We've been consuming great quantities of coconut since our arrival in Costa Rica primarily because, well….they're free. Palm trees line the beach as far as the eye can see in either direction, heavily laden with delectable, thirst-quenching, and most importantly, free, coconuts. Some days the majority of our caloric intake is derived from the luscious nut; coconut water tickles the taste buds and replenishes lost fluids, while the fleshy meat of the interior is a quick remedy for mid-day hunger.
Our walk to the beach takes us past a shoddily crafted sign on a piece of scrap lumber advertising, "coconut oil - 4000 colones", then just past it a far larger sign of similar material continuing in the same vain, "COCONUT OIL MAKER". We discussed trying to procure some of this oil for days, often thwarted by the ostensible lack of an occupant inside the promised dwelling. Last week we skittishly approached the abandoned-looking shack, more reminiscent of a Unabomber's abode than oil palace, along the main road in town. Enter Elvis Nunez - local fisherman, horse guide, and most importantly purveyor of all things coconut.
Elvis is quite the eccentric character. He greets you with a cigarette in his mouth, a mere decoration for not once did we see him inhale, dangling an ash that droops like a beak toward the floor, guava residue in his hair to counteract the effects of the morning sun. Not to mention he is named after the King. This is Costa Rica (or are we ignorant of the reach of the late musician's audience?). Enough said. Introductions were brief and we, still unsure if we were talking to the right person, posed "Puedemos comprar un pequito de su aciete de pipa coca senor?" Already excited by his visitors, our request lit Elvis up, inciting a deluge of banter regarding the potential uses of the oil and its derivation in what may be the best English we've heard out of a native Costa Rican yet. Most of this information was new to us and we soaked it in like parched sea sponges. He gave us a demonstration of how to prepare the oil using a metal tool that he crafted himself before presenting us with the oil that was to be ours, packaged it in a glass pint that most likely once held alcohol and sealed with a Coca-Cola bottle top. Eager to try it out on our crispy skin and realizing that we were perhaps spending a bit more time than we had originally intended to with Elvis, we headed back to our room and began to delve into articles concerning coconuts and their potential health benefits.
This is what we found: The consumption of coconuts in their entirety, meaning their milky water, meat and oil, yield a plethora of health benefits. Lauric acid in coconut oil, naturally found concentrated elsewhere only in mother's milk, has been proven be both an immune system builder and anti-bacterial. The meat of the coconut works to destroy intestinal parasites and the water is useful in remedying both kidney and bladder problems. Used topically, the oil is said to have tremendous healing properties - healing of sunburn and cuts and it also acts as an effective moisturizer for dry or flaking skin (including care for ailments such as eczema and psoriasis). The oil can be applied to the hair and scalp to help retain moisture and sheen. Coconut is a fruit that is relatively high in protein, high in fiber, vitamin E, vitamin K, and other minerals such as iron and calcium. Coconut oil is comprised nearly entirely of fats, which at first glance may be disconcerting, but the majority of these are medium-chain triglycerides which assimilate well into the body. Coconut oil contains fewer calories than other oils, and these fats are easily converted into energy without causing build up in the heart or arteries making it popular with those who are dieting or weight-conscious. Similarly, it is a great addition to athletes' diets because of its ability to boost energy and endurance while catalyzing muscle growth.
Needless to say, we will continue indulging in this tropical super-food and it's oil! Bueno!
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