Crazy About Coconuts

Do you avoid cooking with coconut cream, milk or other coconut products? Think coconuts are ‘too fattening’ to eat, drink or include in your meals? Think again.. because I have incredibly magical news for you all… The coconut is an absolute nutritional powerhouse packed full of healthy nutrients and goodness!

Organic coconut water is the most natural, healthiest drink you could possibly consume and is filled with natural electrolytes to assist the body in recovery after vigorous exercise… and it tastes DELICIOUS.

No need to ever consume the horribly toxic Powerade, Gatorade or dare I even say it… Vitamin Water.

Coconut oil has been in the lime light for a while now with conflicting messages portrayed to the public. Some argue that coconut oil is too high in saturated fat and therefore bad for our cholesterol, weight and overall health.

Here is the beautiful truth about coconuts:

Coconut oil contains what is known as a medium chain fatty acid (MCF), and contains Lauric acid (also  found in breast milk). This type of MCF does not circulate in the blood stream like other fats. Instead, they are sent straight to the liver and converted into energy. Since the body does not store the fat, eating coconut oil can actually HELP with weight loss.

Here’s the good news about cooking with coconut butter or oil – Being a saturated fat it will not turn rancid at high heat like vegetable oils. So cooking with it is ideal!

Coconuts also have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, which have been shown to destroy many types of bacteria, viruses and fungus such as, candida, ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. It can boost the thyroid function as it helps to increase metabolism and can even help prevent tooth decay!

Eating healthy fats is important to nourish the body and to also allow the body to absorb important nutrients such as vitamins A, D and E.

Now that you know coconuts are not the enemy.. why not set yourself the challenge of incorporating more coconut products into your diet?

Here are 5 simple ways to include more coconut products into your diet:

1) Cook with coconut oil instead of vegetable oils

2) Drink organic coconut water after exercise

3) Add shredded coconut to salads and raw slices (give my raw cacao bliss ball recipe a go… will be on the blog soon…heaven!)

4) Use organic coconut milk in your beautiful curry dishes, instead of the Carnation Coconut Flavored Milk which contains less fat and toxic chemicals harmful to the body (as recommended by some dietitians!).

5) Use the coconut flesh in your cooking for extra flavour and added nutrients.

I truly hope that you are able to start to let coconut into your life as I have done so… Embrace and enjoy the nutritious gift they provide!

Love to you all,

Bec x