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Tropical Hemp Heart Bars
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 Nature's Functional Food: The Coconut
A coconut is actually considered a dry nut. The outer shell has a husk, composed of many hard fibers containing an inner stone. Adhering to the inside wall of the inner stone, a white and fleshy edible part of the seed, is what is known as the Coconut Meat. Botanically, the coconut is classified as a drupe fruit and not a nut. It is the largest seed known.
Although Coconut Meat contains less fat than other dry nuts such as almonds, it is noted for its high amount of saturated fat. Approximately 90% of the fat found in coconut meat is saturated. Coconut meat also contains less sugar and more protein than popular fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges, and it is relatively high in minerals such as iron, phosphorus and zinc.
Coconut Nutrition
 Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content.
All around the world, the health benefits of coconut in traditional medicine is now being proven by modern medical science that coconut can be used for treating a wide variety of conditions such as:
- Asthma, swelling, irregular or painful menstruation - Reduces inflammation.
- Colds, fever and flu - Supports and aids immune system function.
- Cough and sore throat - Kills bacteria that cause throat infections.
- Constipation - Improves digestion and bowel function.
- Nausea and upset stomach - Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- Kidney stones - Dissolves kidney stones.
- Toothache - Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
- Gingivitis - Kills bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.
- Tumors - Helps protect the body from cancer.
- Ulcers - Kills bacteria that cause ulcers.
- Weakness - Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. Coconuts are the highest natural source of electrolytes, and they have the highest level of energy with the least amount of calories.
- Skin infections and wounds - Supports tissue healing and repair, and the natural chemical balance of the skin.
- Baldness - Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:
- Kills bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and protects against kidney disease and bladder infections.
- Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
- Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
- Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose
- Improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
- Functions as a protective antioxidant.
- Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
- Is lower in calories than all other fats.
- Supports thyroid function.
- Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
- Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
- Has no harmful or discomforting side effect.
Did You Know?
In some parts of the world, trained pig-tailed macaque monkeys are used to harvest coconuts. Training schools for these monkeys still exist both in southern Thailand and in the Malaysian state of Kelantan. Each year, competitions are held to find the fastest harvester.
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