Coconut, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, is a perennial palm tree belonging to the Arecaceae (palm) family that grows widely in tropical regions. This plant is of great importance worldwide for its nutritional and economic value. The trunk of the coconut palm is slender and cylindrical, growing up to 30 meters in length. The trunk surface is smooth and covered with ring-shaped scars. At the top of the palm tree are large, feathery leaves. Each leaf is 4-6 meters long and consists of thin, pointed leaflets. The leaves come together to form a crown at the top of the tree. The coconut tree bears both male and female flowers in the same inflorescence. The flowers are located on large and branched flower stalks. The color of the flowers is yellowish white.
The coconut fruit is large and oval in shape, with a green or brown outer shell. Inside the fruit is a fibrous layer and a hard shell. Inside this shell is the nutritious and tasty white fleshy part (copra) and coconut water. The coconut tree grows in warm and humid tropical climates. This sun-loving plant thrives best in well-drained sandy soil. It is especially common in coastal areas and near sea level.
Major Active Ingredients and Proportions
Coconut contains a variety of biologically active compounds and the concentrations of these compounds can vary according to the growing conditions of the plant. The main active ingredients and other important molecules contained in coconut are listed below:
Fatty Acids (30-40%): The fleshy part of the coconut contains high levels of saturated fatty acids.
- Lauric Acid: 40-50
- Myristic Acid: 10-20
- Palmitic Acid: 7-10
- Caprylic Acid: 5-8
- Capric Acid: 4-7
- Proteins (3-4%): Coconut contains several essential amino acids.
- Lysine
- Arginine
- Tryptophan
- Carbohydrates (6-8%): The fleshy part of the coconut contains natural sugars.
- Fructose
- Glucose
- Sucrose
- Fiber (9-10%): Coconut is rich in dietary fiber.
Other Important Molecules:
- Vitamins: Coconut contains various vitamins.
- Vitamin E: 0.05-0.1
- Vitamin C: 0.05-0.1
- Minerals: Coconuts contain many minerals.
- Potassium: 0.2-0.5
- Calcium: 0.1-0.2
- Magnesium: 0.1-0.2