Apple is considered as one the healthiest fruits but this same nutritious fruit can turn fatal. Yes, you heard it right. Apple seeds are capable of poisoning and causing death. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a substance which releases cyanide when it comes in contact with human digestive enzymes. Amygdalin contains cyanide and sugar which when ingested by the body gets converted into hydrogen cyanide (HCN). This cyanide can make you sick and can even kill you. But acute toxicity is rare with accidental ingestion of seeds.
According to the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA), apples and pears are the most consumed fruit in the EU and second most consumed fruit in the US. Eating apples is associated with promoting health, as the saying goes an apple a day can keep the doctor away.
While this saying may not have guaranteed results, eating apples provides your body with many beneficial nutrients including a good amount of antioxidants.
How cyanide works?
Cyanide is infamous as one of the deadliest poisons with a long history in mass suicide and chemical warfare. Cyanide works by interfering with oxygen supply. And yes, apart from its chemical form it is also found in seeds of some fruits including, apricots, cherries, plum, peaches and apples. These seeds have tough protective coating which seals the amygdalin inside them. This strong protective layer of seeds is resistant to the digestive juices. How much cyanide is poisonous?
About 200 grinded apple seeds, which means around a cup of it, can be fatal for the human body. Cyanide can damage your heart and brain. It can even lead to coma and death in rare cases. In fact, if consumed in large quantities, the symptoms can occur instantly including, seizures, shortness of breath, trembling, spasm, increased heart rate, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, all of which can lead to loss of consciousness. Survivors of poisoning can show evidence of heart and brain damage.
Also, lower amount of cyanide can lead to problems like nausea, headache, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, confusion and weakness.
The exact amount that can poison someone depends on their body weight. To be more precise 0.5 to 3.5mg of cyanide per kg of a human body can be poisonous. Though it also depends on individual tolerance and the type of apples.
1 gram of finely crushed or chewed apple seeds contain 0.06–0.24 mg of cyanide.
Why are apple seeds poisonous?
What’s in the amygdalin from apple seeds that makes them potentially harmful?
They actually contain the poisonous substance cyanide (2). Of course ingesting cyanide can be very harmful, but the amount of cyanide you would get from a few chewed up apple seeds is not a concern.
Your body can deal with this small amount of cyanide without any problems.
If you don’t chew apple seeds, they will pass through your digestive tract whole.
Only if the seeds are chewed up and broken down do they have a chance to interact with digestive enzymes and release cyanide.
A few seeds is ok, but don’t overdo it
Cyanide is a poison that can kill. However, you would need to eat a significant quantity of apple seeds to get enough cyanide for a lethal dose.
In fact, food science consultant John Fry in a LiveScience article suggests you would need to eat around 143 apple seeds (equivalent to about 18 apples worth) to get enough cyanide to be lethal.
In general, it’s best to throw out the seeds and core of an apple.
If you eat a seed or two, it’s not cause for concern. Ingesting more seeds at one time is not recommended.
If someone does ingest more than a few seeds, you may want to seek medical attention. Exposure to lower amounts of cyanide, even if it’s not a lethal dose, can be dangerous.
Cyanide can affect the brain, heart and may lead to a coma.
Verdict:
Swallowing whole apple seeds is unlikely to cause any complications, as they pass without causing any harms to the body. Still it’s a good idea to remove the seeds before eating the apple. Nevertheless, if you accidentally eat a few seeds, don’t worry. But you should immediately spit them out to avoid any potential issues.
Hormones are important products of the human body’s glands, and their levels affect health and muscle mass. During life, hormone levels naturally and “unnaturally” change.Puberty and menopause are to blame, but stress or poor lifestyle can cause an imbalance too. Learn all the essentials about hormones, their effect on exercise, but also changes in their levels during life.
Hormones and the endocrine system
Hormones are chemicals produced by the glands, and are a kind of chemical “messengers” that travel through the bloodstream. Their role is to transmit information in the human body, and this function is similar to the nervous system, but in this instance, hormones are used instead of nerve impulses. They affect almost every cell and organ in the body, and simply put, they dictate tissues and organs “what to do and how to do it”.
