Coconut: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Coconut is famous for its health benefits, and it is commonly known as Nariyal. Coconut is rich in calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin C, and many more beneficial nutrients. Coconut is widely used in the form of oil as coconut oil is famous for its healing properties for skin and hair problems. You can use coconut oil for the treatment of skin problems like dryness, scars, itchiness, and more as coconut is rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, which are the most important vitamins needed by the skin. Moreover, coconut oil is famously used for hair treatments. It helps get rid of dry hair, dandruff, itchiness, and other hair problems as it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, one can consume coconut water for managing weight and improving the metabolism of the body.

Uses of coconut-based on its maturity period

Coconut may have different uses when it comes to its maturity period.

1. Tender coconut: This coconut has about 90% water, and it acts as a soother for Pitta dosha in the body as it has Sita property, which has a cool effect on the body. 
2. Half-mature coconut- This type of coconut contains less water as compared to tender coconut and has soft pulp, which is lighter for the metabolic system.
3. Fully matured coconut- A fully matured coconut is heavy to digest, and it can also aggravate the Pitta dosha in the body. Therefore, it is recommended not to consume this type of coconut in large amounts as it could lead to hyperacidity. 

Properties of coconut:

Coconut has so many beneficial properties that may help in the treatment of various health problems. Some of these properties of coconut are as follows:

• Antioxidant property
• Antibacterial property
• Antifungal property
• Ushna property
• Kapha balancing property
• Rasayana property
• Vata balancing property

So these are some of the properties of coconut. All these properties are beneficial for the overall health of a person.

Historical uses of coconut: 

Coconut has been used by people for thousands of years as people use coconut in the form of coconut oil, coconut water, and is also used for deriving milk. Coconut is highly effective when it comes to health benefits and treating various health problems. Some of the health problems that can be treated by using or consuming coconut are as follows:

• Lowers high blood pressure
• Lowers high cholesterol levels.
• Helps in the removal of kidney stones.
• Helps in the treatment of hair and skin problems.
• It helps in managing diabetes.
• It helps in managing weight.
• Helps in the treatment of skin acne.
• Helps with hair growth.

So these were some of the health problems that can be treated by consuming and using coconut. People for years have believed in the medicinal properties of coconut that age back to ancient times.

Benefits of coconut in Ayurvedic treatment:

Coconut is highly valued for ayurvedic treatments. Coconut has so many health benefits and has useful healing properties. Check out all the benefits of coconut in the treatment of health problems.

Helps in the treatment of high cholesterol

Ayurvedic tip for consuming coconut oil in a daily diet

If you want to lower bad cholesterol levels in the body, then you can consume coconut oil by following this tip.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. You could then add the taken quantity of coconut oil while cooking your meal.
3. This will be beneficial for lowering high cholesterol levels.

Helps in the treatment of kidney stones

Ayurvedic tip for consuming coconut oil in the daily diet

If you want to control the kidney stones in the body, then you can consume coconut oil by following this tip.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. You could then add the taken quantity of coconut oil while cooking your meal.
3. This will beneficial for controlling and the removal of kidney stones.

Helps in managing diabetes

Ayurvedictip for consuming coconut water in the daily diet

If you want to control the kidney stones in the body, then you can consume coconut oil by following this tip.

1. You could drink about ½ cup of coconut water, or you also have the option of consuming as required by you.
2. You could consume coconut water in the morning on an empty stomach.
3. This will help in managing diabetes.

Helps in managing weight

Ayurvedic tip for consuming coconut oil for managing weight

If you want to control and manage your weight, then you can consume coconut oil by following this tip.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. You could then add the taken quantity of coconut oil while cooking your meal.
3. This will be beneficial for controlling an increase in weight.

Helps in the treatment of hair loss

The reason for hair fall is because of an aggravated Vatadosha in the body. However, coconut oil is beneficial for controlling hair fall as it has Vata balancing properties, which is beneficial for balancing the Vata and controlling excess hair fall. Moreover, coconut oil is also used for promoting the growth of new hair.

Tips for using coconut oil for the treatment of hair loss

If you are suffering from hair loss, then you can use coconut oil by following these steps.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Start massaging the coconut oil on your scalp and hair at night.
3. Let the oil stay in your hair overnight.
4. You could then wash off your hair in the morning with a herbal shampoo.
5. You can repeat this process two times a week for controlling your hair fall.

