The coconut first made its appearance in English print back in 1555. It is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word "coco", meaning "monkey face." The markings on the coconut (the three round indented markings found at the base of the coconut) were said to resemble a monkey's face. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, whole coconuts were a currency on the Nicobar Islands (in the Indian Ocean) that were used to purchase goods.

Coconuts, unlike their name implies, are seeds. They are actually the largest known seeds. Coconut water is the liquid part of a whole tropical coconut. And, believe it or not, is on the verge of stardom. Its many health benefits, known to some for centuries, are coming into the spotlight.

Contrary to popular belief, coconut is one of nature’s low carb diet foods, it is virtually fat free and low in sugars. The many electrolytes its water contains work to maintain proper body temperature by keeping us cool. The wonderful elixir brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells and is an all natural, isotonic beverage.

Coconut water is nature's sports drink. It replenishes body fluids after exercise. Some of the other wonderful benefits it provides are to raise metabolism, promote weight loss, boost the immune system, detoxify the body, fight viruses, cleanse the digestive tract, control diabetes, treat kidney stones and boost blood circulation. Coconuts in their natural, unprocessed state, are healthy diet foods.

Coconut water has actually been proven to aid our bodies in fighting viruses that cause, herpes, flu and AIDS. It is an alkalizing drink. It helps us to maintain an alkaline state in our bodies, an important aspect of reducing the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer.

There are many edible uses for the coconut. The milk, meat, sugar and wonderful coconut oil are derived from our friendly coconut. Natives used the husks and burned them for fuel. Today, the husks are used to make such items as mats, brushes, rope and fishnet. Because of their versatility, manufacturers have found many uses for coconuts. They are used in everything from candies to spreads to skin products.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, coconut oil got a bad rap from the federal government. It was deemed as being a bad saturated fat that led to heart disease. Newer research has shown that coconut oil's saturated fat is not like other saturated fats that are found in animal products. It is actually a beneficial plant-derived saturated fat that is proven to be heart healthy.

When you carefully open a coconut, there is an opaque, slightly sweet water inside. It is popularly believed that this liquid is coconut milk. This is not true. It is the water of the coconut. Coconut milk is a product that is derived from the water. Many consume the water straight out of the coconut. It can also be used in smoothies and other recipes.

During the Pacific War in the 1940s, coconut water was used as an emergency plasma transfusion that was given to soldiers who were wounded in the conflict.  In fact, coconut water has been used as an IV solution in third world countries to save lives.

Found to be more nutritious and healthy than whole milk or orange juice, better for baby than baby formula as it contains lauric acid, a substance present in human breast milk, coconut’s health benefits are vast and varied.

When compared to sports drinks, coconut water boasts more potassium, less sodium and natural sugars, and is high in chloride. Even more reason that the coconut is one of nature’s perfect diet foods.

Nature rules again! The coconut is a miracle.