Hormones and exercise
Proper hormone levels are very important for the optimal functioning of the body, and logically therefore affect exercise and muscle growth. Hormones are divided into steroid, peptide and amine, in addition they can be anabolic or catabolic. Anabolic are important for tissue growth and catabolicbreak it down. In the following list you will find several hormones that are related to exercise [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]:
Insulin – is important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, because it ensures the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream. In addition, it can cause fat not to be used as fuel for muscles, but stored in adipose tissue. Insufficient insulin sensitivity can grow into insulin resistance or even type 2 diabetes. You can influence the proper functioning of insulin in the body with a healthy lifestyle.
Cortisol – also known as a stress hormone because it is excreted under stress. During long workouts, it supports the breakdown of triglycerides and proteins to produce glucose, which the body uses as a source of energy during training. However, it should be mentioned that overtraining is also a form of stress that causes cortisol secretion. Sleep and regeneration between workouts are important for maintaining optimal cortisol levels, which you can also support with your protein or BCAA intake.
Testosterone – is associated mainly with men, but we also find it in women, although less than 10%. This hormone has anabolic effects on the muscles, thus supporting the growth of muscle mass and strength. For women, it is beneficial for muscles, bones and sexual desire.
Growth hormone – an anabolic peptide hormone with a function that comes from its name – to promote cell growth. It is formed during sleep and is stimulated by intense, strength or cardio training.
Glucagon – is responsible for the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue at low blood sugar levels, which are used to increase glucose levels. Simply put, it is a hormone to prevent your blood sugar from falling too low.
Epinephrine and norepinephrine – are catecholamines also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Their role is to support the production of energy to the sympathetic nervous system and the control of bodily functions during cardio. They increase the heart rate in the body, blood sugar levels, the contractility of the heart (the force with which the heart compresses) and epinephrine even promotes improved breathing due to the relaxation of smooth muscles in the airways.
Insulin-like growth hormone – is needed for muscles and their growth, because it supports the activity of growth hormone by repairing damaged proteins during training.
Brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – takes care of the formation of new cells in the brain, which improves cognitive function. During intensive training, you not only ensure the production of growth hormone and insulin-like growth hormone, but also BDNF, which is beneficial for cells in the brain.
Hormones and muscle growth
Hormones perform many functions in the body and some of them are related to muscles and body weight. Anabolic and catabolic processes take place in the body, in which certain hormones are present. Anabolism is the process by which small molecules become complex with the help of energy obtained by catabolism. Conversely, catabolism occurs during digestion, when molecules are broken down and the body uses them as a source of energy. Anabolic processes include, for example, the growth of muscle mass or bones. In catabolism, large molecules are broken down into smaller ones, such as proteins into amino acids. [29] [30] [31]
The following hormones are present in anabolism and catabolism [29]:
Anabolism – testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone and insulin
Catabolism – adrenaline, cortisol, glucagon and cytokines
Anabolic state is desirable for athletes and active people who want to gain (and also maintain) muscle mass. They follow a nutritional program that aims to provide enough nutrients before and after training to provide fuel for training and maintain anabolic state. In addition to diet, however, another factor is an important part of the anabolic state – sleep.
Hormonal changes in men and muscle growth
Probably the first major hormonal changes in a man’s life begin at puberty. In the hypothalamus, the production of the hormone gonadotropin begins, which causes an increase in testosterone levels. By the way, gonadotropin in puberty also affects women and estrogen production.
Testosterone is an important hormone that affects several functions and its levels change throughout life. It rises during puberty and reaches its peak at the end of adolescence. A phase of decline follows, and after the age of 30, it is natural for testosterone to decline every year. Its level is also important for muscle growth and strength. It affects DNA receptors, which causes protein synthesis and increases transmitters, thereby promoting tissue growth and, last but not least, increasing growth hormone levels. The effect of testosterone is complex and, in addition to muscle, it also has something to do with fat metabolism or bone density.
Another case of hormonal changes in a man’s life can be a hormonal imbalance. In addition to natural reasons, such as puberty or aging, there are others, such as lack of exercise, poor lifestyle or stress. Symptoms include lack of energy, decreased sexual desire, low sperm count, reduced hair growth and more. Imbalances can occur at any time in life, and even already in one’s 30s.
