The Health Benefits of the Versatile Coconut

With the New Year here many have made the pledge to be healthier. There is loads of information on the Internet, in magazines and books, and on daily shows like Dr Oz. Trying to learn while going through tons of valuable and not so valuable information is a task that can overwhelm any individual doing research on improving their health. In doing your research it may be a good idea to be specific on a problem area that you want to deal with, like hot flashes due to menopause or reducing belly fat. It may be ideal to look at things you can incorporate into your daily like to make you healthy. There are many things we can do that will make our quality of life better and here is one thing that has become popular over the last few years. It is still surprising that there are people that have never thought of using coconut oil and coconut water in their daily lives.

Here we will explore the benefits of Coconut and what it has to offer.

Coconut Palm

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Arecaceae

Tribe: Cocoeae

Genus: Cocos

Species: C. nucifera

In areas where Coconut is grown it is a staple that the people of that area utilize to its full extent. Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Because of these properties the coconut is very valued and respected among those that rely on it daily. Traditionally coconut has been used to treat kidney stones, skin infections, tumors and upset stomach just to name a few uses. With modern medicine studies have shown that it can treat a number of health issues. It's versatility in that it can be used as an oil, processed into a flour, flakes, raw or the water from within the coconut makes it a valuable staple.

• Coconut can kill bacteria, fungus and viruses with it being very viable source in dealing with the AIDS.

• It can boost endurance, energy and great for the athlete that needs that extra push.

• One good reason to cook with it is that it does not deplete the body's antioxidants. Other oils will strip the body of antioxidants which are essential in maintaining good health.

• Since I have gallbladder issues, coconut helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• For those needing to shed those extra pounds using coconut will increase your metabolic rate.



When we think of oil we think cooking but with coconut oil there are other great benefits. Though for many of use we also think of coconut oil being good for the skin. This is very true but can also be used in your hair to nourish, help with dandruff and lice. For the men using it after shaving will help soothe the skin. When using coconut oil for cooking use it like you would any other cooking oil. Some use it for frying; baking and even a dash of coconut oil in a smoothie will give it that little extra boost. The uses are countless whether using the oil, milk, water or raw coconut the uses are endless.

The water of the coconut has long been popular in regions where it is grown. The water of a coconut is high in potassium, low in sodium, no fat and has great mineral content. There is some overlap with the use of oil and the use of the water from coconuts. Some uses are very straight forward like using the oil in cooking or healing wounds. One could try using the coconut water in a drink or smoothie to get its health benefits. Or try substituting it for a sweetener in a baking product. I always put vanilla in my banana nut bread so I switched and used some coconut water and used coconut oil instead of canola oil. Be creative in your uses of various part of the coconut and there is plenty of information out there to help you along the way. Drinking the coconut water on its own is of course the most common way of consumption.

• Promotes healthy thyroid function
• Control diabetes
• Kills intestinal worms and parasites
• Helps with mild bloating
• Regulates blood pressure

And the list goes on…

Recipes:

Breakfast Smoothie:

• 1 Banana
• 2-3 Strawberries, or Peaches, or a fruit to your liking
• 5-6 Blueberry's
• 8 ounces of fruit juice
• 3 tablespoons Coconut Oil
• 1 scoop Whey Protein (optional)

Coconut Oil Mayonnaise:

• 1 Whole Egg
• 2 Egg Yolks
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper
• 1/2 cup Virgin Coconut Oil (melted if solid)
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil

More Recipes Can Be Found On:

Epicurious

Cooking Channel TV

Note – recipes using coconut flour can also be found.