ECONOMICS OF COCONUT WOOD UTILIZATION

Coconut wood has proven to be comparable to conventional wood in terms of durability, sturdiness, and versatility often at a considerably lower cost. The use of cocowood as a substitute material for building construction could bring down the cost of housing units. This is because its cost is half or a little more than half the price of conventional wood. 

The key to profitability in the utilization of coconut wood, given availability of raw material supply and product demand, is the mechanical conversion of coconut logs into lumber. The mechanical methods of primary conversion of coconut logs into lumber are the chainsaw, the mounted portable and stationary sawmills. The preference of using chainsaw over mounted portable or stationary sawmills is its low investment cost and complete portability by a single operator. Mounted portable sawmills, although could be operated near the raw material source, require a number of personnel. The use of stationary sawmills or portable ones, although efficient in terms of lumber recovery, is as yet very limited because of prohibitive initial investment in putting them up coupled with the perceived irregularity of raw material supply availability which may delay the recovery of investment and the desired profit.

Coconut Lumber Production 
It should be emphasized that an essential pre-requisite for the establishment of a coconut wood industry is an assurance of an adequate supply of over mature or otherwise disposable stems of known volume. A precise estimate of the availability of the raw material must be made if industrial investment is contemplated.

Coconut lumber production among smallholders' is usually done by chainsaw. In the Philippines where a significant number of cocowood lumber producers and sellers are operating on a small scale, coconut lumber is usually produced by a team who cut the coconut trees and saw the logs by the use of chainsaw. These operators either sell the lumber to a lumber yard owner or sell them directly to big buyers. The cost of coconut lumber manufacturing by chainsaw per crew per day at material source is broken down as follows (case study based in the Philippines):

Cost Components		Per Cent Distribution
1. Raw Material Cost of Coconut Trunk		54%
2. Hired Labour:
	- One Chainsaw Operator	17%
	- Two Helpers	9%
3. Full/Lubricant
	a. 8 litres gasoline	4%
	b. 3 litres oil	8%
4. Equipment Depreciation
	-chainsaw	2%
5. Replacement/Maintenance of Chainsaw Parts		6 %
		100%

Assumptions:

· No of trunks processed	= 5 logs per day
· Gross volume	= 4.5 cu.m
· Average Diameter	= 22 cm
· Lumber Recovery Per Log	=.30 cu.m
· Chainsaw Unit owned by chainsaw operator
· Excludes transportation cost as distance of plantation to lumber yard varies

A Chainsaw-Table Saw Coconut Lumber Manufacturing System and Preservative Treatment by Soaking Method exists for which the technology has been commercialized since 1988 (developed in the Philippines). It has been proven to be economically feasible with an ROI of 32%.

Experience shows that sawmilling is the most difficult aspect in the processing of coconut stems. Sawing of coconut trunks is more efficiently done by portable sawmills. As in the case of Tonga, the Philippines and other countries, where adequate supply of senile trees are available for cutting and where the market can absorb the lumber produced, portable sawmills with an output capacity of 1.6 cu.m per day (5 hours per day) are being deployed. These sawmills are specifically designed to coconut wood. Power unit can be either a stationary motor or a tractor. The latter is much preferred as it increases the portability of the sawmill. Tractor driven sawmill requires only 3 operators to do both harvesting and milling. The two operations can be programmed so that one activity can be done in a certain day(s) of the week. In this way all labour, harvesting and milling facilities are fully utilized throughout the year. The system requires only a standard tractor fitted with lifting forks; one chainsaw, and a one piece portable sawmill fitted with a single detachable axle.

In isolated districts where senile palms are abundant but the hauling distance is becoming too far to the stationary sawmill and or the market place, portable sawmills with an output capacity of 3-4 cu.m per day can be deployed to support the central stationary sawmill. Once again the choice of power unit is optional. The type that is used in Tonga comes in 3 pieces; the power unit is optional. The type that is used in Tonga comes in pieces; the power unit with its own set of wheels; the breakdown saw and a separate breast bench. Both saws are attached to the power unit with shafts. Only 5 labourers are required to operate the sawmill.