Hormonal imbalance may be slightly inconsistent, so it is difficult to recognize it from time to time. There are 5 symptoms that indicate an imbalance and may be due to reduced testosterone levels:
low libido
erectile dysfunction
gynecomastia (breast enlargement)
muscle loss and fat gain
mood swings
Another topic that is often discussed is “male menopause”. This term refers to a decrease in androgens and testosterone, as well as delayed-onset hypogonadism. Although the term “menopause” is used, these hormonal changes are different in men. The end of ovulation and rapid production of hormones occurs in women in a relatively short period of time, but in men it is a gradual longer decline. Symptoms include decreased muscle mass and physical weakness, increased fat, difficulty concentrating, depression, infertility or erectile dysfunction. It is said that life has its highs and falls, in the case of testosterone it starts with puberty and ends with the male version of menopause.
Hormonal changes in women and their effect on muscles
Hormonal changes during life affect both sexes, and women are no exception. Hormone levels are high after birth, but fall within a few months and increase significantly during puberty. In men, gonadotropin triggers testosterone production and in women estrogen production. The onset of menstruation is also associated with puberty. Puberty in girls lasts about 3-4 years and just as a fun fact, African American and Hispanic girls start puberty slightly earlier.
Hormonal changes also occur during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels fall and rise up to 2 times during the cycle. The first increase in estrogen during the middle follicular phase and decreases after ovulation, the second increase occurs in the middle luteal phase and decreases at the end of the cycle. Regarding the reproductive years in a woman’s life, it is necessary to mention PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and its symptoms. PMS is considered to be all pre-period symptoms, such as mood swings, tenderness, anxiety, anger, convulsions, breast tenderness, or diarrhea. Some experts believe that mood swings are associated with hormones, and that certain hormone metabolites in the brain may be responsible for mood swings, or that hormone metabolism is already different in some women. Other scientists are of the opinion that mood swings may not immediately mean fluctuations in hormone levels. That certainly cannot be said yet. Either way, women seem to experience more frequent hormone fluctuations than men.
Menopause is a crucial period in a woman’s life when hormonal changes occur. Around the age of 50, the ovaries reduce the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is defined as a period of 12 months or more without a menstrual cycle. It is manifested by hot flushes, decreased libido, depression, vaginal dryness or osteoporosis.
According to scientists, estrogen is a kind of regulator of muscle cell viability and muscle energy metabolism. Estrogen production is stopped by menopause, which has an impact on the deterioration of muscle condition, in addition, there is a higher risk of metabolic diseases after menopause. You can reduce this risk with a healthy lifestyle, but it will not affect your estrogen levels. In addition to muscles, menopause has a more complex impact, because as you start losing muscles, bone density is lost too and the risk of osteoporosis increases. Needless to say, changes in density potentially increase the possibility of fractures. As if that wasn’t enough, in addition to muscles and bones, it also affects the joints, which are painful and stiff due to changes. The human body will never be young again, but you can alleviate these symptoms with regular exercise.
Treatment of hormonal imbalance
There are various medications for treating hormonal imbalances, but you can also reduce the risk and symptoms of the imbalance by changing your lifestyle or using natural supplements.Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress control or maintaining an optimal body weight are just some of the changes that can help. However, you can also try natural ways such as ginseng and maca for erectile dysfunction. Ginseng can also be beneficial for menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders or irritability. Hot flushes caused by menopause can be treated with red clover, evening primrose oil or black cohosh.
In the field of nutrition and a balanced diet, there has long been a dilemma as to whether breakfast is really the most important meal of the day. Some studies claim that breakfast is the basis for energy replenishment after sleep, while others rely on facts proving their inefficiency in weight loss. In addition, some experts argue that the importance of breakfast is related to the growing market for breakfast mixes, flakes and cereals. Companies that offer such products declare that breakfast is the basis of the day and without them you should not even go out on the street. So, what is the reality? Is breakfast a necessary start of the day or just a simple marketing trick?
Breakfast and weight loss
The most common benefit associated with eating breakfast is its reputed beneficial effecton weight loss. On the contrary, their omission is said to have negative effects on body weight and can cause obesity. In reality, it is not so much about whether you miss breakfast or not, the important thing is what you choose as your first meal of the day. It makes a difference whether you replenish your energy in the morning with a balanced breakfast, or fatty or sweet dishes.
However, let’s look at what renowned studies have said about these claims. One such study, which analyzed the health data of 50,000 people over seven years, focused on how is size of the breakfast portion related to BMI levels. The researchers found that those who made breakfast the most hearty meal of the day had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who ate more hearty lunch or dinner. They justified this by saying that breakfast helps to increase the feeling of fullness during the day, which significantly reduces the subsequent daily calorie intake. Another study confirmed this effect – people who skippedbreakfast or enjoyed an unsatisfactory portion of breakfast tended to overeat at lunch and dinner.
