1.1 Introduction
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a monocotyledon belonging to the Arecqceae Family and the order Arecales (Konan et al., 2008). It is referred to as the “Tree of Life” because of its many uses. Cocos nucifera is a fruit tree found in warm, humid climates with well drained soils. Coconut oil is made from fresh coconuts. The oil retains its naturally occurring photochemical which produce a distinctive coconut taste and smell since chemical solvents are not used (Konan et al., 2008). Coconut oil contains potential medium chain fatty acids (lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic and myristic acid) which have an inhibitory effect against bacterial, edible coconut oil exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp, Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp, etc (Obidoa et al., 2010).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is tropical plants which belong to the order Arecales and family Arecaceae. It is widely grown in about 90 tropical regions of the world (Peggy, 2007). Every part can be utilized roots, husk, leaves and fruit. The cavity of the endosperm contains watery fluid called coconut water which begin to form around two months after the natural opening of the inflorescence (Janick and Pull, 2008). It is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and sugar (George, 2001). The coconut water is isotonic in nature. It's biologically pure with pleasant sweet taste which is of immense health benefits to human (Adams and Bratt, 2000).
The coconut is a functional food because it provides health benefits beyond its nutritional content (Ross, 2000). Coconut oil consists of a mixture of triglycerides containing only short and medium chain saturated fatty acid (92%) and unsaturated fatty acid (8%) (Reynolds, 1982). Approximately 50% of the fatty acid in coconut fat is lauric acid (Enig et al., 1999). Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid that is broken down into monolaurin in the human body.
Coconut water contains both macro and micro minerals which play vital roles in body metabolism. Examples of these minerals are Mg, Na, K, P, Fe, Zn and Cu (Jean et al., 2009). The fluid has long been used in different parts of the world. During the second worldwar coconut water was used in place of saline solution during emergency surgeries (Aragao, 2000). It is used in controlling hypertension, intestinal problems and weight reduction. Coconut water is also used for intravenous rehydration and electrolyte replacement in a wide range of situation (Ferraz et al., 2003).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Production of Coconut Oil and Phytochemical Screening.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals that People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine wherever the coconut palm grows, the people have learned of its importance as an effective medicine. In traditional medicine around the world, the coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems. Coconut water is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as a drink. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. But this is uncommon. In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. This might lead to kidney problems and irregular heartbeat (Webmd, 2021).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the Production of Coconut Oil and Phytochemical Screening. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To screen the production process of Coconut Oil
- To provide information that will educate the consumers on the immense health benefits of the coconut oil.
- To carry out a phytochemical test on coconut oil sample using polar solvent
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the production process involved in Coconut Oil extract?
- What are the health benefits of the coconut oil?
- How is phytochemical test carried out on coconut oil sample using polar solvent?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant factor affecting Coconut Oil extract production and phytochemical screening
- H1: There is a significant factor affecting Coconut Oil extract production and phytochemical screening
1.7 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Production of Coconut Oil and Phytochemical Screening.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