Source FAO, Assessed 21 February 2016

USES OF COCONUT WOOD AND MARKETS

Use in Construction
One of primary uses of coconut timber is for building construction. Coconut timber is suitable for housing components like trusses, purlins, walls, joists, doors, window frames and jalousies. Low density coconut wood materials (from the centre of the stem) should be used only in non-load structures like walls and panels while high density coconut wood (from the perimeter of the stem) can be used for load-bearing structures like trusses and joints. Table 6 could serve as a guide for prospective users of coconut timber for building construction. Table 7 lists the different coconut timber derived products and the recommended characteristics of raw materials to use.

The small diameter of coconut stem limits the size of sawn lumber, hence the optimum width and thickness of boards that are usually recovered are 25mm and 50mm, respectively. For structures requiring bigger sizes of lumber, glued lamination of the wood to the desired dimensions solves this particular problem.

High density coconut wood could also be used as posts, power and telecommunication poles, trusses, floor tiles (parquet), girts, floor joists, purlins, balustrades and railings and other load bearing structures. When coconut logs are to be used in ground contact under exposed conditions (e.g. as posts or as poles for electrical wires) they must be properly treated.

Medium density boards can be effectively used for walling, horizontal studs, ceiling joists and door/window frames. As a rule, coconut wood with density below 400 kg/m³ should not be used as structural framing materials. However, they can be used in the internal parts of a building as ceiling and wall lining in the form of boards and shingles. A problem related to structural application of cocowood is the difficulty of nailing and subsequently splitting of high density wood finishes.

Use in Furniture in High Value Products 
Coconut wood can be a promising material for the manufacture of furniture, novelties and other handicrafts due to its beautiful grain and attractive natural appearance. High value coconut wood products which include furniture, decorative interior walls, parquet floors, various novelties and curio items like walking sticks, ash trays, hammer handles, egg cups, plates, bowls, vases, etc. are equally, if not more than, comparable to the traditional wood species commonly used in the furniture industry as far as appearance is concerned. Hence, with effective product promotion, quality furniture and other high value coconut wood products can have a potential share not only in the domestic but also in the world markets.

Coconut wood has potential for the manufacture of high value and export-quality finished products. However, like many other conventional wood species untreated freshly-cut lumber can be easily attacked by mould and staining fungi especially if the material is not properly stacked and is exposed to humid environment during the air drying process. Further degradation during air drying can also be caused by decay fungi and pinhole borers. Hence, prophylactic treatment is necessary if it is used for the production of high value products for export.
Checks and cracks develop on the surface of improperly dried coconut wood or in response to variation of relative humidity; hence kiln drying should be done to bring its moisture content to the level most appropriate for equilibrium with its location in service.

Charcoal 
Coconut trunk and other sawmill residues are readily usable for charcoal making and for the production of energy. Coconut wood is similar to other woods in its characteristics as fuel, although the range of densities within the stem leads to variation in the energy potential.
Studies using the 2-cord double walled masonry block kiln showed the production of good quality charcoal for domestic use at an average yield of 25 % based on the oven-dry weight. Charcoal and charcoal briquettes have higher heating value. They are easily handled and produce less smoke compared to wood.

For fuel purposes, coconut trunk charcoal must be converted into briquettes to increase its strength and density as well as to improve its shipping properties. A technology for briquetting coconut trunk charcoal has already been developed. A briquetting plant in the Philippines produces ovoid type briquettes of 1.5 oz size at 500 lb/hr. The briquettes have good crushing strength and burning properties. Sorghum grain is an effective binder for charcoal briquettes of coconut trunk.

Chemicals 
Activated carbon can also be made from coconut trunk charcoal. The product can be a reliable source of carbon for the manufacture of various chemicals such as carbon disulphide, calcium carbide, silicon carbide, carbon monoxide, paint pigments, pharmaceuticals, moulding resins, black powder, electrodes, catalyst reactor, brake linings, and gas cylinder absorbent. Ethanol can also be produced from coconut waste products.

Market Profile 
The construction industry provides the bulk of the demand for coconut lumber. In the construction of big buildings, coconut lumber is used in large volumes as scaffolding and as form lumber. Selected and graded coconut lumber is also used as house posts, girders, trusses, door jambs and sidings. It has also been proven to be a suitable material for pallets. In the Philippines, a significant volume of coconut lumber was used in the government's low cost housing programme, as well as in other government buildings and various resorts throughout the country. This involves some 1.0 to 2.0 million cubic meter of coconut lumber annually.

