Coconut Palm Myths – True or False

• Coconut water contains growth hormones that can grow almost anything.

TRUE; coconut water contains 4 plant growth hormones or cytokinins and has 3 sets of chromosomes (triploid) it can donate genetic material and stimulate growth in many organisms. Coconut water is the father of our modern tissue culture science and is still widely used in orchid propagation. There is current research into hair loss prevention as well as wide acceptance in anti aging cosmetic products.

• Coconut oil is saturated fat and causes heart disease”

FALSE; unlike animal saturated fats which are long chain triglycerides, coconut oil contains MCT’s median chain triglycerides which metabolise easily, even without the need for bile from the gall bladder. Coconut oil provides ready energy and has an accelerating effect on metabolism. There is no credible link to heart disease but a mass of misinformation has been circulated by other edible oil lobbies in the quest for market share at the expense of lauric oils (palm and coconut), our health, and truth.

• Coconuts are more dangerous than shark attacks”

FALSE; some questionable research findings from coconut plantations, formally noted for scientific irrelevance have been broadcast by insurance interests to extract higher public liability premiums from wealthy coconut owners. Most insurance claims relate to vehicles being parked under coconut palms, which presents more of a planning and design issue than a life risk.

• Intravenous use of coconut water.

TRUE; coconut water is a suitable blood plasma extender (universal donor) it has traditionally been used when commercial IV solutions have run out. There are numerous reports of patients responding quickly to IV coconut water. There are also published findings of coconut water being used in kidney dialysis. It has been poured directly into dialysis machines and shown to dissolve kidney stones.

• Coconuts are weeds.

FALSE; although this attitude makes it easier, in some cases, to remove unwanted coconut palms, it is technically incorrect. The coconuts main method of seed dispersal is by water otherwise they are planted or sprout naturally around the parent tree.

• Coconut oil provides protection against the sun.

TRUE; the old coconut based tanning oils were largely made from highly processed copra grade coconut oil with additives and often just coconut fragrances. Many seasoned sun bakers owe their wrinkles to these products. Fresh virgin coconut oil is very nourishing if applied directly to the skin, especially just after a shower, while the skins’ pores are open. If applied in this manner, and adsorbed before going into the full sun, the skin is well protected. It is still wise to be moderate in any exposure and not allow dehydration.

• Coconuts are not native to Australia.

FALSE; there is much evidence to suggest that coconuts (native to our oceans and coastal strands) have been washing up for thousands of years. There is even fossil evidence of coconut type palms in New Zealand (20 million year ago). Indigenous peoples have prized the developing sprout as an easy food source, devouring the rich cream and haustorium inside, made available after the palm sprouts. Consequently, in areas of high habitation young palms had little chance to establish. To the eyes of Joseph Banks and our early explorers, our coastal coconuts looked very sparse by comparison to most Pacific islands which were well visited and explored by other mariners over the centuries. This distinction weighed heavily to emphasise the newness of their discovery.

• Coconut is the “tree of life” in the tropics.

TRUE; to this day, traditional techniques and patterns of use of this “tree of life” have driven the development, or not, of local coconut industries and led to patterns of discovery of the wealth of the coconut palm. These differ significantly around the globe, wherever and however, the coconut is appreciated. Now, with the aid of the internet, we are much better able to share recipes and explore the unrealised potential and try new coconut products.