As world population continues to grow, and as the world’s natural resources continue to become dangerously depleted more and more people are beginning to pay attention to the potential of renewable resources. These resources are fast growing trees and plants that can keep up with consumer demand. Some good examples of renewable resources include bamboo, cork trees, water hyacinth, rattan and coconut palms. This post will look at a few of the benefits to be gained from the commercial cultivation of coconuts.

The origin of the coconut is in doubt. Since the fruit of the coconut palm can survive saline conditions and float for thousands of miles before washing up on a beach and starting to grow at a prodigious rate, it is hard to say where the first coconuts were located. They now cover all of the tropical countries. Coconut palms have become essential to the economy of many local communities. In India and in several islands in the South Pacific the coconut is referred to as the ‘tree of life’.

The coconut palm takes only 7 years to reach maturity. It produces over 100 cocounts a year. A coconut palm will flourish without pesticides or fertilizers. They produce coconuts for about 75 years. After which time they can be cut down. Although the coconut is not a tree it produces timber that is hard and that can be used to make flooring, furniture and many other household items. Coconut timber is an excellent substitiute for hardwoods that often take over 100 years to reach maturity. The more people that buy coconut flooring etc. the better the chance we have of saving invaluable bio reserves such as the Amazon Rainforest.

Not only is coconut timber a great alternative to hardwood, but also the fruit from the coconut is an important source of nutrition and medicine. Interestingly enough, the coconut is not a nut it is a drupe. Young green coconuts hold coconut water. This is a remarkable liquid. It is an exact match with human blood plasma. Coconut water contains more electrolytes than any sports drink. For this reason coconut water is a great rehydration drink. Coconut water also helps to balance the PH in the body and helps many people around the world to control diabetes.

Older coconuts contain coconut milk. This is a great substitute for cow’s milk. Coconut milk contains calcium, protein and a range of vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium and sodium. For those suffering from lactose intolerance, coconut milk is ideal. It can be used in cooking and in smoothies and shakes. Coconut milk can replace cow’s milk for growing children. Considering coconuts are not pumped full of antibiotics and other drugs like most dairy cows, coconut milk is preferrable for anyone with children.

Coconut power does not end there. Coconut oil contains mostly medium chain triglycerides that are readily absorbed by the body and converted into energy. Coconut oil helps boost energy levels and help people to lose weight. Moreover, coconut oil also contains lauric acid. This is a fatty acid also found in human breast milk. It is antimicrobial, anti-viral and antibacterial. It helps to protect the body against disease. Research has also shown that coconut oil also helps to stimulate the thyroid gland and has been used successfully to treat serious diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

It is clear that the coconut is a very powerful plant. Not only does it grow quickly, provide money for farmers but it also helps to keep people healthy. It really is the tree of life.