Field observations could indicate that demand for coconut lumber is increasing. One indicator is the increase in the number of coconut lumber producers and dealers. Another indicator of rising demand in the increasing price trend of coconut trees. Ten years ago in the Philippines, coconut trees could be had for free. In 1995, one trunk was priced as high as P800 (US$29.00) depending on accessibility or nearness to highway or buying/processing centre and the quality of the trunks. The usual buying price in the Philippines could be pegged at a national average of P500 per trunk (US$15.00) with the buyer doing the logging operation, handling and transport. In Fiji, coconut logs of 8ft × 8" diameter are bought on the farm at US$6.00 each.

When compared to the local mainstream lumber species, coconut wood has a remarkably lower price. Philippine data reveal that the commercial hard wood apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus) would cost P 38.00 (US$1.38) per board foot (bd. ft.) as compared to P800 (US$0.29) per bd. ft for coconut lumber. Tanguile (Shorea polysperma), a common commercial wood of lesser basic density as apitong is still comparatively much higher in price than cocowood, at P 26.00 (US$0.95) per bd. ft.

Demand
The actual and potential demand for coconut wood could be derived from actual and projected needs for housing, the construction of big high-rise buildings, electrical and telecommunication poles, poultry and other livestock buildings, grocery pallets, and demand for house/office furniture, novelty items and curious for both the domestic and export markets within and outside the Asia-Pacific region.

Table 11 shows the potential demand for coconut lumber based on the housing requirements of 1% and 5% of most of the Asia-Pacific countries, respectively. With an estimated population in coconut growing countries in Asia and the Pacific of about 1.5 billion people and assuming that 1% of the population would need housing facilities, made from coconut wood, some 15 million housing units would then be required, equivalent to demand for some 226 million cubic meters of coconut wood assuming that one housing unit would require at least 15 cubic meters of coconut wood. Some 75 million housing units would be required if one assumes that 5 % of the present population would immediately need coconut-based housing facilities. This requirement would create a demand of some 1.132 billion cubic meters of coconut wood.

It may be noted that even at 1 % level, the demand of coconut wood for housing within the coconut growing countries in the Asia-Pacific region would exceed the supply. Thus, for housing needs alone, cocowood could have a big demand. The demand of coconut wood for other uses, e.g. construction of high rise buildings, furniture, novelties, etc., would have to compete for the demand of the wood for basic housing units.

The demand for coconut lumber in the construction industry is in the form of scaffoldings and form lumber. The construction industry, a vital industry in stimulating economic growth, is currently developing at a fast pace in many centuries in Asia and the Pacific creating an increasing demand for coconut lumber. The growth in tourism in the region and the economic development of the Pacific rim are perceived to contribute to the increasing trend in demand for cocowood novelty items, curious, and similar items. Europe and the North American countries have been observed to have gained a liking for coconut wood furniture and other small and inexpensive novelty items considering its natural sensuous beauty, attractive clear-grained appearance and lasting integrity.

Source FAO Report , Assessed on 21 February 2016

COCONUT TIMBER

Coconut timber is a hardwood-substitute from coconut palm trees. It is referred to in the Philippines as Coconut Lumber, or Coco Lumber, and elsewhere additionally as Coco Wood. It is a new timber resource that comes from plantation crops and offers an alternative to rainforest timber.

Coconut woods in Klaten, Java, Indonesia.

Background 
Coconut timber comes from farmed plantations of old coconut palms. The coconut palm was planted as a crop in large plantations throughout the tropics in the early half of the 20th century in order to harvest the coconut fruit. The tree bears fruit until approximately 70 years of age, at which point it is considered to have reached the end of its economic life and is felled to make way for future crops. Each year, several million palms are felled throughout the tropics. Traditionally, the trunks have been wasted by-products from this process.

Only in very recent years have people begun to explore the potential commercial uses for this vast, alternative supply of timber. This led to the commercial launch of coconut timber in a range of different products, from flooring to posts to furniture. With these products performing at equal to or even better than conventional hardwoods, coconut timber represents a viable substitute for endangered hardwoods from an ecologically-sound source.

