Have you noticed that coconuts are slowly gaining popularity and becoming a very hot and versatile food? You might have seen coconut milk and coconut oil as one of the ingredients of the recipes on our blog. No wonder, because in our opinion it definitely deserves the title super food!
You may be wondering how can a food that contains over 80% saturated fat be considered a super food. It’s not just you, a lot of people are confused whether or not coconut oil is good for our health. Anyone who are equipped with knowledge about nutrition, would know saturated fat is bad for our health. But, it all depends on its form! Hydrogenated coconut oil should not be mistaken with its healthy sister pure cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil. Pure coconut oil is derived from the mature coconuts which contain harder flesh. The white flesh is shredded, collected, and then cold-pressed at 90–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Unprocessed, unrefined virgin coconut oil is not hydrogenated, and is a good choice for consumption. And a quick side note: not all types of fat are bad for your health; the fats in coconut oil can help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, and it also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. Let’s get into the different ways of consuming coconuts.
The meat
Many of you may have used coconut oil as a healthy source of fat, but surprisingly, lots of people have not tried the white coconut meat. Coconut meat can be juicy and tender, and it can be eaten plain, shredded onto salads, added to smoothies, or sprinkled onto baked goods. Also, dried crushed coconut meat is also a great choice for cooking. Time to try it out!
The milk & cream
Coconut milk and cream are extremely delicious and are often the main ingredient of tropical dishes. Coconut milk is made by mixing shredded fresh coconut meat with water and then squeezing it through a sieve or cheesecloth. The thick creamy liquid that comes out is coconut milk, which can be used for a variety of cuisines. Coconut cream, basically, is coconut milk without water. It is thicker and pastier., and can for example be used to make dairy-free whipped cream. With coconut cream, you can even create your own coconut yoghurt or all kinds of dessert. The possibilities are endless.
The sugar
Coconut sugar is a less known form. This is the sweet juice extracted when the budding flower is just about to grow. This sugar tastes just like delicious, sweet brown sugar, but then including a strong coconut flavor. It is considered a low GI food, and is diabetic-friendly. Coconut sugar can be used as all other kinds of sugar to sweeten up dishes. You can even make your own coconut candy in your kitchen using dried coconut meat, coconut milk and coconut sugar. Worrying about where the get the ingredients? It’s all available in the G-market on our website. You’ll even find ready to eat coconut candy there!
Knowing all its varieties, let’s dive deeper into the amazing health benefits of coconuts.
Prevents dehydration
Young coconuts are one of the highest sources of electrolytes, the substances that are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated, so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately. Therefore, it is more beneficial to drink the water from a young coconut after an intense workout rather than the commercial sports drinks we see advertised in the media.
Support weight loss
As part of a balanced diet, coconut oil helps stimulate weight loss. Studies suggest that the MCT’s in this fruit may strengthen the feeling of fullness, calorie and fat burning. Additionally, the high fiber content of coconut meat can also boost fullness, which may help prevent overeating.
Improves skin and hair condition
Coconut oil has been used as both food and medicine for many centuries, but did you know it can also boost your skin and hair? Compared with incredibly expensive synthetic toxic lotions and creams, cheap and multifunctional coconut oil can be used to nourish and moisturize. Just try it after cleaning yourself in the shower!
Boost heart health
Coconut meat also contains oil, which may boost HDL cholesterol – the good kind – and reduce LDL cholesterol – the bad kind. Improvements in these markers, can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Stabilize blood sugar
You might know that quick rises in blood sugar are bad for us and can even cause diabetes. Coconut oil to the rescue! This can lower your blood sugar and alter your gut bacteria to aid blood sugar control for it’s a low GI. GI, Glycemic Index, is a ranking of how carbohydrates in food affect the body’s blood glucose level. Carbs classified as low GI are foods they are slowly digested and metabolized, and keep our sugar and insulin levels steady.
Aid digestive health
Coconut is high in fiber, which helps bulk up your stool and supports bowel regularity, keeping your digestive system healthy. Additionally, the MCT’s in coconut meat have been shown to strengthen our gut bacteria, which can protect you against inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and boost our immune system. Moreover, because of all the antioxidants in coconut oil, its known to reduce the growth of harmful yeasts in our body, which can cause serious infections.
Benefit your brain
And last but not least, the secret of the health benefits of coconuts lies in the MCT’s. They can provide an alternative fuel source to glucose, which plays in a big part in the working of our memory and brain function. In our modern world with less sleep, less concentration, and multitasking, eating components of coconut might be just what you need to stay sharp and focused!
