Since the moment I stepped foot in Asia 10 years ago, I discovered my crazy love for coconuts. Actually saying that I am in love with this tropical fruit is an understatement, as insane as it sounds, I am actually obsessed with it. I will try to articulate all the reasons behind this ongoing love affair. No matter, a whole coconut, coconut flakes, coconut milk, coconut butter, coconut water, coconut oil, coconut yoghurt or coconut flour, I love it all!
And here is why….
Satisfies your sweet tooth and quenches your thirst
Luckily, I live in Shanghai so I can get a whole coconut on every corner of the street for about 10RMB to 15RMB, all year-round. When the weather is warm and I feel like eating ice cream, I buy a whole coconut instead. I ask the seller to open it up, drink the sweet water and then scoop out the beautiful jelly-like flesh. Once hooked onto a cold, whole coconut, you will never look back. I promise, this is a game changer. Also, after a workout or sauna, drink coconut water to replenish electrolytes and balance fluids within your body. Unlike, Gatorade, coconut water has no added sugar and it’s so much tastier.
Fuels your body and your brain
Coconut oil is rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) making it easy to digest. MCTs upon consumption are rapidly converted into ketone bodies by the liver and can be readily used as fuel by every cell in your body including the cells in your brain. In fact, coconut oil not only helps you to burn more fat but also improves your brain function.
Restores and maintains healthy gut flora
Coconut, being rich in lauric acid, has antimicrobial properties that fights yeast overgrowth and other anti-fungal and anti-bacterial infections. Meaning the bad guys who live in your gut, really dislike coconuts. The good guys, on the other hand, because of highly-fermentable soluble fiber it contains, well, they just love it!
Makes cooking safe
Coconut oil is a saturated fat that has a high smoking point of around 180°C. Namely, it’s an optimal choice for cooking, grilling, and frying as it can be heated to high temperatures without the nutrient value decreasing.
Makes food taste so goooooood
I add coconut milk to my coffee, omelet, pancakes, cakes, soups, curries, smoothies, and the list could go on and on and on.
Feeds your body electrolytes and other goodies
Coconut is a great source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, B vitamins and even zinc to a lesser degree.
Makes a perfect make-up remover
It works well for removing mascara without irritating my eyes.
Improves oral health
Oil pulling is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that should be done as soon as you wake up by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. When you are done, spit out the oil and immediately rinse your mouth with warm water. Who doesn’t want healthier gums and fresher breath? Ya, I thought as much.
This thriving love affair doesn’t stop here and the above reasons are just a drop in the ocean when it comes to my love for coconuts. In fact, my shampoo, conditioner, lip gloss, toothpaste, soaps, tooth powder, and many more products, all have coconut as the main ingredient.
To make sure you go nuts for coconuts. Try this delicious recipe.
Coconut Butter Bites
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut butter, I use Artisana Organics
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin, I use Great Lakes (optional)
1 Tbsp. raw honey
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
a pinch of salt
nuts of your choice (optional)
Instructions: In a bowl, combine the all the ingredients, add the honey last. Transfer the mixture into silicon molds of your choice and chill in the fridge until firm, around 2 hours.
GO NUTS FOR COCONUTS!
Izabela Primal Health Coach
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