Coconut, also known as Cocos nucifera, was found by early Spanish explorers. The explorers called it "coco", which means monkey face. The name came from its three indentations and the resemblance of the head.http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil. In fact, the coconut is a staple in diets all over the world. Nearly one-third of the population depends on the coconut in some degree.

From brooms and ropes to furniture and hair oil, there are a variety of uses for the coconut. Some of the more common forms of coconut is coconut milk and coconut oil. Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconut harvested from the palm. Its benefits include hair care, skin care, weight loss, maintaining cholesterol levels, and stress relief.http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/Coconut milk is derived from the flesh of the coconut. It is used as a cooking base in recipes derived from Thailand, as well as South and Southeast Asian countries, West Africa, Hawaii, and West Indies.http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-coconut-milk.htm

The health benefits of coconut oil are traced back to the coconut's presence of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. It also contains a variety of beneficial properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and soothing benefits.http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which is believed to help deal with viruses and bacteria that causes herpes, influenza, cytomgalovirus, and HIV.

Have you ever wanted to crack open a coconut quickly with little to no mess? Here's how you can do it in just a few easy steps:http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/crackcoc.html

1. Hold your coconut over a bowl in one hand so the midriff is resting in the middle palm of your hand. The tip should be on one end and the eyes on the other.
2. Whack the coconut with the back of a cleaver a few times around the center until it cleanly cracks open into two halves.
3. Catch the juice in the bowl as it drains out.