World Coconut Day - Reason and Relevance

Today is World Coconut Day

Nature is an exuberant source of inexpensive and natural gifts, which make our lives healthy. So, one such gifts of nature is ‘Coconut’. On 2nd September  to commemorate the foundation of the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) we celebrate the ‘World Coconut Day’. The first observance took place in 2009, marking the contribution of coconut in poverty eradication. The theme of this year - 2021 is – “Making a Strong Coconut Community” decided by the International Coconut Community.

In Indian perspective, coconut is a popular auspicious fruit with varied health benefits. It is a fleshy fruit which belong to the drupe family mostly found in tropical regions. It is even said that the fruit’s oil can reverse dental decay — if we swish it in our mouth for 20 minutes a day!

World Coconut Day [Photo- iStock]

Why do we celebrate World Coconut Day? 

World Coconut Day is observed on September 2 to commemorate the formation of the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). The first observance took place in 2009, marking the contribution of coconut in poverty eradication. APCC, whose headquarters is in Jakarta, Indonesia, has all major coconut growing countries, including India, as its members. The intention behind this celebration is to create worldwide awareness about the numerous benefits of coconut and its usage. The International Coconut Community sets a theme for World Coconut Day every year. In 2020, the theme was “Invest in Coconut to Save the World.” Celebrations generally include professional sessions by expert speakers who have specialized knowledge of coconut farming.

The theme of this year decided by the International Coconut Community is – “Making a Strong Coconut Community.” 

Importance of Coconut

The holy “Kalpavriksha” tree, popularly known as the coconut tree in India, serves a deep connection with the country’s scientific and religious roots. Hindu religion finds a mention of coconut in every auspicious occasion. It is called the ‘Tree of Life’ in tropical regions. 

Coconut has its uses right from coconut oil to the nut itself. Coconut water has medicinal properties and is a boon to pregnant women. Coconut butter, cream, and oil are staple by-products used in skincare. The husks and leaves of coconuts are used for making huts, roofs, and doormats. The fibres from coconut trees are used to produce mattress liners, strings, and thick ropes. 

Why do we celebrate World Coconut Day? [Photo- mipottery.com]

Health Benefits of Coconut

The fruit is beneficial for both, the body and mind, and its incorporation into our diet leads to a greater life span.

⮚ Coconut helps in boosting immunity – A lot of focus has been laid on immunity-boosting ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began. It is a fruit rich in antioxidants, and eating a few pieces of coconut, or drinking coconut water every day, can help in fighting diseases and boosting immunity.

⮚ Coconut is beneficial for managing blood sugar – It is also used to manage blood sugar levels for diabetics. Coconut is low in calories, high in fiber and fat, which ultimately helps to slow down the release of sugar into the blood, and helps in better management of blood sugar for diabetic patients.

⮚ Coconut oil is miraculous for hair growth – It is widely used as hair oil, especially in India. Coconut oil can help tackle hair problems such as dryness in hair, dandruff, hair fall, etc. 

⮚ Coconut oil for skin healing – From mosquito bites to wounds, coconut oil is one of the best ways to heal the skin from scratches, scars, and wounds.

⮚ Coconut meat as an ingredient in food – The tender white flesh inside the coconut is a rich source of healthy fats and nutrients. 

Do you want to keep enjoying the goodness of coconut? Don’t cut coconut trees, plant them. Assam is one of the major coconut-producing states in India and it alone cultivates 20,368 hectares. The fruit is a rich source of electrolytes and helps in poverty eradication. Presently, India is the third-largest coconut producer with Indonesia at the top.

Have a coconut every day and be healthy. Happy World Coconut Day!

Author:

Ankita Majumder