In reality, coconut can be a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle. It also has a plethora of uses--one little coconut can help hyperthermia, spice up a dish, and even outdo expensive moisturizers.
But first the skinny. Or in this case, the fat. The fat content of the coconut has sparked wars between diet gurus. According to NutritionData, the calories in coconut come 80% from fat, and most of the fat is saturated.
But hold your health horses. The saturated fat in coconuts is not the same saturated fat that drips off a grilled rib eye. The fat in a coconut is comprised largely of medium chain triglycerides, which also contains lauric acid, an important fatty acid (also found in mother's milk). Although still a topic for study, many scientists believe that this type of fat can help regulate cholesterol, improve triglyceride readings, and increase metabolism.
While these are very good benefits, coconut, like all nuts, should still be consumed in moderation, as it is quite calorically dense.
People can use coconut for a variety of purposes. Just a few include cooking oil, beauty products, and baking.
Coconut Oil in the Kitchen
The most useful product of the coconut, coconut oil can be used for many tasty foods. If one wants the coconut taste and smell, choose virgin coconut oil. For no taste, choose a high quality expeller-pressed oil.
In stove-top cooking, coconut oil is useful because of its high heat resistance and long shelf life. Use it in stir-fries or sautés.
Coconut oil can also be added to smoothies, much like flax oil.
Even more creative culinary uses for coconut oil include adding it to oatmeal, spreading it on toast, and using it as a salad dressing.
Coconut Oil as a Beauty Product
Many people also use coconut oil as a beauty product. The oil makes a very good moisturizer when applied topically. One can also use it on hair, pre-wash, for added shine and a healthy scalp.
Coconut Flour
For an interesting alternative to normal flour, consider using coconut. Coconut flour contains fewer carbohydrates than regular flour. More impressively, 100 grams of coconut flour contains almost 20 grams of protein and 40 grams of fiber. However, using coconut flour will increase the fat content of recipes, and it does not provide the iron that whole grain wheat flour would.
Coconut Flakes and Shreds
A filler for candies and macaroons for years, shredded or flaked coconut can be added to a variety of foods. Other great ways to use shredded coconut are on seafood, in oatmeal, or mixed with granola.
Of course, the healthiest shredded coconut is unsweetened.
Coconut Milk
If you've ever had Thai, chances are you have tasted coconut milk. Coconut milk is not the liquid inside of a coconut. Rather, it is the liquefied meat.
Coconut milk is used in many curries, desserts, and soups, adding a rich and creamy flavor. Other cuisines that feature coconut milk are Indian, Malaysian, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Brazilian.
For those not wanting the heaviness of pure coconut milk, most stores now carry lightened versions.
Coconut Juice/Water
The actual liquid inside a coconut, coconut juice has many interesting qualities. It is a natural isotonic liquid, meaning its electrolytic balance is the same as human blood. Also containing sugar, coconut juice makes a very good sport drink.
In 3rd world countries, doctors have even used coconut juice to help severly dehydrated or hyperthermic patients.
For domestic use, coconut water tastes delicious in smoothies or by itself.
Mimi Honeycutt Houston Healthy Living Examiner June 14, 2:58 PM
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