Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Coconut Cult
Jul 10, 2019
Dive into the quirky world of coconut cults and the bizarre life of August Englehart, who believed he could thrive solely on coconuts. Experience the highs and lows of a man’s dream to create a self-sufficient community on a tropical island, only to face tragic outcomes. Uncover the contrasting fates of cult members Yukins and Lutzow, revealing the darker side of their devotion. This captivating blend of humor and hardship highlights both the allure and the absurdity of extreme beliefs around natural diets.
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The Coconut Man
- August Engelhardt, born in 1875, believed coconuts and sunlight provided all nutritional needs.
- He tested this theory by living on a sparsely populated island, ultimately proving the belief wrong.
Coconut Nutrition
- Coconuts lack essential vitamins like B12, B6, A, K, calcium, and sufficient protein.
- One would need to consume a large quantity (14-18) daily to meet basic nutritional requirements.
The Coconut Cult
- Despite Engelhardt's coconut diet's failure, he convinced others to join his island commune.
- Through his book and correspondence, he attracted followers to his lifestyle.