COCONUT

What is Coconut oil? : is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “super food.” Its unique combination of fatty acids can have profound positive effects on health. This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing benefits.

 

 

Benefit of Coconut

• Helps Prevent Obesity by speeding up metabolism, providing an immediate source of energy with fewer calories than other fats.  People who consistently use coconut products, report a stronger ability to go without eating for several hours with no affects of hypoglycemia. 

• Improves Heart Health by providing healthy short chain and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are essential to good health.  Close to 98% of all fatty acids consumed are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), which are very different from MCFA that have no negative effect on cholesterol ratios and help to lower the risk of atherosclerosis and protect against heart disease.  Studies have shown that populations in Polynesia and Sri Lanka, where coconuts are a dietary staple, do not suffer from high serum cholesterol or heart disease.  Unlike other fats, the unique properties of coconut also contain a large amount of lauric acid, which is the predominant fatty acid found in mother's milk.

• High in Dietary Fiber rivaling other fiber sources such as psyllium, wheat bran, oat bran, and rice bran.  Coconut supplies an impressive 61% dietary fiber!   Foods contain two types of carbohydrates - digestible and non-digestible.  Digestible carbohydrates (soluble fiber) consists of starch and sugar and promote calories. Non-digestible carbohydrates (insoluble fiber) contains NO calories.  Since the body cannot digest the dietary fiber in coconut, no calories are derived from it and it has no effect on blood sugar. 

• Low Glycemic Index (GI) measures how fast available carbohydrates in food raise blood sugar levels.  Coconut fiber slows down the release of glucose, therefore requiring less insulin to utilize the glucose and transport it into the cell where it is converted into energy.  Coconut also assists in relieving stress on the pancreas and enzyme systems of the body, in turn, reducing the risks associated with Diabetes.  Coconut Nectar and Crystals have a very low GI of only 35 (compared to honey with a GI of 55-83, and sugar with a GI of 65-100.)

• Reduces Sweet Cravings and improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.  The healthy fat in coconut slowdown any rise in blood sugar and helps to reduce hypoglycemic cravings. 

• Improves Digestion and many of the symptoms and inflammatory conditions associated with digestive and bowel disorders, by supporting absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids while also providing beneficial dietary fiber.

• Quick Energy Boost that provides a super nutritious source of extra energy.  Coconut is utilized by the body to actually produce energy, rather than to store it as body fat.  It supports improved endurance during physical and athletic performance. As well, it promotes healthy thyroid function and helps to relieve the symptoms of chronic fatigue.

The Benefits of Eating Coconut

Coconut isImportant

This weekend while strolling around London I came across a guy (The self proclaimed Coconut King) selling ‘Jelly Coconuts’ I have a weak spot for fresh unique foods so had to give one a try, it was a two step process first he would cut off the top of the coconut and allow you to drink the juice which tastes like nutty/sweet water, an amazing thirst quencher! Once this is done he chops the thing up and allows you to scoop out the flesh to eat, but these were no normal coconuts they were the ‘Jelly’ variety which has a soft chewy flesh which is delicious. Here’s a picture of the Coconut King in action.

What is amazing about coconut is that its re-vitalizing properties are almost instant, within 5 minutes of some fresh coconut you will feel a burst of energy, clarity of mind and well-being. This whole experience inspired me to write something up about coconuts many health benefits.

Saturated Fat/Cholesterol

First of all lets banish the myth that Coconuts are high in cholesterol, they are not. The fat from coconut is considered saturated but it is actually called Lauric Acid which is a type of fat which is easily absorbed by the human body and used instantly as energy.

Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid which is abundant in coconut oil and is considered responsible for many of its health benefits.  Coconut oil is about 50 percent lauric acid.  The only other abundant source found in nature is in human breast milk.

This is quite amazing by itself and shows the power of the oil as it is such a close match to our mothers milk  just imagine how powerful this stuff is!

Antibacterial

Coconut is a potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal it is a great cleanser of our guts and is something that can help heal the gut should problems like leaky gut syndrome occur. On top of this Coconut will help your body fight off infection so its a great thing to eat when you are unwell or feel something coming on, this is thanks to it being converted to Monolaurin by the body which fights off infections (viral or bacterial).

Stable for Cooking

Coconut oil itself which can be purchased pretty cheaply in your local health food store is hands down the best cooking oil. It is stable at high heats retaining all of its benefits (unlike Olive oil) and it will leave the food with a delicious taste. I use coconut oil for cooking anything from eggs to frying my chicken.

Weight Loss/Metabolism Boosting

The effect on your thyroid coconuts have are shocking, they can boost thyroid function by up to 20%. Having an efficient thyroid is essential for out bodies to carry out several functions including boosting our metabolism and energy production.

In the 1940′s farmers tried coconut oil to fatten their animals but discovered that it made them lean and active and increased their appetite. Whoops! Then they tried an anti-thyroid drug. It made the livestock fat with less food but was found to be a carcinogen (cancer causing drug). In the late 1940′s, it was found that the same anti-thyroid effect could be achieved by simply feeding animals soybeans and corn.

Cancer Fighter

It keeps getting better, coconut has been proven to have anti-cancer effects especially of the colon and breast. This is due to the oils protective nature and ability to safeguard the body from infection whilst cleansing your system.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is again an amazing substance, this stuff has an array of health benefits firstly it is low in carbs and sugars and one of the best hydrators, fluid replacers know to man.

• Coconut Water is More Nutritious than whole milk – Less fat and NO cholesterol!
• Coconut Water is Better than processed baby milk- It contains lauric acid, which is present in human mother’s milk
• Coconut water is naturally sterile — Water permeates though the filtering husk!
• Coconut water is a universal donor– Its identical to human blook plasma – this is the most amazing one!
• Coconut Water is a Natural Isotonic Beverage – The same level we have in our blood.
• Coconut Water is probably the best Hangover prevention. If you come home after one too many drinks have a glass before bed, its pretty amazing…..

How to use it?

Well if you ever come across some fresh get some. Otherwise there are a variety of different ways; Firstly I would recommend you pickup a small container of Extra Virgin Coconut oil and a can or two of the coconut milk.

• Use the oil to do your cooking, try it when frying things like eggs or meat.
• Add the milk to curry’s for flavor and texture
• Add Either milk or oil to your shake’s
• Mix some of the milk into your yoghurt or drizzle on berries
• Add a small spoon of the oil to your tea or coffee

 ENJOY YOUR DAY AND HAPPY NEW MONTH