October 25, 2017
GO NUTS FOR COCONUTS!!!
We all know the tropical coconut tree grows the coconut fruit, but did you know its cultivation is one of the most sustainable practices on earth? Coconuts are most commonly used for cooking oil and coconut water but coconuts have a variety of functions and purposes including eco friendly kitchen utensils, coconut bowels, skin products, medicine, hair care, oil pulling and the list goes on.
Here in Australia most people have very limited knowledge about this fruit, as it is not a traditional part of their diet. However, with the health food industry becoming more advance and lots of good little whole food stores, organic and raw cafes popping up everywhere we can start to see and taste more and more of this wonderful super fruit and you will see why it’s a good idea to start adding it to your lifestyle if you haven’t already.
Coconut Water
Comes from the tender young coconut, which is bigger in size and has either a white husk or green shell with large amounts of coconut water and softer meat. The coconut water is a refreshing low-calorie natural drink ideal for weight loss, it’s packed with antioxidants, potassium, iron and full of electrolytes which is perfect for hangovers.
Coconut Milk/Cream
Mature coconuts are brown and hairy, have less water and firmer meat, which is used for coconut milk. Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk is lactose free so can be used as a milk substitute for those lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. Coconut milk has a delicious creamy texture with a natural sweetness perfect for curry’s and smoothies, in addition to its delicious taste it contains beneficial fat Lauric acid – a medium chained fatty acid that’s easily absorbed and used by the body for energy instead of being stored as fat.
Coconut Oil
This versatile oil has a multitude of functions. As long as it’s unrefined, virgin, organic coconut oil I like to keep a bottle for my personal care and also for cooking. For my skin I use Coconut oil as a gentle eye make up remover as it removes all stubborn eye makeup better than any other actual make up remover brand. It’s soft on skin and moisturizes at the same time. Coconut oil also has natural antibacterial anti fungal properties making it great for first aid treating wounds and infections. For cooking it is very stable at high temperatures making it the best oil to cook with, it also reduces blood triglycerides, reduces bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol making it protective against heart disease not the other way around.
Coconut Sugar
Also known as palm sugar or coco sap sugar. It is a sugar produced from the sap of cut flower buds of the coconut palm. Organic coconut sugar is a more natural, chemical free, healthier sugar and more environmentally sustainable to produce compared to the other sugars or sweeteners. Nutritionally it is low GI so it is slowly released into the body, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels and it also contains 16 amino acids and good levels of potassium making it a healthier option when cooking or baking.
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is the pulp left over after producing coconut milk. It is gluten free, high in fiber and healthy fats, free from wheat, grains and carbohydrates. Coconut flour is a much healthier alternative if you are watching your weight and trying to avoid refined carbohydrates. Coconut flour can be used in both sweet and savory recipes, although like most unrefined healthy products coconut flour tends to be a bit more pricier.
