HEALTHCARE PROVISIONS OF COCONUT By NETHRA VIJAYAKUMAR Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm. It is used for its water, milk, oil and tasty meat. Thankfully, the misguided coconut era has come to an end. Coconuts have been grown in tropical regions for more than 4,500 years but recently increased in popularity for their flavor, culinary uses, and potential health benefits. Unlike many other fruits, that are high in carbs, coconut provides mostly fat. Coconut oil: Nearly 90 percent of fat in coconut oil are saturated and they are healthy. Fifty-five to sixty-five percent of the saturated fat in coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which have been used as dietary supplements to improve nutrient absorption and sports performance. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which has been shown to help the body fight viruses. Coconut meat: Coconut meat is rich in phytosterols, cholesterol like compound found primarily in nuts and legumes, phytosterols have ...