7 reasons why coconut is the new superfood

You might want to get some coconut in your life...

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you may have noticed that coconuts are having a bit of a moment. A big one, in fact. With Brits now spending £60 million per year on coconut water, up by 64% from last year, according to Holland and Barrett.

What’s more, we’re spending £14 million a year on coconut oil so it’s clearly doing something right. But what exactly should we be using it for? Baking macaroons The UK is one of the biggest importers of desiccated coconut, the main ingredient in delicious macaroons. Ready. Steady. Bake. Losing weight No joke. Researchers in Brazil found that just two tablespoons of coconut oil a day can reduce inches from your waistline. Who knew? Smoothing wrinkles Coconut oil makes an incredible moisturiser, which could explain why its used by the likes of model Miranda Kerr. Sales of coconut-based shower gel have shot up by 12% and coconut-oil hair products by 31%. Teeth whitening The Ayurvedic technique from India involves swishing coconut oil around in our mouth for 15-20 minutes. Gwynether is a fan, apparently.

Running a car In the Philippines, cocnut oil is increasingly used to produce biodiesel because it’s cheaper than fossil fuels, only releases a small amount of CO2 and helps the country become more independent.

Making wine In Malaysia, the sap from coconut flowers is used to make a drink called ‘tuak’. If left to ferment, tuak will turn into palm wine. Soothing burns If you’ve spilt boiling coffee on your hand or had a mishap with the iron, slather on some coconut oil. Scientists in India found it speeds up the healing process.