Coconut trunk, showing typical "grain" of coconut wood

Characteristics 

Its wood is reminiscent in appearance to mahogany; however, coconut timber has a much more fibrous grain than mahogany and lacks mahogany's iridescence. Color tones and hues range from golden to near ebony, with dark brown flecks. There are three basic color divisions relating to the timber's density: dark brown tones (high density); medium brown tones (medium density); and light golden tones (low density).Coconut trees have no annual growth rings, rays, heartwood or branches, meaning that coconut timber is free from knots and other such imperfections.

Properties 

The coconut palm is a monocotyledon. It has a smooth, slender stem that grows to a height of about 25 metres and with an average diameter of 300 mm. The hardest, densest part of the wood is found on the outer perimeter of the trunk, which gives the tree its strength, while the wood’s high silica content gives the tree elasticity. Towards the centre of the trunk, the wood gets less hard. The wood has a Janka ball hardness of 112,5 - 154,7 kgf/cm² (1600 – 2200 psi), which is greater than that of oaks (70,3 - 84,4 kgf/cm²) and Douglas-fir (35,9 kgf/cm²).

Coconut timber is classified according to three degrees of density:

• High-density timber (dermal) – hard: 600–900 kg/m³
• Medium-density timber (sub-dermal) – medium/hard: 400–600 kg/m³
• Low-density timber (core) – soft/medium: 200–400 kg/m³

Uses

Coconut timber has many applications as both a structural and interior design material. The harder, high-density timber is suitable for general structural purposes such as pillars, trusses, rafting, furniture, window and door frames, floors, decking and floor joists. Medium density coconut timber can be used for walls, ceiling joists and horizontal studs. Low density coconut timber is used in non-load bearing applications like wood panelling, internal trim and ceilings, as well as homewares. Coconut timber supplied by Pacific Greenis to be used in exterior applications throughout Abu Dhabi's Masdar City development, including the entrance gates, screens and doors.

Local Development

Coconut timber is a source of income for less developed south pacific island communities. The previously low value senile coconut trunks have been promoted as a source of veneer and other wood products.

-Wikipedia 

Health Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Coconut water is a refreshing drink, which helps in keeping the body hydrated and refreshed. You can enjoy this cool drink, especially in summer. There are many benefits associated with this natural tropical drink. It is consumed all over the world and can either be used directly or mixed with other drinks. It is packed with nutrients and has similar electrolytic balance as the blood.

During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to include healthy and nutritious food and drinks in her daily diet. Coconut water during pregnancy helps in maintaining the health of both mother and child. 

Coconut Water in Pregnancy - What are the benefits:

- Coconut water has zero cholesterol and is a fat free beverage. Moreover, it increases the level good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Also, it helps in controlling the level of cholesterol during pregnancy.

- Normally, a pregnant woman experiences dehydration and exhaustion. This can be replenished with the help of this refreshing drink.

- This tropical drink is rich in potassium, sugar, magnesium and protein. These ingredients help in the growth of the unborn baby in the mother`s womb.

- It helps in maintaining a fit and healthy body during pregnancy.

- This natural drink is rich in vitamin C and essential proteins, which accelerates the blood circulation in the mother.

- It helps in treating constipation. During pregnancy many women suffer from digestive problems. Coconut water helps in cleaning the system.

- This drink is free from cholesterol and fat content. Daily consumption of coconut water helps in fat control.

- The lauric acid, which contains anti bacterial ingredients helps in enhancing the immune system and keeps the body safe by fighting diseases.

- Regular drinking of coconut water prevents kidney stone formation. It is important for a pregnant woman to avoid such problems. Hence, she must consume a glass of coconut water every morning.

Coconut is a tropical fruit, which is often advised to be consumed on an empty stomach. Try and drink from the young unripe fruit as it boosts the immune system. This water is rich in vitamins and nutrients, which help in improving health. The juice is natural and does not contain any chemicals. Hence, it is very good for kids. 

Consume this drink on an empty stomach daily and get the following health benefits:

- Helps in improving metabolism and detoxifies the body.
- Regular consumption helps in improving the complexion.
- The fruit contains a compound known as monolaurin, which works as an antiviral monoglyceride and has the ability to kill a variety of viruses and bacteria in the body.
- It is also consumed as a natural sports drink. 