In addition, they found out that heavier breakfasts help improve the quality of the diet, as breakfast meals tend to contain more nutrients and fiber. Of course, it all depends on what you choose for breakfast. If it is heavy and fatty bacon or sweet croissants, the effect may be the opposite. However, if you reach for hearty, nutrient-filled flakes or eggs, you can achieve several benefits. Having regular healthy meals for breakfast will help improve your insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. However, such studies still need to be taken easy – many times they do not take into account the individual lifestyle of the participants or the choice of foods that play an important role in weight control.
For example, a team of scientists from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials in the field of having breakfast. A meta-analysis of the results found that participants who ate breakfast had a higher total daily energy intake than participants who did not eat breakfast. Thus, on the contrary, this study suggests that adding breakfast may not be a good weight loss strategy. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the role of breakfast in weight control. The only way to find out if breakfast plays a positive role in weight loss is to examine the choice of specific foods and their effects. [11]
Marion Nestle, PhD, a professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at the University of New York, points out that many studies that prove the positives of breakfast were funded by Cereal Partners Worldwide, which is affiliated with Nestlé and General Mills. That is, companies that produce breakfast cereals and benefit from their sale.
Conclusion
Breakfast can really help you lose weight, but it’s not because of their timing. It’s more about what foods you choose for breakfast. If it is a hearty breakfast with a balanced ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, you can achieve a sufficient feeling of fullness, which will result in less overeating during the day. However, if you skip breakfast, you do not have to worry about obesity. It is always necessary to monitor your total energy intake during the day. That is what is responsible for your weight gain or loss. Don’t focus on when you eat, but what you eat.
Breakfast and energy level
The source of energy in the body is glucose, which we obtain from carbohydrates. It is then broken down into glycogen in the body and stored as energy and fat. Most glycogen is stored in the liver and to a lesser extent in the muscles. As we cannot build up a long-term supply of glycogen, we must take it regularly, always after it has been depleted. This usually occurs after exercise or any other physical activity, during fasting or during sleep.
Overnight, the liver breaks down glucose and releases it into the bloodstream as glycogen to keep blood sugar levels stable. During sleep, the liver ensures that your brain has enough energy to function. Therefore, when you wake up in the morning, your glycogen levels in your body are low and should be replenished immediately. As soon as all the energy is consumed, the body begins to break down fatty acids instead of glycogen. However, in the absence of carbohydrates, fatty acids are only partially oxidized, which can significantly reduce your energy levels. This is the main reason why you should supply your stomach after waking-up with foods, especially rich in healthy carbohydrates and fiber, and avoid heavy fatty foods.
In one study, several dozen participants were divided into two groups, one consuming a carbohydrate and fiber-rich breakfast in the morning and the other not eating breakfast at all. Subjects were then monitored for several hours. The study concluded that those who did not have breakfast performed worse on memory tests and felt more exhausted than those who had breakfast. Several studies support this hypothesis that routine skipping breakfast was associated with reduced physical activity, especially before lunch.
Another randomized study looked at participants who ate breakfast for one week and missed it for another. It monitored their food intake using food diaries and energy expenditure was assessed using pedometers and heart rate monitors. For all participants, daily energy levels did not differ between the two experimental weeks. The study showed that the total energy intake changed only minimally in 24 hours. However, it should be emphasized that participants consumed different types of food during the study; if they focused on only one specific energy-rich food, the results could differ more significantly.
Therefore, another study focused on specific types of food consumed for breakfast and their impact on energy levels.Foods with a lower glycemic index (GI) and a higher protein content at breakfast have been found to be associated with higher energy levels. Based on this, researchers recommend that breakfasts have a low GI and a high protein content.
Conclusion
Regular breakfast can affect the level of energy in our body. However, it is also true that there is a difference in what source you use to replenish your energy. If you choose sweet foods full of simple sugars or fructose for breakfast, your energy levels will be depleted very quickly. Conversely, if you focus on a balanced ratio of nutrients and foods with a low glycemic index, you may feel more vital in the morning.