Helps in the treatment of dandruff

The reason for dandruff is because of an aggravated Vata and pitta dosha in the body that makes the scalp dry and flaky. However, coconut oil has Vata-Pitta balancing properties that are beneficial for dandruff treatment by providing nourishment to the scalp as it has Snigdha property.

Tips for using coconut oil for the treatment of dandruff

If you are suffering from dandruff, then you can use coconut oil by following these steps.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Now you could mix a pinch of camphor powder in the bowl.
3. Start massaging the coconut oil on your scalp and hair at night.
4. Let the oil stay in your hair overnight.
5. You could then wash off your hair in the morning with herbal shampoo.
6. You can repeat this process two times a week for controlling dandruff.

Helps in the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that causes red, dry, scaly patches on the skin as it a chronic autoimmune disease. However, coconut oil has snigdha and ropan properties that are beneficial for psoriasis treatment as it helps remove the dryness from the skin and improve the skin texture. 

Tips for using coconut oil for the treatment of psoriasis

If you have psoriasis, then you can use coconut oil by following these steps.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Start applying the coconut oil to the affected area and let it stay overnight.
3. You can rinse the affected area with water the next day.
4. You could repeat this process every night for the treatment of psoriasis.

Helps in the treatment of eczema

Eczema is a problem in which the skin becomes inflamed, blistered, itchy, and rough. However, coconut has ropan properties that are beneficial for the treatment of eczema. Therefore, one can use coconut oil for the treatment of eczema.

Tips for using coconut oil for the treatment of eczema

If you are suffering from eczema, then you can use coconut oil by following these steps.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Start applying the coconut oil to the affected area and let it stay overnight.
3. You can rinse the affected area with water the next day.
4. You could repeat this process every night for the treatment of eczema.

Helps in the treatment of ulcers and boils 

Coconut has ropan properties that are beneficial for the treatment of ulcers and boils. Therefore, one can use coconut oil for the treatment of ulcers and boils.

Tips for using coconut oil for the treatment of ulcers and boils

If you are suffering from ulcers and boils, then you can use coconut oil by following these steps.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Start applying the coconut oil to the affected area and let it stay overnight.
3. You can rinse the affected area with water the next day.
4. You could repeat this process every night for the treatment of ulcers and boils.

Helps in keeping the skin healthy and glowing

Coconut oil has a Snigdha property that helps in providing moisture to dry and flaky skin. So if you have excessively dry skin, then you could use coconut oil on your skin for getting a healthy glow. Moreover, coconut oil is also used for managing wrinkles and fine lines as it has Rasayana property, which helps inskin regeneration and makes the skin healthy. Therefore, you can use coconut oil on the skin for getting glowing and healthy skin.

Tips for using coconut oil for healthy and glowing skin

If you want healthy and glowing skin, then you can use coconut oil by following these steps.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Start applying the coconut oil to the affected area and let it stay overnight.
3. You can rinse the affected area with water the next day.
4. You could repeat this process every night for getting glowing and healthy skin.

Dosage of coconut recommended by doctors:

The quantity of coconut recommended by doctors is as follows:

• Coconut oil- You could consume about 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil or take the quantity required by you.
• Coconut capsule- You could consume 1-2 coconut capsules two times a day.

Usage of coconut for ayurvedic treatment:

Coconut can be consumed and used for ayurvedic treatment; check out how you can consume and use coconut for your treatments.

• Raw coconut fruits

You can consume coconut in the form of raw coconut fruits.

1. You could take about 4-5 coconut fruit pieces.
2. You can then chew these coconut fruit pieces, preferably in the morning and evening.

• Coconut water

You could consume coconut water as it beneficial for your health.

1. You could drink about ½ cup of coconut water, or you also have the option of consuming as required by you.
2. You could consume coconut water in the morning on an empty stomach.
3. This will also help in managing diabetes.

Coconut in the form of milk powder

You could consume coconut in the form of milk powder.

1. You could take about ½ to 1 tablespoon of coconut milk powder.
2. You can then mix half a tablespoon of mishri with the coconut milk powder.
3. You can consume this before having your lunch and before dinner.

Coconut oil in cooking

You could consume coconut oil by using it while cooking your meals.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. You could then add the taken quantity of coconut oil while cooking your meal.
3. Coconut oil is beneficial for consumption, as it has many health benefits.

Coconut oil for skin and hair

You can use coconut oil for treating skin and hair problems like scars, wrinkles, dryness, flakiness, dandruff, and fine lines.

