Seventh Falls at Busay

The Philippines is considered to be one of the top ten coconut producers in the world.

The scientific name for the coconut is Cocos Nucifera which means “nut bearing”. It can grow to a height of 60 to 100 feet and one tree can produce about 60 mature coconuts or more, sometimes it can be two or three times as many. Coconut is highly nutritious, rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

The Coconut is a very useful tree. Every part of it has many uses, roots , trunk , flower, fruit, husks and shell can all be used. It also makes a very good ingredient in food.Coconut milk , meat and sugar and oil are all nutritious. less fat and no cholesterol.

Here are a few of the many uses of coconut:

Coconut tree roots when boiled can be used as a dye. Coconut trunk is a durable wood, straight strong and salt resistant, it is used for building small bridges, benches, tables and for walls and flooring. Paper pulp can also be extracted from the coconut trunk and other woody parts of the tree. Coconut palm can be woven into hats, baskets, brooms, slippers, belts bags and also for thatched roofs. Coconut husks provides fuel for cooking as well as coir fibre for making plant pots, mats and clothing. Coconut shell can be carved into household items and ornaments such as spoons, fork fashion accessories and other crafts. Coconut water is rich in lauric acid which is also present in human mother’s milk. Lauric acid is known for being antiviral,antibacterial,antifungal and a boosts to the immune system.

Coconut water is a naturally isotonic beverage with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It also helps keep the body cool and replenishes minerals. Coconut meat is the white fleshy substance found inside the coconut shell. It is low in saturated fats and sugar.It contains more protein high in minerals like zinc, iron and phosphorus.

Coconut meat is used to obtain coco flour, dessicated coconut, coconut milk, coconut chips, coconut candies, animal feeds and copra from which coconut oil is extracted Coconut oil has many uses including medicine and cosmetics. It is also used in the manufacture of soaps, detergent and shampoos. Its high level of lauric acid gives soap a quick-lathering property.

Coconut milk is a common ingredient in many tropical cuisine and also believed to be a laxative.

As you can see the coconut has many uses that is why  the Filipinos called it the “The Tree of Life”‘.