Listen to your body
Still not sure if breakfast is the most important meal of the day? As studies differ in opinion and each provides irrefutable evidence, do not rely on them, but listen to your body. Ultimately, you must decide which eating habit is best for you. Whether you decide to have breakfast or skip breakfast from your menu, you should not forget about your total daily energy intake. You can easily find it out using online calculators, but on average it ranges from 2000 to 2500 calories, depending on gender, age and physical activity.
If you fulfill your energy intake, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. Conversely, if you want to lose weight, you should focus on the caloric deficit, during which your daily expenditure must be higher than your income. At the same time, you should make sure that your daily diet contains a sufficient amount of important nutrients – carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fiber. Only in this way will you achieve all your goals in the area of diet and weight loss.
Ideas for healthy breakfast
If you’re worried about which foods are best for a healthy and balanced breakfast, here are some tips: [9]
Choose whole-grain foods – whole-grain cereals and bread with high-fiber content can help maintain optimal blood sugar levels and prevent a drop in energy in the morning. You can choose from a wide range of cereals, flakes or cereals and muesli, or prepare hearty porridges. However, when choosing cereals, take a good look at the nutritional table and composition. If they contain the following basic information, they are just right for you: 5 g or more of fiber per serving, less than 300 mg of sodium per serving, less than 5 g of sugar per serving, the cereal is listed as the first item in the list of ingredients.
Choose foods with a higher protein content – a great choice is Greek yogurt, which contains more protein than regular yogurt. You can also reach for eggs or various types of nuts and nut butters, which are also full of healthy fats.
Smoothie as a great breakfast choice – they are quick, easy to prepare and with a selection of the right foods they also serve as an excellent source of nutrients. Combine fruits, juice, cereals or other ingredients, mix them and your refreshing breakfast is ready. For inspiration, see our list of the best smoothie recipes for a healthy breakfast.
The real fun of eating on the street is to share the same paper plate filled with deep-fried snacks with friends and dipping pakoras and samosas in the paper plate overflowing with chutney. While we all love doing this, we are not aware of the fact that such paper plates are a free invitation to various health issues. Read this piece of information to know more about it and how it can be controlled.
02/5 Wrapping food in newspaper is bad
The release strictly prohibits the use of such material by eateries, as they cause health issues due to chemical and microbiological contamination. The release said that eatables such as vada, bonda, pakoda, bajji, cooked fish, meat items when packed in newspapers and plastic covers become toxic and should not be consumed for obvious reason.
03/5 What FSSAI says?
According to recent release issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) the printing ink contains cancer-causing agents that can cause severe health issues. Once warm food is placed under newspaper, the printed ink melts and exposes the human body to various health problems.
04/5 Even aluminium foil is bad
According to experts; food wrapped in aluminium foil has more illness-causing bacteria. Bacteria like Staph and Bacillus Cereus which cause foodborne illnesses, actually produce toxins when heated and more importantly, they don’t get destroyed. When you cover the food with aluminium foil, it doesn’t seal your food properly and these bacteria get constant air to grow faster.
05/5 What’s the solution?
It is advisable to serve food in stainless steel, dry leaves, or glass vessel to keep it free from germs and bacteria. In case any street vendor sells food in newspaper there are official WhatsApp numbers on which people can lodge a complaint.
Playing video games is well known to provide certain health benefits—from reducing depression, to relieving stress and even creating a general good feeling. While this might sound like an outrageous claim, there are lots of available evidence to support it. This has led many to incorporate video games into their regular lives. Allocating a bit of time to playing games can improve your mental health in a lot of amazing ways.
This topic is quite controversial, as there is evidence from researches and studies, to support and oppose the claims made. However, the research supporting the benefits of video games[1] would be difficult and really irresponsible to ignore. The following are some of the benefits of online video games:
1. They improve moods
There are few better ways to boost one’s mood than the feeling of victory that comes with knowing you have finally figured out a difficult mobile video game level and completed the game successfully.
This usually comes with games that involve users trying to find their ways around demolishing the enemy’s Crown Towers, like in Clash Royale Gemmes, where users have an excellent visual approach and are equipped with great mechanics.
In addition, playing mobile games can help to keep anxiety at bay and promote relaxation. If just by playing video mobile games, people get happier, then why would anyone ever dispute the emotional benefits?