- It has high potassium content. So, regular consumption of coconut water during pregnancy reduces the chances of hypertension.
- Improves digestive system.
- Helps in weight loss.
- Helps in balancing the body pH.
- Reduces fatigue feeling.
- Control diabetes.
- Cures stomach problem, reduces pain and cures nausea or vomiting tendency. 

This natural water has long been hailed for its medicinal value. For years people are consuming this drink directly from the fruit. In tropical countries, people usually consume the drink during outdoor work. This will not only reduce the chances of dehydration in the hot summer afternoon, but also gives instant energy and refreshes the body.

Today, you will find that many beverage companies have introduced packaged coconut water, which can be easily carried and consumed throughout the year. You need not wait for the season, as you can get the packaged coconut water in the store. Having coconut water during pregnancy offers immense benefit to both mother and child.

- www.coconut-info.net

Knowing About Coconut Water Nutrition

The juice that is extracted from the interior, also known as the endosperm of a young coconut, is known as coconut water. This water is considered as one the most refreshing drinks, and in fact, it is widely known for health benefiting properties, along with the nutrition value. 

Coconut water nutrition is quite magnificent, which is why it is quite important to discuss this. In fact, the tender, health, green and undamaged coconut contains this kind of liquid, which is quite sweet, and sterile. In fact, it is made up of different unique chemicals, which includes minerals, enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, electrolytes, pyhto-hormones, and amino acids. These kinds of coconuts tend to be harvested to be able to extract the water when they are 5-7 months of age. Each nut tends to contain around 200 to 1000 ml of water, which largely depends upon the cultivator size and the type. Those coconuts, which are harvested before 5 months would have a bitter taste, and it would not contain any nutrients.

Many people have made the nutritional value of coconut water quite popular these days, although this refreshing and energetic drink has been used widely. However, why should one consume this particular drink, and not any other drink?

Coconut Water Nutrition

It is important to understand that this water is highly rich in electrolytes, which are quite essential. They are simply those ions, which are electrically charged, which means that they aid the cells in the maintenance and transmission of voltages and impulses to other cells, and from other cells. Therefore, they have a huge role to play, especially for the proper functioning of heart, nerves, as well as muscles. The different kinds of electrolytes, includes potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, chloride, calcium, Phosphate and many others. However, coconut water has around 600 mg of potassium, which is quite perfect for your daily intake.

Furthermore, the water also contains magnesium, calcium and sodium. Additionally, whenever people get sick, they tend to lose many fluids, which make them lose significant amount of electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium. Therefore, to replenish your body, you can drink this water, so that your body is supplied with the right kind of nutrition that it needs.

One another good thing about this drink is the fact that it is highly nutritional, but contains zero additives. Therefore, one cannot say that about many other drinks, which sets this particular type of water quite different from others available in the market. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that this water contains virtually no cholesterol, so there is no fat, or trans-fat. In fact, it increases the level of good cholesterol, and decreases the level of bad cholesterol, which is overall extremely beneficial for your heart. One other added advantage is the fact that it constitutes of natural sugar, which is around 6 g of sugar per serving. The sugar is all natural fruit sugar, and not refined sugar, so this is also high in nutrition.

In fact, it contains a wide variety of different vitamins, which are important for increasing the rate of metabolism, boosting the immunity level, as well as the maintenance of your healthy cellular function. Furthermore, you would find Vitamin C, which actually boosts immunity.

Each serving can actually supply up to 10 percent of your daily need. Furthermore, It also has B vitamins, which includes Riboflavin (B2), Thiamin (B1), B6 and Folate (B9). These are quite beneficial in boosting the metabolism rate, since they breakdown foods, and create energy for your body. In fact, it also helps in the creation of neurotransmitters, as well as in the promotion of metabolism. Amino acids are also build up, which are necessary to build protein, which is again extremely important for the body. Healthy circulatory and nervous system is also maintained. Brain Development and mental function, in fetuses is especially encouraged through Thiamin.

Therefore, the advantages when it comes to nutritional value are immense, and definitely drinking of this water should be encouraged.

