Coo-Coo & Nuts for COCONUTS!

Ok that was EXTREMELY cheesy, or was it NUTTY ? huh? huh? huh? *nudge, nudge*

Anyway...Coconuts have been a part of Caribbean/Asia/South American diets FOREVER, but it has been quickly becoming the newest WONDER FOOD in the Fitness & Athletic Community in North America & the UK. Though they are quite healthy, full of vitamins (A, B, D, E, Potassium), they are higher in Saturated fats, so they are therefore not considered a low-fat Food. The fats in coconuts however,do not raise the level of LDL, the bad cholesterol.

Coconut Water ::

If drank directly from the coconut, it is completely clean & unprocessed

The more popular brand-named coco-waters (VitaCoco/Zico/O.N.E etc) are processed and flavors, additional juices are added, but they are typically bottled in safe containers, with minimal preservatives added. (*ALWAYS read your labels!!!)

Some Benefits Include:

·         Full of electrolytes & refreshes & replenishes cells post-exercise (*and post vomitting/diarrhea)

·         excellent at providing hydration, as it is over 90% water

·         can relieve urinary problems & breaks up kidney stones

·         it can be used in blood transfusions as it is almost identical to human blood plasma, and is isotonic

·         it is both sterile and antibacterial

·         naturally cholesterol free, and lower in fat than whole milk

Coconut Milk ::

Where Coconut water is the fresh juice that comes from within a young coconut when the hardened outer nut is cracked open. It is a semi clear liquid and is gentle on the stomach when one drinks this mild sweet tasting drink. Coconut milk on the other hand is not a naturally occurring substance when it comes to coconuts, and is made by crushing the white flesh of the coconut through a cheesecloth, while then soaking it in water a couple of times to gain the consistency that one requires, that is thick or thin. While coconut water is all organic in its make, coconut milk is something that would have to go through a man-made process to be obtainable, although no additives or preservatives change its content.

Some benefits:

·         lactose free, therefore a good substitute for milk;

·         a rich source of Vitamin A, E, potassium, iron, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc;

·         high in antioxidants;

·         contains less sugar and more protein than bananas, apples or oranges

Coconut Oil ::

With a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees, it was a favorite in the baking industry & used for years in the Caribbean & Asia communities especially. Most Western food manufacturers abandoned coconut oil in recent years in favor of hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils that come from corn, sunflowers, soy, which contain trans fatty acids. Many of the benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid

Some benefits:

·         has the ability to act as an antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and antiviral agent;

·         aids in increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases;

·         it is a medium chain saturated fat which does not increase bad (LDL) cholesterol levels & therefore can help decrease high blood pressure

Coconut Flesh/Jelly ::

When eaten directly from the seed** the flesh (whether eaten as Meat or Jelly) the body experiences an almost immediate "pick-me-up" from the presence of B vitamins, Potassium & Iron.

Some Benefits:

·         medium chain triglycerides are more likely to be burned off and as fuel rather than being stored (as fat); may boost the metabolism & may help to reduce apetite, making it easier to lose those excess pounds & abdominal fat;

·         the high levels of L-Arginine prevent the raising of LDL or Tri-glyceride levels in the blood;

·         Lauric acid & monolaurin, found in an older coocnut help ward off fungus, bacteria & viruses;

·         Boosts thyroid function

Long Story, short >> when consumed in moderation, as a post-exercise snack or drink, as a food ingredient or when taken in the early stages of the flu, Coconut is GREAT!

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** For those confused: the term "coconut" can be used to decribe ONE plant, with THREE classifications! Botanically speaking, a coco-nut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, which is a fruit from the Coconut Palm, with a hard stony covering enclosing the seed, which is the white flesh we eat.