2. They train the brain
As it relates to boosting brain power, online bingo and certain other games are successful in this. Spatial awareness is enhanced (thanks to different bingo games such as 75 ball bingo where users have to look at different horizontal, diagonal and vertical patterns in order to win the game). Additionally, playing these games regularly can help increase memory capacity. Tasks such as keeping track of different bingo cards as well as focusing on the numbers called out during a game can greatly aid mental stimulation.
3. Age does not really matter
Old or young, learning to play mobile video games is quite easy. The gaming companies are continuously developing games, designed to target youngsters and unlock their potentials. Racing games especially are aimed at the young. Users can tilt their handheld devices to imitate the actions of a real steering wheel. These games equip younger users with the ability to improve on their driving skills.
Racing cars also allows the youngsters to work on their smaller muscle groups. This allows them to reach important and necessary milestones, which can help their cognitive development.
4. They enhance wellbeing
Playing mobile video games allow and enable users to engage in a sense of escapism, since these games require full engagement and deep concentration.
Games have specific ways of ticking all the boxes necessary for successful training of the brain. This is true especially for games users play against the clock. These games get users to focus, think faster and also think flexibly.
By exercising all these skills, which most of the time are very challenging, you can improve your overall well-being. Companies like WonderTree are even redefining special education with augmented reality games.
5. They build social communities
Certain games help users build a social community such as Chess With Friends and Wordfeud. These games allow users to chat with strangers or friends as they play against them.
Another study discovered that people with autism are usually more engaged when they are celebrating victory as they share space with multiple players. Lack of communication is usually a hard issue for those with autism, but increased social interaction from games that involve multiple players can help them.
With the above, you can defend yourself proudly when anyone asks you the benefits of mobile games.
World Coconut Day: World Coconut Day is observed on 2 September 2020 with an to create awareness about the importance of the coconut across the world. World Coconut Day is celebrated by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) and its member states every year. Get more information about the History of World Coconut Day, APCC, Health benefits of Coconut from this article.
World Coconut Day 2020
World Coconut Day is observed on 2nd September every year by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). World Coconut Day 2020 aims to encourage investments and promote the development of the coconut industry in the member countries of APCC. The World Coconut Day is celebrated to make the people understand that Coconut has a vital role in poverty reduction.
What is the History of World Coconut Day?
World Coconut Day was established in the year 2009. The day is observed to commemorate the formation day of APCC which functions under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). World Coconut Day is observed to highlight the importance and uses of coconuts. World Coconut Day is an occasion to interpret policies and express the plan of action in this sector.
APCC is an inter-governmental organization that consists of 18 member countries that are mandated to promote, coordinate, and harmonize coconut developmental activities of the Asian Pacific region. Several major coconut-growing countries, including India, are members of the APCC. It is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. APCC Type: Inter-governmental organization Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia Membership: 18 countries
Coconut
Coconut belongs to Arecaceae, the palm tree family. Coconut is the only living species of the genus Cocos. It is a mature fruit of the Cocos nucifera palm. It is an indispensable food item for the people of South and South-East Asia and the Pacific islands. The Coco palm grows well in tropical climates as it requires moist, sandy, well-drained soil. It flourishes well in the saline-rich coastal regions. The Palm Coconut can reach more than 100 feet in height. The life span of Palm Coconut is about about 75 to 100 years.
Initially, after planting, it takes 4-5 years to begin their first produce. A single coconut palm has the ability to yield 20-150 mature nuts in a year. The outer husk is light green. As the nut matures, it becomes dry and turns gray. The husk or the exocarp is about 1-2 inches in thickness and made of tough fibers. Underneath the husk, kernel-endosperm, a woody shell enclosing inner edible meat, is present. The harvested mature coconut fruit contains some amount of sweet water inside its central hollow cavity surrounded by the white meat,. the endosperm. The fruit with its shell, kernel (meat), and water together constitute a Coconut.
What are the health benefits of Coconut?
Cocunt is a complete food rich in vitamins, calories, and minerals. The various health benefits of Coconuts are listed below:
A coconut carrying 400 g edible meat and around 30-150 ml of water holds all the daily-required essential including minerals, vitamins, and energy of an average-sized individual. The 100 g kernel holds 354 calories. The meat of the coconut is disproportionately high in saturated fats when compared to other common edible nuts. The lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid in the coconut, increases good-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also good for coronary arteries by preventing vessel blockage. Coconut water contains simple sugar, electrolytes, minerals, and bioactive compounds like cytokinin, and enzymes such as polymerases, acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, peroxidase, etc. The enzymes help in metabolism and digestion. Coconut oil is commonly extracted from Copra or dry kernel. The oil is an excellent emollient agent. It can be used used in cooking, applied over the scalp as hair nourishment, employed in pharmacy and medicines. Coconut kernel is an excellent source of minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. Coconut is a source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, folates, niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine.
