Coconut oil and more: Amazing health benefits of the coconut

We’ve all heard of the benefits of coconut oil, but did you know that the other parts of the coconut could be beneficial to your health as well?

Check out this list for a thing or two on how coconut milk, water, and flesh can contribute to a healthier you!

Coconut Milk

Nutritional therapist, Jo Lewin, says that coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Unlike cow's milk, coconut milk is lactose free so can be used as a milk substitute by those with lactose intolerance. She goes on to say that it is a popular choice with vegans and makes a great base for smoothies, milkshakes or as a dairy alternative in baking.

Image source: seedguides.info

Make a healthy banana milkshake with coconut milk!

Banana milkshake

Ingredients

2 cups coconut milk 3 medium size bananas a pinch or two of vanilla powder (you can also use vanilla extract) sugar

Directions

Peel the bananas and chop them. Put the bananas, vanilla and coconut milk into a blender. Add sugar as required. Blend everything until smooth and serve immediately.

Recipe source: vegrecipesofindia.com

Coconut Oil

According to organicfacts.net , coconut oil (primarily used as cooking oil) helps improve the digestive system by preventing various stomach and digestion-related problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that help combat various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Use coconut oil for this Carrot and Sweet Potato (Kamote) Soup

Carrot and Sweet Potato (Kamote) Soup

Ingredients

2 tsp. Coconut oil 1 onion, chopped 1 tsp. ground coriander 1 large sweet potato (kamote) 5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 800 ml of vegetable stock

Directions

Heat the coconut oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and fry for 5 minutes. Stir in the sweet potato and coriander and cook for 2 minutes. Add the carrots and vegetable stock. Stir, bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Pour into a blender and blend until smooth.

Recipe source: lucybee.co

Coconut Water

According to WebMD, naturally refreshing, coconut water has a sweet, nutty taste. Not to be confused with high-fat coconut milk or oil, coconut water is a clear liquid in the fruit’s center that is tapped from young, green coconuts.

It is low in calories, naturally fat -and cholesterol- free. Coconut water has more potassium than four bananas and is super hydrating. In fact, it may be a better choice for adults and kids looking for a beverage that is less sweet.

Fresh, bottled coconut water in Singapore!

Wondering where you can look for fresh coconut water?

Check out CocoLoco, Singapore’s very own fresh coconut water brand! All coconut water is painstakingly extracted by hand with no chemicals used in the process.

Every bottle is prepared on-site and delivered within a day of bottling. There is no fancy process of heating it, nuking it or sprinkling it with magic dust (preservatives) to make it last longer or to enhance its taste.

CocoLoco enjoys the lifespan of how real juices are intended to be – you could say they’re really serious about our nuts.

Blend coconut water with mango, banana and strawberries for a refreshing drink!

Coconut water smoothie with mango, banana and strawberries

Ingredients

Coconut water 2 bananas 2 mangos 1 cup strawberries ½ Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons honey

Directions

Fill ice trays with the coconut water and freeze until solid. Place the fruit, honey and 12 to 14 coconut water-flavored ice cubes into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Recipe source: Food Network

Coconut Flour

According to eatingwell.com, coconut flour packs a whopping 5 grams of fiber per 2 tablespoons (with only 2 grams of total and saturated fat). It also has health benefits for people with diabetes: adding coconut flour to baked goods lowers the glycemic index (a measure of the rate that a food increases blood sugar).

For a list of recipes that call for coconut flour, click here.

Coconut Sugar

Healthy Living and Raw Food Educator Mary Luciano says that, coconut sugar is a a delicious, sweet taste similar to brown sugar with a hint of caramel, with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is considered a low glycemic food and is diabetic friendly. She recommends that you use coconut sugar as you would commonly use other sugars and sweeteners.

Coconut Meat

Last but not the least, the meat of the coconut when digested supports the development of strong, healthy bones and teeth. It does this by improving the body’s ability to absorb calcium and magnesium. It also prevents osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become thin and fragile and lose their density.

This makes coconuts a good, healthy alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, but still want to have strong bones and teeth. Those who prefer a vegan diet can benefit from it as a good source of protein and fatty acids.

If you're still craving for more uses for coconuts, check out 151 awesome uses for coconut oil

Written by

Raisa Tan

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