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The Tree of Life
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera
and coconut palm is a member of the family Arecaceae.
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat,
juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the
world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet
and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the
world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and
their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected
history.
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. Coconut
oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far
beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in
traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific
Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The
coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and
medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern
medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing
powers.
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