How to Celebrate World Coconut Day
World Coconut Day is celebrated by raising awareness about the health and commercial benefits of Coconut. Celebrated Coconut that was planted in tropical regions for millions of years. On this day, the entire world celebrates one of nature’s healthiest foods. In India, Coconut Development Board celebrates World Coconut Day.
On this day, crack open a coconut, if you have never done it. It will be a lot of fun to crack into a real coconut.
Cook special coconut-based food and serve it to your loved ones.
You can also throw a party, and provide coconut based dishes and drinks.
Post and share your World Coconut Day celebrations on social media using the hashtag #WorldCoconutDay.
Coconut – Interesting Facts
Coconut is be used as a flotation device.
In Asian and Pacific Ocean cultures the coconut figures in creation stories and myths.
Coconut trees can’t be grown away from the shore without human beings transporting it.
Other than India, ancient coconut fossils have been found in Australia and Columbia.
It is said that the coconut fruit can travel up to 100 days on the ocean’s tide and still germinate.
Over 100 species of coconut trees are present. It includes dwarf varieties.
Coconut used to be spelled “cocoanut.”
In the Maldives, Coconut is in the nation’s coat of arms and is the national tree.
Coconut is used in religious ceremonies in India. It is prominent in the Hindu religion.
The coconut tree contains both male and female flowers but doesn’t self-pollinate.
The tree has an unusually shallow, fibrous root system that lacks a tap root and root hairs.
The trunk of a coconut tree is used in the construction of bridges, houses, and boats.
In the 1970s, General Marcos of the Philippines built a palace from coconut timber.
Sap from the unopened coconut flower can be made into “coconut vodka.”
Coconut Day – Wishes
May the God of the sea give all the happiness to you and your family. Let’s celebrate this healthy festival of coconut day.
On this coconut-y occasion, I wish you a bright, happy, and world coconut day.
Let us spread love & happiness on this precious day of world coconut day.
Special Wishes to you and your family on World Coconut Day. Let us offer prayers to God of the sea to bless every people on earth.
Let’s spread kindness and love all around to keep a healthy environment around us. – Happy World Coconut Day!
World Coconut Day – FAQ
1. When is the National Coconut Day celebrated?
National Coconut Day is celebrated on 26 June every year. National Coconut Day is celebrated to create awareness about the benefits of coconut.
2. When was the Coconut Development Board (CDB) established?
Coconut Development Board (CDB) was established on 12 January 1981. It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of India for the integrated development of coconut and coconut-related products.
3. What is the theme of the 2019 World Coconut Day?
The theme of 2019 World Coconut Day is ‘Coconut for Family Wellness’. The theme aimed to promote, coordinate, and harmonize coconut developmental activities of the Asian Pacific region.
WHY WE LOVE WORLD COCONUT DAY
There are so many ways to enjoy coconuts Odds are that you have recently experienced coconut, in some form or another. If you haven’t had a smoothie or a cocktail or an entree made with coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut water, coconut oil, or the fruit itself, you may have washed your face, shampooed your hair, moisturized, or exfoliated with a coconut by-product. Coconut shells can be used as bowls, to make buttons, and to create the sound effect of horses’ hooves.
Coconuts are delicious Coconut products add a scrumptious creaminess to any drink or dish. A smoothie takes on a tropical flair, while even the simplest curry gets depth from coconut milk. Raw coconut makes a perfect snack, and lends just the right amount of chewiness to baked goods. And unless your coconut has added sugar, it will work well in savory applications as well as sweet ones.
You guessed it — coconuts are nutritious. Is coconut the new kale? Well, probably not, but coconuts are high in iron, magnesium, fiber and protein. Coconut water provides potassium and sodium. In moderate amounts, coconut oil — a medium-chain fatty acid — is not harmful, although the jury is out on whether or not it’s helpful. And coconut products play prominent roles in gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan diets.
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