1. You could take about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl, or you also have the option of taking the quantity as required by you.
2. Start applying the coconut oil to the affected area and let it stay overnight.
3. You can rinse the affected area with water the next day.
4. You could repeat this process every night to get healthy skin and hair.

Coconut capsule

1. You could take about 1-2 coconut capsules for consumption.
2. You can then swallow these coconut capsules with water after having your meals.

Coconut water for face

You can use coconut water for your face as it is good for preventing infections and fast aging.

1. You could take about 2-3 teaspoons of coconut water in a bowl.
2. Then you could dip a cotton ball and dab your skin with it.
3. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to prevent skin infections and skin aging.

Side effects of coconut

Some of the side effects of consuming or using coconut are as follows:

• Skin rashes
• Difficulty in breathing

 Precautionary guide for consuming coconut

Certain precautions must be considered before the consumption of coconut.

• For heart disease patients

Some chances of consuming coconut oil in meals may increase cholesterol levels, which are harmful to a heart disease patient. Therefore, it is advised that you must consult your doctor while consuming coconut.

FAQ about coconut:

What is the white matter in coconut called?

You can call the white matter in coconut the coconut meat, or you call it Gari in Hindi. Moreover, the water that is present inside the coconut is coconut water, which has so many health benefits and is good for the treatment of various health problems. 

Are there any types when it comes to coconut?

You can find two types of coconut that is the brown coconut and green coconut. The brown coconut is usually the mature coconuts that you will find on the forest floor, and the green coconuts are good for eating as it has edible coconut water and coconut meat that have many health benefits.

Can we eat the brown skin of the coconut meat?

You can eat the brown skin of the coconut meat as it is a part of the meat. The brown skin is usually connected with the coconut meat, and whenever you try to extract the coconut meat, you will also get the brown layer along with it. Therefore, it is okay to consume the brown layer with coconut meat.

Is it advisable to use coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant?

There is not enough evidence to support whether coconut oil can be used as a vaginal lubricant. However, it is recommended to avoid using coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant as it can lead to an imbalance of the PH levels of the vagina and can further cause irritation.

What is the right procedure for storing fresh coconut meat?

You can store the coconut meat in your refrigerator for about 4 days. However, you must store it in an airtight container. You can also store coconut meat for about 4-6 months, but for this, you need to grate the fresh coconut meat and dip it into the coconut water. Then place it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. This way, you can store the coconut meat for a maximum of 4-6 months.

How to know whether coconut milk has started deteriorating?

You can consume coconut milk within 10 days of opening the coconut milk container. However, after 10 days, the coconut milk will get bad and start deteriorating as you will be able to see a difference in smell and taste. Therefore, it is recommended to consume coconut milk within 10 days of opening the container.

What are the types of coconut oil in the market?

You can find two types of coconut oil in the market that is the refines coconut oil and virgin coconut oil. The refined coconut oil lacks the flavor and the aroma of coconut. However, virgin coconut oil possesses all the properties of coconut oil. 

Can we use coconut oil while cooking food?

Coconut oil is beneficial for health and can be used while cooking as it has lauric acid content, which is a saturated fat that is good for your health. Therefore, one can use coconut oil while cooking for health purposes. 

Is there any difference between coconut water and coconut milk?

Coconut water has high potassium content, and that is why coconut water is best for providing hydration to the body. However, coconut milk is sweet cream that is used in beverages, cooking, and smoothies. But it is recommended to consume coconut milk in small quantities as it is harmful to people with high cholesterol or heart disease patients.

Is it ok to consume coconut oil?

Coconut oil is beneficial for health and can be used while cooking as it has lauric acid content, which is a saturated fat that is good for your health. Therefore, one can use coconut oil while cooking for health purposes. 

What is the nutrient content of coconut oil?

Coconut oil contains saturated fats in the form of lauric acid, making coconut oil appear white in color and giving it a stable form. Moreover, coconut oil also has vitamin E and vitamin K that is beneficial for the treatment of skin problems. Therefore, one can use coconut oil for cooking or applying it on hair or skin for health purposes. 

Is dry coconut edible?

You can consume dry coconut in the form of dry fruit as it is a fully mature coconut. People also add this dry coconut in chutneys, sweets, and food items. Furthermore, oil can be extracted from the dry coconut, and the leftovers after extraction of oil are used as fodder for animals as it contains high protein.

Does consuming coconut lead to hyperacidity in the body?

There are chances that if you consume a high quantity of dry coconut, it becomes heavy to digest and could lead to hyperacidity in the body as it increases the Pitta dosha of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to consume coconut in the right amount.