In Fall 1997, at only 2 years old, a cockatoo of mine was diagnosed with a kidney density. I began to research food and nutrition with a renewed interest that I have had since the 1960’s and 70’s. In my research and through my flock and others’ flocks, I have focused not only on nutrition but on the medicinal value of food. Living with parrots, whether they are completely well or are those that have health and nutritional illnesses and/or deficiencies inspires me to continue to research and learn more about the healing properties of food. I also developed a strong interest in herbs after chatting and consulting with the late Alicia McWatters. Alicia not only helped my parrots and me, but she was a teacher for me and so many others. This column is dedicated to her memory and to the parrots that have the gift to be one of nature’s most sublime teachers if I only remember to listen, look and learn.

I hope that you and your flock enjoy the information, photographs, and new grocery lists presented here and that you’ll share your comments and stories with us. Welcome to the first edition of our monthly BIO-Food Nutrition Column.

— Shauna Roberts

If you have questions or comments for Shauna, please email her at shauna@thegabrielfoundation.org. Thanks for reading.

Fresh Coconut

By Shauna Roberts

June, 2004 - The sun is starting to set; parrots are winding down for the day, all except one. Niles, a probable wild caught male Umbrella Cockatoo, is slowly pacing back and forth on the counter, with a small brown coconut, looking cute and silly. Try as he might, he’s unable to open the hard shell. I decide to give him what he thinks he has, a smaller coconut, which still has some of the husk on it. These small husked or green coconuts come with white fibrous husk surrounding them. The brown shells underneath are thinner and softer than the brown coconuts we see more frequently at grocery stores. The husked coconuts can be found at ethnic markets and health food stores. Niles’ eyes light up when he sees this other coconut. He almost frantically starts tearing the husk off, turning the coconut until he finds the indentations on one end and pierces it. Ahh, coconut at last, a delightful treat! Once a hole is poked through, he methodically chips away, making the opening larger and larger. He takes a bite of the soft pliable coconut meat and milk at the same time.

Many different parrot species have been observed in the wild feasting on young coconuts. Coconuts shells unless cracked are waterproof, keeping the contents undisturbed, even sterile. The fluid in coconuts, referred to as coconut milk, contains high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and glucose. These are five key electrolyte substances. Pure coconut water or milk, which is sterile, has even been used intravenously to fight dehydration and electrolyte depletion in wounded soldiers during combat.

Coconut is used in folk remedies. A mixture of coconut milk and lime is said to fight hypertension, and it is used as a tonic for the kidneys. Teas are made of the husks to treat bleeding disorders. The digestive system can benefit from coconut’s astringent properties which can help rid the body of parasites. Scientists have also isolated a compound found in young green coconut milk that stimulates epithelial cell growth and repair.

Fresh coconut would also supply some now popular coconut oil. Coconut oil is over 90% saturated fat, but it differs from the saturated fat found in animal meats. Saturated fats found in coconut are medium chain saturates or triglycerides, differing from animal sources which are long chain saturated fats associated with “bad” cholesterol. Medium chain saturates provide more energy. This type of saturated fat is said to be easily digested, not clogging arteries. Although this fat is considered to be beneficial to the body, you should still only offer any fat in moderation to your bird.

I’m in awe once again. The way Niles can dig into a coconut, it’s almost as though he’s starving. Do you think that he instinctively knows all of this good stuff without reading?