Malaysia - coconuts and their benefits

You can't go too far in Malaysia without coming across a coconut stall. They are one of the most popular fruits for tourists and locals alike. So much so that 2017 saw a rise in coconut prices by 50% due to a shortage throughout Asia at a local and import level. Kelapa as they are called in Malay can be bought at one of these vendors for as little as 4RM ($1USD). A lot of people seem to argue that the Thai coconuts taste better than the Malay ones, however I tend to disagree after trying both.

Coconut Stall in Wawasan, Subang Jaya

Coconut Stall in Kuala Lumpur City (Kasturi Walk beside Central Market)

Our Very First Malaysian Coconut in Penang

Top 10 Benefits of Coconuts

Not only are coconuts delicious and refreshing, there are many health benefits that can be attributed to this fruit. Coconut oils, milk, hair and skin products are great sources of goodness, however in it's original form straight from the coconut itself is the best way to get as much nutrition as possible. Don't forget to scoop out and eat the flesh with a strong spoon.

1. Helps to maintain a healthy immune system

2. Promotes a healthy heart and prevents high cholesterol

3. Improves physical performance due to it's quick source of energy

4. Promotes weight loss

5. Can help with kidney disease and bladder infection

6. Helps with digestion and increases absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals

7. Encourages insulin secretion and improves symptoms associated with diabetes

8. Helps to defend against cancer due to insulin reduction

9. Maintains and balances thyroid function

10. Promotes hair growth and healthy looking skin, preventative against wrinkles, sagging skin, dryness and provides sun protection

Top 5 Uses of the Coconut and it's tree

The coconut really is an amazing fruit as all parts of the coconut and the palm tree it is grown on has a use. It is so important for the local people in Malaysia for a lot of the below reasons.

1. The Flesh - used for food, milk and flour. Coconut milk is very popular for cooking in Asian countries and you can find it in a lot of recipes across the various nations. You will find lots and lots of incredible coconut ice cream that is usually served in the coconut itself.

2. The Water - a delicious, refreshing drink. Not only is this a lovely drink to enjoy on a hot day, the coconut water has lots of anti-oxidants making it very beneficial too.

3. The Oil - used for cooking and skin & hair products. Alot of households are now replacing butter and traditional oil with coconut oil due to the ever increasing research in to the health benefits of doing so. The oil is also an incredible conditioner for hair, giving a smooth and shiny finish and it is also moisturising and calming to use on skin.

4. The Leaves - great for thatching rooves on small houses. The use of the palm leaf is very cost effective for Malays. You will see a lot of palm leaves used on the beaches in Malaysia, mainly as umbrellas to sunbathe under or on small restaurant/bar huts.

5. The Wood - used for kitchen fires to aid with cooking. The wood from the palm tree is a great source of fuel for Malay people to use in their homes to save on other forms of expensive energy.

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