There are more than 1,300 kinds of coconut,
and they can be separated into two main genetic origins: the Pacific
Ocean and the Indian Ocean. There are also over a thousand uses for
coconut and its tree.
Coconut water is a workable short-term substitute for human blood
plasma and was positively tested as emergency intravenous fluid as
far back as the 1950s. Coconut water is also low in calories,
carbohydrates, and sugars, and almost completely fat-free. In
addition, it is high in ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and proteins. The
soft meat inside the coconut helps to restore oxidative tissue
damage and contains a source of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins,
and minerals.
Gas mask manufacturers in the US developed the use of
steam-activated coconut char, obtained by burning coconut husks as
an important component in gas mask production. They found that masks
using coconut carbon were superior at filtering noxious substances.
Coconut carbon is still an important ingredient in cleaning up
radiation and was heavily used in the cleanup project at the
Fukushima nuclear plant.
Coconut lumber is a good building material, a fossil fuel
alternative, and coconut trees can produce oil in workable
quantities.
In the Philippines, sap from an unopened coconut flower is distilled
into a potent drink called lambanog. It is 80 to 90 proof, but is
organic and chemical-free. Lambanog is traditionally homemade, but
some commercial distilleries have introduced several flavors into
the market, such as mango, bubblegum, and blueberry.
Coconut armor consisted of a cap, body armor, back plate, leggings,
and a close-fitting jacket. A high collar in the back protected the
warrior from stones thrown from his own side.
Coconut butter is the flesh of the coconut which has been ground
into butter. It is creamier than the oil, and makes a great
dairy-free spread.
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of mature
coconuts. Use coconut oil to remove heavy makeup. Rub into your
skin, leave it on for a few minutes, and wipe it all off with a warm
cloth. Treat dry, flaky cuticles by rubbing coconut oil into your
nail beds. Use your fingers to massage some oil into the area and it
will moisturize your hands.
Use coconut oil to lubricate a squeaky hinge
Coconut meat can be eaten raw, cooked, or as a preserve. You can top
salads with shredded or grated, lightly toasted coconut meat. You
can use a blender to make it into smoothies. Coconut meat is high in
fiber, polyphenols, and phytosterols, and can decrease the levels of
LDL cholesterol.