The coconut is known as a wonder-food, it contains almost all the essential nutrients needed by the human body.

Coconut is believed to have originated in the Indo-Malaya region and to the South west of New Guinea. Thereafter, it gradually spread to all the tropical areas of the world. Coconut was grown in India about 3,000 years ago. The Vedas describe coconut tree as Kalpa-Vriksha or the tree of heaven. It is also considered a sacred fruit and holds a very high place in all religious ceremonies.

The coconut is 20 to 30 cm long, some what three-sided. The outermost part of the fruit is green and shining when tender. It becomes rough and matty after its maturity. It is almost entirely water proof and very hard.
Coconut tree grows abundantly along the entire cost of the sea and thrive well in loose sandy soil.

The coconut is highly nourishing, strengthening and fattening food article. It has a high oil content which is easily digestible and more easily utilized by the body than other fats.
Coconut contains high quality of protein. It is also rich in potassium, sodium, magnesium, and sulphur. The energy value of the dried coconut is very high, being 662 calories per 100 grams.

Natural Benefits and curative properties:
1) Coconut is nourishing, strengthening and fattening food. As a food, it is most valuable before it matures. Its jelly-like tender kernel contains various enzymes and is easily digestible. Ripe kernel is rich in fat and carbohydrates

2) The milk of fresh coconut forms a valuable food for children suffering from nutritional deficiency. It has a greater vitamin 'A' content than the coconut itself. The water of the tender green coconut, generally known as mineral water, is an excellent tonic for health. The water of a single coconut contains good amount of vitamin 'C' and also contains sodium, potassium calcium, magnesium, iron, copper.

3) The coconut is an ancient and very effective remedy for intestinal worms of all kinds. A table spoonful of the freshly ground coconut should be taken at breakfast, followed by a dose of castor oil after 3 hours.

4) The mature dried coconut is valuable in the treatment of acidity. Coconut is highly beneficial in the treatment of digestively system disorders. It is useful in disease like indigestion, colitis, gastric ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery and piles.

5) Coconut milk, mixed with a tablespoonful of poppy seeds, milk and pure honey if one tablespoonful of this mixturter is taken every night before going to bed works as a wonder food remedy for dry cough due to throat irritation or due to excessive smoking. Tender coconut water is very useful in cholera.

6) Coconut water is beneficial in urinary disorders,too. It acts as a natural diuretic in heart, liver and kidney disorders. Coconut water is highly effective in the treatment of bilious fever. Water should, however not be taken immediately after taking coconut water. It may be taken after some time, if necessary.