- www.coconut-info.net

Coconut Water Benefits and Facts

Young, green and undamaged coconuts contain a clear liquid substance in the interiors of the drupe. This liquid is called coconut water. Coconut water is one of the most useful, refreshing and popular drinks all over the world. It is consumed by millions of people since there is a great number of health benefits of coconut water.

There is less water in mature coconuts than it is in the young green ones. One coconut usually gives 300 g (11 oz) of water.

Coconut water is widely known for its powerful health benefits and healing properties. It is enriched with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, natural sugars and other nutritious substances. It contains low levels of fat and calories, which is good for those, who are trying to lose weight. If you are struggling with weight problems, coconut water is a perfect drink that can keep you from getting fat. It is also rich in the lauric acid, chloride and iron, as well as in potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc. 

The potassium level is even higher than it is in four bananas. Including coconut water into your diet can be helpful in decreasing the sodium level. A large amount of electrolytes contributes to our immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems. It also aids to keep our internal fluids of the body in balance and is instrumental in normal assimilation of the fluids and replacing the fluid and salts lost from the body during strenuous physical activity.

Coconut water has shown to have strong antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant effects, which may be helpful fighting off various infections and diseases. Coconut water favors the stabilization of blood pressure, the level blood sugar, along with the cholesterol level. It revives our virility and vitality of the body, replenishes it with energy and boosts up metabolic processes in the organism. 

Coconut water has also shown to be efficacious in treating a wide range of ailments, which include digestive and bowel issues like constipation, indigestion, dysentery, diarrhea; problems of urinary tract such as kidneys` malfunctioning, urethal stone; colds, sore throats, rhinitis. Coconut water is also instrumental in skin treatment, reducing age spots, smoothing out wrinkles, moistening the skin.

Various research have shown the abundance of citokinins (hormones that promote cell division and slow down ageing in plants) in coconut water. Along with the lauric acid they retard the ageing of skin cells, keep hydrogen ion exponent in balance. The tissues in the body stay hydrated for a long period of time. Regularly making an application of coconut water right on to an affected area of the skin may contribute to reducing spots, acne, wrinkles and even eczema.

Coconut water is a perfect drink for those who go in for sports. It contains less sugar than it is in sports drinks, and even more less sugar than it is in various soda and juices. Many sportsmen and athletes around the world claim that coconut water is one of the best energy drinks. They say they would rather prefer coconut water than any other sports drink. According to them, coconut water rapidly restores their energy levels, despite the low levels of calories, and rehydrates their body.

Consuming one cup of coconut water two times a day during digestive issues, high temperatures and after physical activity can help keep the body hydrated.

People with cardiovascular issues should definitely include coconut water in the diet, as it contains high concentrations of potassium and lauric acid, which stabilizes blood pressure. Coconut water has also proved to increase the levels of good cholesterol, which is a key factor for containing cardiovascular problems.

- www.coconut-info.net

Coconut Water - Knowing It`s Useful Properties

Coconut water is the pellucid liquid substance the young, green coconut fruit contain inside of them. Ripe fruits contain way less liquid substance than immature coconuts. The coconut liquid should not be confused with the coconut milk - the white liquid obtained from the grated coconut flesh, called the coconut meat. At its nuclear stage of development, the water functions as a suspension for the endosperm of the coconut. During further growing, at the cellular stage, there occurs the development of the endosperm.

The sugar, vitamin and minerals, proteins and antioxidants content makes the fruit water one of the most useful drinks which favors lots of health benefits. The fresh bottled coconut water available in many tropical areas and countries like India, Africa, South America has been long enjoyed by a lot of people as an alternative to different beverages like sodas, various juices, smoothies etc. 

This refreshing, replenishing drink is now getting highly popular among sportsmen. Many of them prefer this coconut liquid to other sports drinks. They claim that it restores their energy and powers, revives the vigor of the body better than any drink they have ever consumed.

The water also possesses low calories content, contains a high level of potassium (more than it is in four bananas). The cytokinins content is instrumental in cell growth and division. The substance provides an electrolyte balance, replacing the fluid and salts lost from the body during, say, strenuous training.

