Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm. It can be eaten as food or used as medicine.

Coconut is taken by mouth for bladder stones, diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight loss.

In foods, coconut is used in various preparations.

How does it work?

Coconut flour, which is prepared from the byproducts of coconut after removal of coconut milk, contains high amounts of dietary fiber. These fibers are believed to help lower cholesterol and control blood su

High cholesterol.
Bladder stones.
Diabetes.
Weight loss.

The appropriate dose of coconut depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coconut. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

There is not enough scientific information available to know if coconut is safe to use as medicine. In some people, eating coconuts might cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms may include skin rashes and difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking coconut as medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to coconut oil or related plants: Coconut might cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to coconut oil, coconut palm pollen, components of coconut, or other members of the Arecaceae plant family.

High cholesterol: There is concern that eating coconuts might increase cholesterol levels. But there is contradictory evidence that shows that eating foods containing coconut flour, which is prepared from coconut that has had the milk removed, might actually decrease total and "bad" cholesterol levels.