What Coconut Can Do For Your Health
The oil producted in coconuts provides many health benefits. (photo by Orly Even of www.orly66.com)
Myth: Fat is bad for you.
This misconception was birthed in the no-fat, low-fat movement of the 90’s era of nutrition. In the 80’s and 90’s many health advocates were demonizing all fats, including coconut. But now, coconut oil and other coconut products are flying off the shelves with a seal of approval from the scientific nutrition community and many health experts. So, lets talk about what can a coconut do for your health. Your body, and especially your brain, need healthy fats like the kind found in coconut to function properly.
What are the benefits of coconut products?
Coconut products have been used by many cultures around the globe for both nutritional and medicinal benefits. Coconut oil, specifically, seems to be gaining in popularity, and rightfully so! It has antiviral and antibacterial properties, fights pathogens in the body, and is beneficial for everything from dandruff and eczema to weight loss and digestion. Due to its unique composition of fatty acids, coconut oil helps improve blood cholesterol and actually helps protect against heart disease. This may seem surprising given its high saturated fat content, but more and more studies are showing that there is no association between saturated fat and heart disease.
A coconut tree farm in Indonesia. (photo by Orly Even of www.orly66.com)
Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils available and stands up well to high heats, making it beneficial for baking or sautéing. Coconut water is another one with huge benefits. Its rich in nutrients and electrolytes but without all the sugar, added flavor, and dyes that you’d find in other electrolyte drinks. Coconut sugar, too, is a great substitute for refined sugar because it has a low glycemic index, meaning you wont spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling tired later. Best of all, it can replace sugar at a 1 to 1 ratio, making it an easy to use for baking.
Artisana Coconut oil is one of many high quality brands available for use at home.
So, how do you use coconut products?
COCONUT OIL – Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils available and stands up well to high heats, making it beneficial for baking or sautéing. There are two types of coconut oil, refined and unrefined. Refined has no coconut taste or smell because it goes through a processing treatment that includes deodorization. Because of that, I recommend using an unrefined virgin coconut oil that is more true to its natural state. There are many great brands out there but my favorites include Artisana, Nutiva and Tropical Traditions. Coconut oil can be used in cooking, but can also be used topically. It even makes a great facial lotion, and provides relief for dry skin and eczema.
COCONUT WATER – This product is growing with popularity and is becoming more readily available at grocery stores around the country. However, not all coconut waters are created equal. Beware of companies that add “natural flavor” or additional sugar to their product, as this is an indication that the product has likely undergone processing to save on cost. As with coconut oil, there are many reputable companies out there, but my favorite is Harmless Harvest. It offers a totally pure, raw, and organic product. And the flavor is akin to sticking a straw right into a fresh coconut.
COCONUT BUTTER – In the world of coconuts, this is probably my favorite product. Its a delicious addition to smoothies. You can spread it on toast instead of butter or stir a spoonful into hot oatmeal.
Chocolate Coconut Smoothie, yum! (photo by Mercedes Turino)
COCONUT MILK – This can be used to replace heavy cream in many recipes, including soups and baked goods. When choosing a coconut milk, be sure that the can is BPA free. Native Forest and Arroy-D are both great options. Coconut milk could also be used in smoothies, too, for additional healthy fat.
If you like What Coconut Can Do For Your Health try reading more articles by Mercedes or try one of her favorite smoothies: check out this recipe for my Chocolate Coconut Smoothie! Healthy never tasted so good!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login