Buzz
Coconuts have gained immense popularity as a dietary supplement, a healthy drink, and a go-to ingredient for the trendy food scene. But there’s so much more to the ‘fruit of life’ than just these roles.
10. The Coconut IV
The unassuming coconut is packed with health benefits when consumed, many of which have been widely discussed in various health publications. However, in this case, the benefit is much more immediate and direct.
It turns out that coconut water can serve as a viable short-term substitute for human blood plasma. It was even successfully tested as an emergency intravenous fluid as early as the 1950s. One documented case in the Solomon Islands saw a coconut IV used to treat a critically dehydrated patient.
9. Used in World War I Gas Masks
World War I brought about the widespread use of gas warfare, making gas masks essential for survival. These masks utilize carbon to purify the air, but not all carbon is equal. In the U.S., manufacturers began using steam-activated coconut charcoal—produced by burning coconut husks—as a key element in gas mask filters. The result? Masks with coconut-based carbon were found to be significantly better at filtering harmful gases.
Even today, coconut-based carbon remains a critical material for cleaning up radiation and was prominently used during the cleanup of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
8. Coconut-Collecting Monkeys
Climbing palm trees can be dangerous for humans, and it’s no easy task trying to pull down a 10-pound coconut while clinging to the trunk. That’s why coconut farmers have enlisted some expert primates to handle the task for them.
In places like Sumatra, farmers train monkeys to gather coconuts. Many of these monkeys are kept on a long leash, but some are so well-trained they follow commands from their owners. These trained monkeys are in such high demand that they can fetch a pretty hefty price.
7. The Coconut Palace
Not only is the coconut a tasty treat, but it also serves as a durable building material. That’s exactly what former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos had in mind when he commissioned the creation of the Coconut Palace.
In a bid to impress Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines, Marcos ordered the construction of this extravagant palace at a hefty cost of 37 million pesos ($10 million). Seventy percent of the structure is made from coconut lumber, and various parts of the coconut tree and fruit are incorporated into the design and decor.
Did the Coconut Palace leave an impression on the Pope? Yes, but not the one intended. Pope John Paul II found the palace too extravagant and ostentatious for his liking (especially given the country’s severe poverty), and opted to stay elsewhere.
6. The Art of the Coconut
Talented artists have the ability to turn anything into art, and the coconut is no exception. It has been used as a medium for both simple and highly intricate sculptures, requiring great skill and attention to detail. The smooth, intact coconut shell also serves as an excellent surface for vibrant, festive paintings.
Coconuts also play a key role in certain tropical folk dances and cultural performances. Take the maglalatik, for example, a traditional Filipino dance where coconut shell halves are strapped to various parts of a male dancer’s body and used as percussion instruments.
5. Coco-Fuel
Coconuts are great fuel for the body, but did you know they’re also an eco-friendly energy source for machines? Biodiesel is becoming a popular alternative to fossil fuels, and coconut trees are among the plants that can produce oil in sufficient quantities. Coconuts are versatile too—they can be used as a base material, an additive, or even as a direct replacement for petroleum diesel.
This shouldn’t be surprising—the first diesel engines actually ran on peanut oil.
4. Prehistoric Mapping With Coconut Trade Routes
The steadfast coconut has been an important contributor to the growth of many ancient civilizations. Recent studies have revealed just how crucial coconuts were in trade and migration routes.
There are over 1,300 different types of coconut, which can be categorized into two primary genetic groups: the Pacific Ocean variety and the Indian Ocean variety. By studying the genetic roots of coconuts, evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen and his team have been able to trace ancient human trade routes and migration patterns—right up to relatively modern times.
3. They’re a Pop Sensation
By now, it’s clear that coconuts are a beloved fruit. In fact, they’ve inspired more than a few music hits. One of the most famous songs is 'Coconut' by Harry Nilsson, a quirky and delightful track from the early ’70s that quickly became a Billboard hit. After its chart success, it featured in numerous movies (like *Reservoir Dogs* and *Confessions of A Shopaholic*), TV shows (*The Simpsons*, *House*, *Doogie Howser, M.D.*), and video games (like *Alan Wake*). You can check out the video here.
2. Coconut Armor
When you think of 'coconut armor,' the first image that probably pops into your head is a hollowed coconut husk repurposed as a makeshift helmet. However, the craftsmen from the Micronesian archipelago of Kiribati were much more resourceful. Their coconut armor was crafted from tightly woven coconut fiber mats—similar to wearing a thick carpet. The suit included a cap, body armor, back plate, leggings, and a jerkin (a close-fitting jacket). The high collar at the back protected the warrior from stones thrown by his own side, an early form of defensive artillery.
1. Coconut Vodka
No tropical getaway is ever truly complete without sipping on a refreshing coconut drink. But if you’re looking for something a little more spirited, coconut vodka is the way to go.
In the Philippines, sap extracted from an unopened coconut flower is distilled into a strong drink known as lambanog. This potent beverage typically has an alcohol content of 80 to 90 proof but is all-natural and free from chemicals. While lambanog has traditionally been homemade, some commercial distilleries have started offering various flavored versions, including mango, bubblegum, and blueberry.
