Welcome to Kara


	Frequently Asked Questions

	Q:	What is the difference between coconut milk and coconut water?
	A:	Coconut milk is the white liquid expressed from coconut meat while coconut water is the clear fluid from within a fresh coconut.

	Q:	Is coconut a nut or a fruit?
	A:	Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm and botanically, it is classified as a simple dry fruit, fibrous drupe. Drupes are fleshy fruits with solitary seed and in this case, since the mesocarp (the middle part of a simple fruit) of coconut is fibrous or dry (in this case, called a husk), it’s termed as a fibrous drupe.

	Q:	Does coconut contain cholesterol?
	A:	Contrary to popular belief, coconut is cholesterol free.

	Q:	Do Kara products contain trans fat?
	A:	All Kara products are free from trans fat.

	Q:	What is so special about the saturated fats in coconut?
	A:	While coconut is high in saturated fats, its fat content is unique and different from most other fats. Saturated fats found in coconuts are composed predominantly of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Based on research, MCFA does not have a negative effect on cholesterol and can help to protect against heart disease. In addition, approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut are made up of lauric acid – an antiviral and antibacterial fatty acid that is also present in human breast milk. * Source: Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century by Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., F.A.C.N.

	Q:	How can each part of coconut be used?
	A:	*Husk:* The coir fibers found between the husk and the outer shell of a coconut is thick, strong and has high abrasion resistance so it’s typically used in mats, ropes, brushes and sacking. Shell: The coconut shell can be made into charcoal, activated carbon, ladles, forks, handicraft works etc. Water: Coconut water can be consumed fresh from the coconut and it serves as a natural isotonic beverage that helps replenishes essential electrolytes lost through heat or exertion. Meat: The meat can be eaten raw, shredded, dried or grated to make into coconut milk. Copra: Dried coconut meat, copra, can be made into coconut oil when crushed. The fiber left from crushed copra can be used as animal feeds known as copra pellets.

		To learn more about coconut nutrition, please visit http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/index.htm.