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In the Ayurvedic tradition, the coconut tree is called kalpavriksha, or a tree that fulfls all wishes. If you think about it, you realize that each and every part of the coconut is useful. It gives us refreshing water, and its fesh is packed with vitamins and minerals. The old fruit gives us oil, its outer shell is used to make artefacts, while the husk is used as compost and also stufed into bedding.

Traditionally we know that mature coconuts (from which the oil is extracted) should be consumed in moderation. But people mostly drink coconut oil that is extracted from the mature fruit. I believe that fndings from modern science must be viewed parallelly with the knowledge from our ancestors. In Ayurveda the tender (young) and middle-aged coconuts are considered the best for consumption because they are healing and nourishing for the body. Once the coconut becomes old it’s heavy to digest. Old coconut is also heating (ideal for winter), while the young fruit is cooling (perfect for summer). While a mature, hard nut has its benefts, it must be consumed in small quantities. There is also no reference in Ayurveda that suggests that plain oil should be consumed. It’s better to cook with coconut oil because it will enhance the quality of food, making it easy for the body to assimilate and digest it.

Coconuts are both sattvic (balanced) and alkaline. Therefore, they keep the mind calm and centred. Coconut water is cooling and is a natural diuretic, so it fushes out bacteria and therefore helps to cure urinary infections. The middle-aged coconut in particular builds up all seven dhatus in the body (plasma, blood, muscles, fat, marrow, bone, reproductive fuid).

The primary taste of coconut is sweet, and in Ayurveda this is the most soothing and nourishing taste. Coconuts increase kapha in the body; therefore, they can defnitely cause weight gain if eaten in excess. However, kapha is also responsible for immunity and strength, and for giving us luminous skin and hair. So, they’re ideal for those who want to increase their vitality.

Coconut is good for all seasons as it pacifes vata (dryness in winter) and pitta (heat in summer). The only rule is that just like ghee it must be eaten with warm food and drink because it is a saturated fat.