The coconuts are usually picked from the palm tree when they are young and green. To collect the water it is necessary to drill a hole in the shell of the fruit and then let it drain out into a jug or any other vessel. Coconuts fallen off from the tree are prone to decaying and no longer can be used in food.

Coconuts for drinking can be found sold in many places.

Mainly these fruits are the Asian coconuts. First, it is necessary to get rid of the green shell. The rest should be packed in plastic.

There are lots of street vendors selling fresh coconut fruits. Often to assure the customers that the water is fresh, the green husk of the fruit is removed by a vendor right on the spot. You can also find the water packed in cans, bottles and some other packages. The water of the coconut tastes sweet and nutty.

Consuming coconut water and including it into the diet can help reduce the sodium level and increase that of the potassium. It is a great source of nutritious properties. The substance can serve as a hangover remedy. The liquid is also a perfect means of hydrating the organism. For that matter, this water is a good thirst quencher. 

Though some sources state that if you want to stay hydrated, you have to drink large amounts of the coconut liquid and only in this case the consumption of this liquid will be effective. Despite of the low calories content, however, you should be careful. You should in no way abuse it since consuming it several times a day, the calories would deposit and you would gain weight. The nutritionists recommend to drink it moderately.

Even though the health benefit of the coconut water is obvious, all the fuss over its properties is rather disputable.

The marketing campaign is somewhat overacting toward its healing properties.

The water is presented in a favorable light making it a universal cure in the customers` eyes. Some aspects of the water qualities like the ability to reduce nausea and help prevent kidney failure should still be studied.

- www.coconut-info.net

Coconut Butter - What is It?

Many people, who have been on a vegan diet, may be familiar with coconut butter. There are certain people, who believe that consuming products from animals is wrong and against humanity, which means that they find other alternative ways of getting the kind of nutrition that their body needs. Coconut butter is perhaps one of those divine indulgences, which does not only taste good, but is also quite healthy. This butter is just like almond butter or even peanut butter. For those people, who do not know about coconut butter, it is simply a product derived from the meat of a coconut, which is known as the copra. People often confuse between coconut butter and oil, because the oil once it hardens can have a butter-like consistency. However, these are different products. This kind of butter has a wide range of health benefits, and in fact it is also used as a cosmetic product. 

Manufacturing Process

This kind of butter is made from crushing or blending small pieces of copra, which is dried. This is done until they form a creamy paste. In fact, this process can be done at home or even on an industrial scale. Although the butter made at home would be grainier, because of the difference in the equipment, it would still have the original qualities.

Do not ever refrigerate this kind of butter, and it will actually last for around two to three years. Furthermore, once it is stored, the oil would come on the top, so always stir it before use.

Benefits

The best part about coconut butter is that it has numerous health benefits. In general, coconut itself has many health benefits. Nevertheless, when it comes to unprocessed raw butter, there will be more benefits. This kind of butter contains lauric acid, which is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. In fact, it reduces yeast formation in the body, because of its antifungal property. Furthermore, it has medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are fatty acid compounds, which are able to burn the fat in the body. This greatly helps with weight loss. 

Additionally, this butter is extremely easy for humans to digest, because it does not have to be broken down by the stomach before being absorbed. In fact, vegans and vegetarians would absolutely love this kind of butter, because it has no animal component in it.

Uses

This butter has numerous benefits, as mentioned above and it can be used for both cooking, as well as for cosmetic purposes. Dishes that require coconut oil or milk can use this butter. Furthermore, it can be spread over toast or break, so it would be good to eat. However, you can warm it before spreading it. Sometimes, people tend to mix it with vanilla to give it a good flavor. Those baking items, which use dairy-based butter can actually substitute it with this butter, as well. 

However, remember that it will tend to make bake goods a bit dry, which is why it should always be supplemented with oil or even a fruit puree. It can be used as a thickener or a base in a variety of raw deserts, such as pies, cakes, icing, frosting, pudding and ice creams. Furthermore, mix it in smoothies, or beverages and even elixirs!

In cosmetics, you can always use this butter as a good moisturizer because of its high fat content. The best homemade lotion that you can possibly have. In fact, you can also use it as a shampoo. However, make sure that you cleanse your hair thoroughly.

With such amazing uses and benefits, this butter should definitely be integrated into one`s lifestyle.

- www.coconut-info.net