Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Oct 27: Speaking at the international conference on ‘Coconut Biodiversity for Prosperity’, organized here under the aegis of Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) here on Tuesday October 27, former Manipal University vice chancellor, Padma Bhushan, Prof B M Hegde, said that coconut oil has the right to occupy the second spot after breast milk, among the list of most favoured foods. The conference is being held from October 25 to 28.

“Coconut can safely be replaced in place of butter in most foods. Coconut oil plays a stellar role in blocking diseases and cholesterol. It has the potential to reduce weight and regulate heart-related ailments. Scientific experiments have proved that consumption of tender coconut and coconut water helps in reducing cholesterol level in the body. Coconut is a very good food that gives not only strength, but good health,” Hegde stated.

Dr Romulo Arankon, executive director of Asia Pacific Coconut Community, Indonesia, presided. Scientists representing Kottakkal Ayurveda College, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, CFTRI and DFRL, Mysore, IISR, Kozhikode, Agricultural University of Kerala and CPCRI participated in the conference.

Symposiums, exhibition-cum-sale titled ‘Agri Fair’, where coconut, banana and other crops have been exhibited in 35 different stalls, are also being held as part of the conference.