For the love of Coconuts
The name of my blog is a slight indication that I may have a little obsession with a certain nut which is actually not a nut. I eat some form of coconut every day, such as raw coconut chips, coconut water, coconut cream, coconut milk and 80 % of the oil I cook with is coconut so as you can see my obsession is only a small one. Last weekend I attended a Health Fair in London with work. Best work day ever! It was so awesome to see all the new health products which will be hitting our health stores shortly. I was like a little kid in a sweet shop. Anyway I was amazed at the amount of new coconut products being show-cased, including coconut yoghurt, which was delicious and I must have tried 7 different brands of coconut water. From what I can see more people are realising the health benefits and versatility of the coconut.
So you may be thinking but coconut is fattening, and so high in saturated fats!! This is a huge misconception. Yes coconuts contain saturated fat but not all saturated fats are the same and the fat in coconut actually raises the good cholesterol (High Density Lipoproteins) levels in your blood which actually helps you lower the bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoproteins) in the body.
Coconut products will not make you fat (unless you go crazy on them and everything else in your diet is terrible). They contain MCFAs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids) which can increase your metabolism resulting in your body burning more fat for energy.
Now I have cleared up those myths here are more reasons I love coconuts.
A FEW NUTTY FACTS
Coconuts
- Are highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, including Vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3, and minerals.
- They are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and a great cleanser of our digestive system. On top of this coconuts will help your body fight off infection.
Coconut Oil
Can be purchased in your local health food store and is hands down the best cooking oil. It is stable at high temperatures meaning it won’t go rancid, retaining all of its health benefits (unlike many vegetable oils) and it will leave the food with a delicious taste. I especially like to use it in baking, curries and stir fry’s.
Coconut Water
- Is the juice of the young coconuts.
- I would drink coconut water all day long if I could. It has an array of health benefits including being low in sugars and one of the best hydrators and fluid replacers know to man.
- A perfect sports drink containing essential electrolytes that gives your body everything it needs to stay hydrated, and for recovery.
- It has more potassium than a banana – and I have read that certain brands can have 15 times more than most sports drinks – essential to prevent cramping.
- Coconut Water is probably the best hangover prevention and cure. If you come home after one too many drinks, have a glass before bed. It's pretty amazing!
Beauty
Coconut oil can be used for beauty purposes. You can use it as a body moisturiser, to remove make up or even as a treatment for dry hair. For a good hair treatment, apply the coconut oil to your hair in the evening and then it wash out in the morning with your normal shampoo, your hair will be silky smooth.
