All hail the coconut! The coconut – a seemingly simple, albeit hairy, ingredient that we can all agree tastes delicious, but don’t really know how to use apart from the occasional coconut-inspired dessert. That’s kind of unfortunate because coconut and derivatives of it, like coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut oil have so many uses that we fail to take advantage of. Here are just a few reasons why coconut and coconut-based products are something that should be a staple in your home.
Substitute for Dairy
If you are lactose intolerant and are missing the creaminess that dairy products give your meal, look no further than the humble coconut. It is full of many nutrients and health properties, while also eliminating the risk for those unable to handle dairy. For e.g. you can use coconut cream and milk instead of heavy cream in sauces or gravies, and coconut butter can be used in cooking, baking, or even spread on some warm toast.
Coconut Water – The Perfect Beverage
I would argue that the water and flesh of a king coconut are the most delicious, when it comes to drinking it as a beverage. The sweet, slightly salty liquid and the soft, almost flimsy flesh are unbeatable! It is also high in potassium and contains has little to no fat and calories. It helps in digestion and is a good cure for diarrhea, while also boosting metabolism, making it a good addition to your diet if you’re looking to lose weight.
Full of Good Fats
Coconuts are great for giving you your daily dose of good fats. Although coconut oils are full of saturated fats, they are actually the good kind, a type of saturated fatty property called lauric acid. Although this can tend to sometimes increase LDL cholesterol (which is not good), it mostly increases HDL (good cholesterol). But, if you are a heart patient, or your family has a history of heart disease, we recommend consulting your doctor before adding too much coconut oil into your diet.
Fights Against Infections
The previously mentioned lauric acid along with another property present in coconuts called caprylic acid are what make the coconut a great weapon against infections and boosting the immune system. They are both known for fighting against bacterial and viral infections. A good way to do this is to eat a spoonful of coconut oil every day straight up! But be sure to consult your doctor before you start; he/she should be able to advise you according to your medical history.
Healthy Hair & Skin
Not only does eating more coconut keep you healthy on the outside, it can also help keep you looking and feeling young and beautiful on the outside! You don’t even need to buy fancy beauty products that include coconut. Chances are there isn’t much involvement of the coconut in them anyways. All you need is unrefined, organic coconut oil, which comes with all the naturally present phytonutrients and polyphenols. Just apply a bit on your skin or hair before bed, and take a shower in the morning, and voila, soft and shiny skin and hair!
